Cleveland - The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Friday announced the record-breaking Asian Lantern Festival presented by Cleveland Clinic Children’s will again transform the Zoo with over 1,000 illuminated lanterns beginning July 8th.
In the special event’s third year, Asian Lantern Festival returns bigger than ever with more than 70 never-before-seen lantern displays, new acrobatic performances on the Fifth Third Bank Stage, interactive experiences and culturally-inspired cuisine.
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“We are excited to offer the community this unique opportunity to spend time outdoors, create memories this summer and again connect with Cleveland Metroparks Zoo,” said Cleveland Metroparks Chief Marketing Officer Kelly Manderfield. “We’re thankful for the support of Cleveland Clinic Children’s, helping to bring Asian Lantern Festival to life, bigger and better than ever in its third year.”
To allow for social distancing, there will be a limited number of tickets available each night of Asian Lantern Festival and advance reservations are strongly recommended. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will also have several safety measures during the festival to protect against COVID-19 including one-way directional flow through the event, handwashing stations and frequent sanitation of Zoo grounds. Facial coverings will be recommended for guests, but not required.
The festival will feature new creative displays including a 200-foot-long phoenix that sprawls across Waterfowl Lake, dynamic walk-through displays and a towering six-story tall colorful pagoda. Four live acrobatic performances can be seen on the Fifth Third Bank stage each night including juggling, dancing and acrobatic acts. The festival will also feature a variety of Asian food and beverage, including local favorites Li Wah and King Wah as well as some of the Zoo’s regular concessions, such as Kiko’s Kitchen, and Pizza Hut.
The limited time, after-hours event will run Wednesday through Sunday evenings 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. July 8th through August 23rd.
The new Dinosaurs Around the World: The Great Outdoors exhibition is also included in the purchase of each Asian Lantern Festival ticket. As part of the festival, guests can experience nearly two dozen gigantic dinosaurs as they come to life at night along Waterfowl Lake. The new exhibition is supported by Cleveland Clinic Children’s and produced by Imagine Exhibitions.
“We’re honored to give back and support the Zoo because they provide such wonderful educational and entertaining experiences for the community to enjoy. Not only will the light displays from the festival dazzle families once again, but the new Dinosaurs Around the World exhibition is sure to spark the imaginations of kids of all ages,” said Karen Murray, MD Chair, Pediatric Institute, Physician-in-Chief of Cleveland Clinic Children's.
Guests can save on Asian Lantern Festival tickets by purchasing in advance. The discounted cost for Zoo members is $18 per ticket and $20 for non-members. A 4-pack is available for Zoo members for $54 and non-members for $60. Same-day box office purchases will be limited and priced at $22 per ticket member/non-member and $66 for group 4-pack.
You can get your hands on advance tickets on sale now by clicking here.
Photos courtesy of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
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