Asian Lantern Festival Dazzles with Dragons and All-New Displays at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Now in its eighth year, the Asian Lantern Festival at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has returned with a completely reimagined experience, drawing crowds to its dragon-themed spectacle that showcases over 1,000 illuminated lanterns powered by approximately 20,000 lights. The festival runs through September 13 and continues to be one of Northeast Ohio’s most anticipated summer traditions.

“Every year we do a completely different lantern display. That’s one of the things that we’re happiest about because every year we get new experiences and new lanterns; so if you’ve been here before it’ll be completely different this year,” said Dr. Chris Kuhar, Executive Director of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

A collaboration between Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc., the festival features new additions such as Dragons Landing, an installation showcasing a dozen dragon lanterns including a 100-foot-long ‘ice and fire’ dragon powered by animatronic technology. Other highlights include a four-story-tall hydrangea and butterfly tree, walk-through tunnels, and uniquely themed areas like Animals of the Nile, presented by CrossCountry Mortgage.

“We went with a heavy dragon theme this year, obviously dragons are a big part of Asian culture,” Kuhar said.

Guests can attend the walk-through event Thursdays through Sundays from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., or opt for the drive-through experience available on select Wednesdays, designed for families with young children or visitors with mobility concerns. Kuhar said he recommends the walk-through for its immersive elements. “I recommend the walk-through experience because then you get the food experience, you get to see the entertainers; we have a show that goes off once an hour where we have acrobats, so it’s a more complete experience if you do the walk-through.”

Visitors often stroll the route twice; once during daylight and again at night, to fully appreciate the lanterns' glow. Along the way, many of the zoo's indoor-outdoor animals, including bears and tigers, remain visible. The Asian Food Market offers a variety of dishes, including options from Bibibop and Wao Bao.

Kuhar, who has led the zoo as Executive Director for 12 years, expressed pride in the festival’s evolution and its place within the Cleveland community. “We love the animal experience, we love being a part of the Cleveland community so I’m really proud of what we do here at Cleveland Metropark Zoo.”

General admission tickets are cheaper when purchased in advance online. Online prices for Zoo members are $24 or $70 for a 4-pack. Non-members pay $27 or $80 for a 4-pack. Drive-through tickets are $49 per vehicle for members and $59 for non-members. Children under age 2 are free. Tickets can be purchased here or at FutureForWildlife.org/lanterns

Kuhar also noted the continued construction of the rainforest exhibit and promoted other attractions, such as swan boat rentals and a zipline that offers a panoramic view of Downtown Cleveland and the lantern displays. “You get a cool view of the lanterns at night and at the top of the ride you actually get a clear view of Downtown Cleveland so it’s one of my favorite activities…it’s a really cool experience all around,” he said.

UPDATED INFORMATION: End date for the event was originally August 24, extended through 9/13 - updated information added 8/12 at 5:27pm ET

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