Event · Community

Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival

When

Thu, Oct 15 · 7:30 PM–10:30 PMThursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings 7:30-10:30 p.m. through October 25, 2026

Where

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065Open in Google Maps ↗

Ages

Check age guidance

Cost

Separate festival ticket; tickets do not include daytime Zoo admission (Zoo admission can be added at a discount). Price not printed on event page.

Organizer

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Upcoming dates: Thu, Oct 15 · Fri, Oct 16 · Sat, Oct 17 · Sun, Oct 18 · Thu, Oct 22 · Fri, Oct 23 · Sat, Oct 24 · Sun, Oct 25

After-hours family event with over 70 sets of Asian lanterns showing wildlife scenes, new for 2026 dinosaur lanterns, performances, character meet-and-greets, rides and access to areas such as Adventure Cove and North America Trek, with complimentary parking. Lanterns appear in Entry Village, Adventure Cove, Conservation Lake, North America Trek, Asia Quest and Shores Park. Animals are mostly resting during the evening.