John Ball Zoo is holding a media preview of the second Grand Rapids Lantern Festival on Tuesday, April 9. John Ball Zoo is the first and only place in Michigan to feature the handcrafted Asian lanterns that illuminate the Zoo and tell the intersecting story of wildlife and Asian culture.

The breathtaking, immersive festival opens to the public on April 10. Presented by Meijer and in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, it runs through Sunday, June 16, and features new lanterns and interactive experiences on a mile-long path through the Zoo. The festival will also feature themed foods and beverages, special merchandise and live entertainment from local cultural groups.

The Lantern Festival will run Wednesdays through Sundays from 7:30-11:30 p.m. Timed tickets are sold for every half hour from 7:30-10:30 p.m. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, tickets cost $22 for non-Zoo members or $19 for members, and on Fridays through Sundays, they cost $24 for non-Zoo members or $21 for members. The Zoo is also offering a four-pack of tickets at a lower rate: Wednesdays and Thursdays, they are $70 for non-members and $60 for members, and Fridays through Sundays, they are $75 for non-members and $65 for members. Children under age 2 can get in for free. Advanced tickets are required and can be purchased on the Zoo’s website.

WHO: Darci Mitchell, promotions & events manager at John Ball Zoo, will be available for interviews along with other Zoo staff.

WHAT: Grand Rapids Lantern Festival media preview

WHEN: 7-10 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9

WHERE: John Ball Zoo, 1300 Fulton Street West, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.

RSVP: Please email Jacqueline WayneGuite, jwayneguite@byrumfisk.com, if you plan to attend.