Zoo hosts special performances for closing weekend of Asian Lantern Festival

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — In spite of ongoing cold temperatures on Sunday, many came out to the last night of the Asian Lantern Festival held at the Chattanooga Zoo.

For the grand finale of the festival, ‘The Pop-Up Project’ presented a special celebration through music and dance.

The Pop-Up Project presented a 50-minute immersive dance performance that traveled throughout the zoo and encouraged audience interaction.

People of all ages took part in the event as dancers guided them through the lit up zoo quarters.

During closing weekend, the project started their performance at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The president of the organization had attended the festival last year and wanted to get involved.

Director of The Pop-Up Project Jules Downum said, “Everything is really based on the research we did on Chinese folklore, and kind of the ‘Hero’s Journey.’ So we started with that and we kind of just let our imaginations run wild.”

The unique performance featured original choreography by local artists, live music, and aerialists.

Warner Park ended this final display at 9:30 on Sunday night.

The festival began on November 16th and has graced the zoo’s quarters for roughly two months.

“It’s been such a fun festival season here at the zoo. We’ve seen a lot of people come out. We’ve gotten really good feedback that people have enjoyed this year even more than last year, because it’s been bigger and better. Totally different lanterns this year,” Marketing Manager Jake Cash said.

The Asian Lantern Festival has graced the Chattanooga Zoo since November 16, 2023. The zoo is celebrated the last night of the festival on Sunday, January 14, 2024 with special events.

He continued by saying, “We’ve been super happy to say that attendance increased by 30% this year as compared to last year, so we’re very thankful to everyone for coming out and enjoying the festival with us.”

The nostalgia-inducing experience has brought many friends and families to Chattanooga during the past holiday season.

“It’s been really good for people of all ages. I feel like the Christmas season, the holiday season, and also just the Zoo in general… all of these things kind of make us feel like kids again. It’s been really fun seeing even like the adults like play with the interactive sculptures and things like that. Everyone out here is just having a really good time, bringing the community together. And getting in touch with their inner child during all of this. It’s been really fun,” Cash said.

Folks had the chance to experience the Asian Lantern Festival Wednesday through Sunday nights starting at 5:30 p.m.

The Zoo looks forward to a full calendar of events at the start of 2024.