Bigger, Bolder, Brighter! Mayor Greenberg and the Louisville Zoo announce return of popular Wild Lights festival

Press Release - Louisville Zoo

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and the Louisville Zoo are excited to announce the return of the stunning Wild Lights lantern spectacular. After a one‑year hiatus, this popular event returns to illuminate evenings at the Zoo from May 15 through July 26, 2026. Tickets went on sale today at louisvillezoo.org/wildlights.

“We’re excited to welcome Wild Lights back to the Louisville Zoo,” said Mayor Greenberg. “This spectacular event has become a favorite for families and visitors, and it’s something people of all ages can enjoy together. We can’t wait for guests to see the Zoo transformed once again with incredible light displays and artistry.”

Wild Lights guests will venture through the Zoo’s 1.4-mile path and experience hand-crafted, illuminated art displays. The event will feature more than 50 lantern displays arranged in themed areas, depicting everything from dragons to butterflies. Highlights include a stunning illuminated walkway with a gigantic chameleon at the Zoo’s entrance, a 20‑foot, three‑headed dragon, a magical 15‑foot unicorn, and incredible glowing displays of prehistoric and underwater scenes. Interactive lanterns invite guests to enhance the experience by powering movements with step‑activated pads, along with plenty of selfie‑worthy photo opportunities throughout the festival.

Chinese lantern-making is more than mere decoration; it is a vibrant art form that embodies Chinese philosophy, symbolism, and communal celebration.  This delicate and intricate artform is more than 1,000 years old and the artisans from Zigong, China who accompany Wild Lights are living bearers of this tradition. In addition to viewing the lantern displays, guests are invited to visit the artisans.  There is also a marketplace tent, where unique handcrafted goods will be available for purchase.  This 41-night immersive event features live cultural performances, including lightning-fast mask changing, acrobatics and more.

The Zoo’s food and amenity vendor, SSA Group, will serve themed snacks and cocktails at several locations throughout the Zoo, and the Zoo Gift Shop will remain open with special Wild Lights merchandise available for guests to commemorate their visit.

The event is wheelchair and stroller-friendly on a paved path. The festival will take place rain or shine and is held from 7 p.m.  –  10 p.m.  on Thursdays through Sundays. The last ticket sold will be at 9:30 p.m., and the route will be open until 11:30 p.m.

Wild Lights is in partnership with Stewart Promotions and Tianyu Arts & Culture Inc., an international event design company.

Pricing

Tickets are available for purchase in advance online for a lesser rate and at the admission window the evening of the event.  Early Bird ticket pricing is available from March 31- April 13. Children under three do not require a ticket. Prices begin at $17 for adults and $13 for children/seniors based on dates and Zoo membership status. Discounted four-packs are also available. Regular daytime Zoo admission tickets and Wild Lights tickets must be purchased separately. Parking for this event is $7 and can be purchased in advance online or at the Zoo admission windows. For more information and the full tier of pricing, visit louisvillezoo.org/wildlights.

Regular Zoo Hours

The Zoo is open daily year-round. Now through September 20, 2026, hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with guests exiting by 6 p.m. The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more information on hours and admission.