POWELL, OH – The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will once again light up the night as the Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival returns. From August 20 through October 25, 2026, guests can experience one of Central Ohio's favorite fall traditions as the Zoo transforms into an illuminated evening adventure featuring more than 70 handcrafted lantern displays, live entertainment, interactive experiences, and family-friendly activities.

Held Thursdays through Sundays from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., the Lantern Festival invites guests to explore the Zoo after hours as vibrant lantern displays illuminate pathways throughout the park. New this year, guests will discover dinosaur lanterns, interactive experiences in Adventure Cove and around Conservation Lake, and a floating lantern feature on Conservation Lake. Returning favorites include lanterns representing a variety of wildlife species from around the world, live entertainment, complimentary rides, themed food and beverages, and memorable photo opportunities throughout the Zoo.

Handcrafted Lanterns Blend Tradition with Innovation

Produced by Hanart Culture, the Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival celebrates the evolution of lantern making from the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.–220 A.D.) to today, blending centuries-old craftsmanship with modern materials and LED technology. Skilled artisans from Zigong, China, handcraft each lantern using traditional techniques, creating vibrant displays enhanced with light, movement, music, and sound.

Throughout the evening, guests can enjoy:

• More than 70 handcrafted lantern sets throughout the Zoo
• Live entertainment at select times
• SpectroLantern Rolling Celebration performances
• Character Ambassador meet and greets
• Interactive experiences and photo opportunities
• Complimentary rides, including the Columbus Zoo Train, Grand Carousel, Mission Macaw, Tidal Twist, Flying Clipper, and Havoc Harbor
• Festival-exclusive food and beverages available for purchase

Know Before You Go

• The Lantern Festival runs Thursdays through Sundays, August 20 through October 25, 2026 from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The Lantern Festival will be closed Friday, September 18, 2026 for Untamed, the Columbus Zoo’s signature conservation gala.
• The event is held rain or shine.
• The Lantern Festival is a separately ticketed event and is not included with daytime Zoo admission.
• Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.
• VIP Lantern Festival Tours will be offered Mondays through Wednesdays, September 7 through October 21, 2026 from 8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Available exclusively on evenings when the festival is closed to the public, these guided after-hours tours allow guests to explore the illuminated lantern displays from the comfort of a VIP golf cart while learning more about the artistry and inspiration behind the festival.
• While many animals settle in for the evening, guests will have opportunities to view select animals throughout the event.

Animal Viewing During the Lantern Festival

While the lanterns are the centerpiece of the festival, guests will also have opportunities to enjoy select animal viewing throughout the evening.

Adventure Cove

• Sea lion and seal tunnel open until 10:30 p.m.
• Stingray Bay open until 10 p.m. (viewing only; no feeding)
• Jack Hanna's Animal Encounters Village open until 8 p.m.

North America Trek

• Select animals may choose to access both indoor and outdoor habitats throughout the evening.
• The Barn open until 10:30 p.m. (viewing only)

Asia Quest

• Elephants will have access to at least one outdoor yard throughout the evening, weather permitting.
• Naomi Coyle Dempsey Quest for Enlightenment Interpretive Center open until 10:30 p.m.

Shores and Aquarium

• Aquarium at Discovery Reef open until 8:30 p.m.
• Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Center open until 8:30 p.m.
• Reptile Building open until 8:30 p.m.

Ticket information, pricing, and additional event details are available on the Zoo’s website. 

For updates about the Columbus Zoo’s events, conservation initiatives, educational programs, and more, follow the Zoo’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn, and visit us at ColumbusZoo.org.