Boo at the Zoo
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After-dark lantern displays at the Columbus Zoo in Powell, separately ticketed from daytime admission and built for a cooler fall evening with kids
The Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival lights large handcrafted displays across the grounds on select fall evenings, generally Thursday through Sunday from late August into late October. The 2026 season adds new dinosaur lanterns alongside Asian-inspired set pieces, interactive stops, entertainment, and festival food.
This is not daytime Zoo admission. You buy a separate Lantern Festival ticket, and the event runs rain or shine in evening hours that often start around 7:30 p.m. Powell is about 25 minutes north of downtown depending on traffic, and parking lots fill as sunset approaches.
Dress in layers, bring a stroller if you need one, and treat it as a walking night rather than a sit-down show. Members should still confirm whether Lantern Festival entry is included or discounted. Check columbuszoo.org for blackout dates and VIP tour options on quieter weeknights.
