There’s An Asian Lantern Festival At The Pittsburgh Zoo And It’s Downright Magical

A trip to the zoo always promises a good time. After all, how can we not have fun visiting with the animals, eating good food, and maybe even joining a behind-the-scenes wildlife encounter? While the gates at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium usually close before dark, they’ll open once again after the sun goes down on select evenings for the magical Asian lantern festival in Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh Zoo will light up the night during its Asian Lantern Festival, held on select nights through October 30, 2021.

See the zoo in a whole new light as you meander through its winding pathways and past vibrant, handmade lanterns.

The goal of the Asian Lantern Festival is to spotlight conservation as well as the diversity in the Pittsburgh and in the international community.

Don’t forget your camera, because you’ll likely want to capture photos of the shimmering lanterns – turtles, zebras, and octopus, to name just a few.

You may not see many of the zoo’s residents during the lantern festival, but more fun still awaits. Entertainment – Taiko drumming performances and Asian-inspired dances – is also planned.

Popular characters will also be on hand for meet and greet throughout the festival.

Tickets are available for advanced purchase and at the door. However, if you purchase online in advance, you’ll pay less than at the gate on the day of the event.

Advanced tickets are timed. While you must arrive within a certain timeframe of the time you’ve chosen, you can stay at the zoo and enjoy the festivities as long as you’d like or until closing time at 10 p.m.

Buy tickets now.

Head over to the official website of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium more for information. Or, go here for Facebook.

Here's a sneak peek:

And...

Will you go to the Asian Lantern Festival in Pittsburgh? Or have you gone already? Share your experience in the comments! Are you ready for more festival fun? Get ready to satisfy your pickle cravings at the epic Picklesburgh, set for August 20-22, 2021.