Asian Lantern Festival Adds a Dazzling Drone Show Finale at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Cleveland's beloved Asian Lantern Festival at the Metroparks Zoo is back—extended again and wrapping with an epic drone show extravaganza.

There’s nothing quite like an illuminated stroll at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo—except when the wildly popular Asian Lantern Festival kicks everything up a notch. Back for its ninth year and now running through September 12, the festival’s glowing installation of lanterns comes with a jaw-dropping twist: a sky-high drone show as the grand finale you can’t miss.

The Dazzling Details: Festival Returns, Now With Drones

Mark your late-summer calendar: The festival unfolds every Thursday to Sunday, 6:30–10:30 p.m., ending with a grand bang on Saturday, Sept. 12. For the first time ever, hundreds of synchronized drones will light up the sky, animating sparkling stories and vivid shapes above the Zoo—because in Cleveland, we like our finales extra.

Asian Lantern Festival: Through September 12
Finale Drone Show: Saturday, September 12
Evenings: Thursdays–Sundays, 6:30–10:30 p.m.
Drone Show Tickets: $30 per person

What You’ll Feast Your Eyes (and Tastebuds) On

This is more than lantern gazing. Expect walk-through tunnels, interactive installations, and themed zones glowing with thousands of intricate lanterns—think pandas, dragons, and plenty of Instagrammable moments. Don’t skip the stages: this year’s live performances break out K-Pop beats, dance tutorials for the family, and interactive global pop games.

But let’s talk food: festival nights come alive with Asian-inspired street eats and sweet treats, perfect for exploring flavors between photo ops.

Japanese and Korean bites
Chinese snacks and bubble tea
Dumplings, bao buns, and skewers

What’s New This Year?

The signature finale: a next-level drone show choreographed in living light. Picture hundreds of drones painting moving stories and patterns above the zoo’s trees while the lanterns glow beneath—a truly Northeast Ohio experience you won’t find anywhere else. The K-Pop Dance Party is also making its debut, serving up energetic music, dancing, and family-fun games for a taste of Seoul right in Brookside.

Where to Go and How to Get In

Head to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in the heart of the city. Parking is available on-site, but expect crowds—this festival is beloved. Nab your general admission or upgrade to the special finale night for the drone spectacle.

Address: 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland
Tickets: Available at the Zoo’s official website (plan ahead, drone night will sell out fast)

Why Cleveland Can't Get Enough

Clevelanders show up for good food and good vibes. With the Asian Lantern Festival’s epic run and the new drone finale, we’re cementing our rep as a city with taste, heart, and an eye for spectacle. Bring your friends, your dates, or your family—this is one of summer’s most unique nights out, and yes, it’s only in The Land.

Ready to light up your evenings? Grab your tickets before they’re gone. The lanterns, street food, and a sky of dancing drones await—see you at the Zoo.