4 Reasons You Should Visit The Lantern Festival At John Ball Zoo While It’s Raining

I know you already read the headline and possibly are judging me as an insane person, but I'm going to plea my case and I hope by the end, you'll get how magical this festival is, even in the worst of weather.

My husband went to the opening night of the Lantern Festival which is taking over evenings at the John Ball Zoo now until June 11th.

While we bought our tickets earlier in the day when the forecast was a little more optimistic. But, we got to our 8:30 ticket time only to find out that it was still storming and pouring.

We didn't want to give up our chance to see it (or our money) so we went anyway, and it was the best choice we could have made.

1. The crowds aren't around

Most people (rightfully so) don't want to hang outside in the Michigan rain. Which gave us free reign of the park all night. We could take tons of photos, we took our time, and never had to worry about anyone getting in our way.

2. Parking is so much easier

Along with the crowds dwindling, we were able to park close, and find out car easily when it was time to leave. No lines, no hassle.

3. You can be an "influencer" without holding up the lines

I love to take cute photos when I can, but when you have a million people around it's hard to really get a shot without someone photobombing us.

My husband and I got to play in this neat mirror cube (which was covered from the rain) without worrying about someone being mad that we were playing around so much

4. the rain makes reflections, which make it even prettier photos

I was a photographer before I got into radio, and rain makes every night time photo better.

Seriously, check out those reflections playing off the light. If you want to see a real show, brave the wet weather and enjoy what it can bring with it's beauty.

My photos don't do it justice, but there really is a special sparkle that the rain gives these exhibits.

No matter when you go visit the Lantern Festival at John Ball Zoo, you're in for a treat. Just make sure you don't miss it before it leaves West Michigan. Get tickets and details on their website.