After the success of Wildlights and Unextinct, the Columbus Zoo has introduced yet another must-see nighttime event with the Lantern Festival. On Wednesday, July 31 we got a sneak preview of the new offering. First, Tom Schmid, the President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, kicked off the night by telling us how the zoo is trying to become a year-round destination and using events like these to extend their operating hours. He also said part of the revenue from the event goes to wildlife conservation.
When the sun finally began to set it was time to go explore the zoo.
Over 30,000 hours were spent crafting more than 1,200 individual lanterns for the Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival.
These breathtaking lanterns began their journey in Sichuan Province, China, before traveling 7,600 miles to light up Columbus, Ohio.
Made from luxurious rayon, satin, vibrant paints, and intricate steel wires, each lantern is a masterpiece. Some of them even move!
The creation process spans 12 meticulous steps to achieve perfection.
Illuminated from within by dazzling LED bulbs, the lanterns transform the night into a kaleidoscope of colors and wonder.
Personally, my favorite display is the colossal dueling dragons in Asia Quest across from the elephants.
Select rides and attractions are open for no extra fee during the event including the Tidal Twist roller coaster (but notSea Dragon, the oldest operating wooden coaster in Ohio). During our preview, rides that appeared to be open for the Lantern Festival were: Carousel, Tidal Twist, Flying Clipper, Havoc Harbor, and Mission Macaw.
From August 1 to September 29, immerse yourself in this vibrant celebration of Asian culture every Thursday through Sunday, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., rain or shine.
The Lantern Festival is a separate ticketed event, not included with Zoo admission.
Lantern Festival Video
Get a taste of the Lantern Festival by watching the videos embedded below – and stay for the surprise at the end.
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Other Columbus Zoo Updates
Starting August 1st, the new security checkpoint prior to the zoo’s entrance will be operational:
New construction has appeared in the location of the former insect playground:
For more updates see our What’s New at the Columbus Zoo in 2024 report.
Zoombezi Bay News
Zoombezi Bay is excited to announce its first-ever Oktoberfest event, set to bring a splash of German cheer and an extra weekend of fun to the waterpark on September 7 and 8, 2024. Guests are invited to dive into a vibrant array of activities, from German music to delicious Bavarian-style food, making it a perfect outing for the entire family. Local beers will also be on tap with pumpkin and fall-flavored options for adults to savor. They’re able to extend the Zoombezi Bay season due to the disappointing news that Zombiezi Bay Halloween haunt will not be happening this year.
The Dolphin Dash, a 51-foot, six-lane, headfirst water slide, will give its final ride to attendees on Labor Day, which is Monday, Sept. 2. It will be replaced by a new attraction the park claims “will put Zoombezi Bay on the map and become a guest favorite in 2025 and beyond.” Can’t wait to hear more!
There are so many exciting things happening at the Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay! I can’t wait to see what the property looks like this time next year.
Learn more the Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival from the zoo’s website here: https://www.columbuszoo.org/lantern-festival
Have you experienced Lantern Festival at the Columbus Zoo? Or have any questions about the experience? Let us know in the comments below!
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