Asian Lantern Festival Returning To Cleveland Zoo In July

CLEVELAND — The Asian Lantern Festival will return to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on July 8.

The limited time, after-hours event will run Wednesday through Sunday evenings 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. July 8 through August 23.

The after-hours festival will run Wednesday through Sunday evenings, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The festival begins July 8 and continues through Aug. 23. Tickets for this year's event will be limited, to allow for safe distancing between visitors.

“We are excited to offer the community this unique opportunity to spend time outdoors, create memories this summer and again connect with Cleveland Metroparks Zoo,” said Cleveland Metroparks Chief Marketing Officer Kelly Manderfield. “We’re thankful for the support of Cleveland Clinic Children’s, helping to bring Asian Lantern Festival to life, bigger and better than ever in its third year.”

Advance reservations for the festival are encouraged, due to limited ticket sales. The zoo will also implement one-way directional flow, hand washing stations and frequent sanitation on the grounds. Guests are encouraged to wear face coverings, but are not required to do so.

Advance tickets are $18 for zoo members and $20 for non-members. Four-packs of tickets are available for $54 for members and $60 for non-members. Same-day ticket purchases will be limited and are $22 for members and non-members. Advance tickets are on sale now at FutureForWildlife.org/lanterns.

This year's festival will include more than 1,000 lanterns, 70 never-before-seen displays, acrobatic performances, culturally-inspired cuisine and more. Some new exhibits include a 200-foot-long phoenix, walk-through displays and four new acrobatic performances.

Tickets will also give visitors a chance to see "Dinosaurs Around the World," the zoo's new exhibit. The dinosaurs will come to life along Waterfowl Lake during the evening's festivities.

“We’re honored to give back and support the Zoo because they provide such wonderful educational and entertaining experiences for the community to enjoy. Not only will the light displays from the festival dazzle families once again, but the new Dinosaurs Around the World exhibition is sure to spark the imaginations of kids of all ages,” said Karen Murray, MD Chair, Pediatric Institute, Physician-in-Chief of Cleveland Clinic Children's.