May 15 – July 26, 2026 Thursdays – Sundays only Enter from 7–10 p.m. nightly. Route closes at 11:30 p.m. This year’s festival debuts a new collection of handcrafted Chinese lantern displays, blending centuries-old artistry with imaginative design to create an unforgettable nighttime adventure. Journey through four immersive themed realms — Magical Forest, Magical Ocean, Pre-Historic Animals, and Wondrous Asia — each brought to life with vibrant color, larger-than-life sculptures, and intricate cultural craftsmanship. From glowing wildlife to mythic scenes inspired by global traditions, nearly every display you’ll encounter in 2026 is brand new. TICKETS NOW ON SALE! Advance Online Ticket Prices (Available for Purchase Until Your Entry Time) Adult tickets start at $20 Child / Senior tickets start at $16 Louisville Zoo member discounts! Buy Tickets! Flexible Anytime Tickets Buy Now – Attend ANY DAY, ANY TIME! – $27 buy anytime Tickets Ticket Prices at the Gate Adult: $35 | Child/Senior: $28 Military: $18 (Thurs/Sun) | $20 (Fri/Sat) Available the night of the event only, while supplies last. This slideshow requires JavaScript. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What to expect when you arrive at the festival, information about tickets, lanterns and answers to all your frequently asked questions. General Event Questions General Event What about rain? This is a rain-or-shine event. The lanterns will glow beautifully no matter what the weather. Be sure to bring gear appropriate for rain. A limited number of rain ponchos and other clothing items will be available for purchase at the Main Gift Shop. Safety is our priority. The Zoo reserves the right to close or cancel the event if weather conditions are assessed to be a safety hazard. In the event of severe weather, updates will be made on our website and social media.
Wild Lights is an event for everyone to enjoy! This is a cultural experience designed to delight guests of all ages. It is ideal for a family outing, night out with friends, or a special date night.
Are the lanterns the same as previous years?
This is a new show display visiting our Zoo! This year’s Wild Lights festival will feature mythical forest creatures like unicorns, giant sea creatures and colorful prehistoric plants and animals. All lanterns are handcrafted by our partners at Tianyu Arts & Culture Inc., a premium service provider for world-class lantern and light festivals around the world.
I noticed that the event opens before it’s fully dark.
Will I still get the full lantern experience?
Yes. Many guests actually enjoy arriving before sunset because it gives them a chance to watch the lanterns slowly come to life. As the sky darkens, the lanterns shift from soft, warm glows to the bright, colorful displays everyone looks forward to. The transition from daylight to dusk is often one of the most memorable parts of the evening.
Is there off-site parking or a Zoo shuttle?
There is NO off-site parking or Zoo shuttle. Be sure not to park in the parking lots of neighboring businesses or you may be towed.
Where do we park? Is there a cost?
Be sure to apply the $7 parking fee to your order, otherwise you will be charged at the Zoo’s admission windows. Although parking at the Zoo is free for Louisville Zoo members during regular hours, it is not included in memberships for after-hours events such as Wild Lights.
What rides and attractions are open during Wild Lights?
The Zoo’s Conservation Carousel will be open during Wild Lights, daylight and weather permitting.
Are strollers and wheelchairs available for rental?
Yes, the Louisville Zoo rents strollers, wagons and wheelchairs (limited number) from the front plaza. Motorized wheelchairs are available in a limited number during Wild Lights, but only if reserved. Motorized wheelchairs are reserved for the entire day to ensure proper charge for use during the evening event. For more information and prices, click here.
Is smoking permitted?
No. For the safety of our guests and animals, smoking (including e-cigarettes) is prohibited anywhere on Zoo grounds during this after-hours event.
What other Zoo tips and safety guidelines should I be aware of?
Click here for information on Zoo policies regarding pets, balloons, skateboards, alcohol, behavior inside the Zoo and more.
Is this event safe for guests with photosensitivity or sensory challenges?
Wild Lights features elements that can be photosensitive. Guests who are prone to seizures or have light sensitivity should be aware.
Will I see Zoo animals during the event?
Select animals may be viewable during the evening as well as some exhibit buildings until approximately 8:30 p.m.
Ticketing Questions
Ticketing
Are there any discounts?
Yes, there are lots of ways to reduce the cost. Consider visiting on Thursday and Sunday Value Evenings, or purchasing discounted 4 Packs. Louisville Zoo members receive additional discounts on most tickets. Active Military receive a discount, but that is only available at the gate on the night of the event.
Are there any tickets where I don’t have to choose a specific date?
Yes, there are a limited number of Anytime Tickets available for purchase that may be used once for any night of the event.
Is there a discount for active military?
Yes, active-duty military receive discounted admission upon presenting their ID at the ticket windows each night. These tickets are not available online or in advance. Tickets are $18 (Thursday & Sundays) and $20 (Friday & Saturdays)
May I get a refund or exchange my ticket for another date if something comes up?
Sorry, we cannot exchange or refund tickets for this important Zoo fundraiser.
Does the Four Pack work for any combination of adults/children?
The Four Pack works for guests of all ages. All guests must enter together.
Does a ticket to Wild Lights cover daytime admission to the Zoo?
No, Wild Lights is a separate, ticketed event that provides entry to the Zoo when the after-hours event begins. Zoo tickets and Wild Lights tickets must be purchased separately.
Do you have a combo option that includes Zoo tickets and Wild Lights tickets?
Wild Lights is a separate, ticketed event in partnership with Tianyu Arts and Culture Inc and Stewart Promotions. Zoo tickets and Wild Lights tickets must be purchased separately.
Do children 2 and under get in free like regular Zoo admission?
Yes, children 2 and under are free and do not require a ticket. Ages 3 to 11 require a child’s ticket for entry. Families can save money by buying the Four Pack online in advance.
Do I need to print my tickets if I purchase online?
Not necessarily. Some phones (for example, those with cracked or broken screens), and saved PDF versions of the tickets present scanning challenges. Please, do not screen capture your tickets as they may not scan.
I purchased a ticket online, but I did not receive a confirmation email/ticket. What do I do?
An email confirming your purchase should arrive within 15 minutes of payment. Please check your junk/spam folders for an email from do_not_reply@louisvillezoo.org. If you entered an invalid or misspelled email during your purchase, the payment will appear on your credit card, but your tickets will not be delivered. Please email zootickets@louisvilleky.gov with the name the tickets were purchased under, the correct email address, and the last 4 digits of the credit card used to make the purchase. We will resend your tickets.
Zoo Member Questions
Zoo Members
Do Louisville Zoo members receive special pricing?
Yes. Current Louisville Zoo members can purchase discounted tickets online. You must purchase extra tickets for non-member guests not covered on your membership in a separate transaction (at the regular rate). Note: We reserve the right to check member cards and photo IDs at the gate.
Do I need to bring proof of my Louisville Zoo membership (card, app, temporary pass) and photo ID even though I used my ID number to buy my ticket online?
Yes, we reserve the right to check member cards and photo IDs at the gate. See the Member FAQs for more general member details.
I am a member of a reciprocal Zoo. Do I receive discounted admission to Wild Lights?
Reciprocal discounts do not apply to after-hours special events.
We normally park for free as Louisville Zoo members. Is it also free for Wild Lights?
Although parking is included with your Louisville Zoo membership for regular Zoo hours, it is not included for special after-hours fundraising events like Wild Lights. Be sure to apply the $7 parking fee to your order, otherwise you will be charged at the Zoo’s admission windows.
Can Louisville Zoo members bring a guest?
Yes. Additional guests not covered by your membership regularly must pay full price. You must purchase these full-priced guest tickets in a separate transaction from the member discount tickets. We reserve the right to check membership cards and photo IDs at the gate.
Is there a separate Zoo member entrance?
No. All visitors will have their tickets scanned at the ticketing windows and enter through the main gate.
I have some rides included in my regular membership package. Are my rides included or discounted for Wild Lights?
Because this is a special after-hours fundraising event for the Zoo, rides and attractions are not included and are an additional cost for all participants.
Route Questons
Route
Are the lanterns the same as previous years?
This is a new show display visiting our Zoo! This year’s Wild Lights festival will feature mythical forest creatures like unicorns, giant sea creatures and colorful prehistoric plants and animals. All lanterns are handcrafted by our partners at Tianyu Arts & Culture Inc., a premium service provider for world-class lantern and light festivals around the world.
Can I touch the lanterns?
No, most of our lanterns are handcrafted and are meant to be viewed, not handled. Please do not touch, climb, cross or lean on the lanterns or barriers around them. The festival features several interactive displays with games, photo spots, and more!
How long is the route for Wild Lights?
The route is approximately 1.4 miles long on a stroller and wheelchair-friendly path. Most guests spend around two hours enjoying the lanterns . This is a walking event; there are no shuttles.
Will we be lighting and releasing lanterns at the festival?
No, our handcrafted lanterns are illuminated with LED bulbs and will stay firmly on the ground.
Is the route wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the event is wheelchair and stroller-friendly on a paved path. However, please be aware that there are some steep hills. The Louisville Zoo rents strollers, wagons and wheelchairs (limited number) from the front plaza. Motorized wheelchairs are available in a limited number during Wild Lights, but only if reserved in advance. Motorized wheelchairs are reserved for the entire day to ensure proper charge for use during the evening event. For more information and prices, click here.
Can I take photographs?
Yes! We invite you to take lots of photos and we’d love to see them! Share your fun photos on our social media channels by tagging @louisvillezoo or @louisvillezooofficial on Instagram. Please be considerate of other guests; do not block pathways or the views of others while waiting for that perfect shot. Wild Lights photographs and videos are not to be used for commercial purposes.
FOOD AND BEVERAGES
Enjoy NEW specialty food and beverage selections alongside some of your favorite Zoo treats as you stroll through the festival. Please note that open concession stands may vary each evening.
This year’s menu features:
Served at The Coop:
Pork Potstickers
Veggie Eggrolls
Spicy Sesame Ginger Wings
Served at Lakeside Grille:
Mango 5 Spice Churro Bites
This year’s specialty cocktails
located at Kentucky Canteen, Bomassa, the Coop, and Lakeside Grill
Mandarin Apricot Mule (Bourbon)
Dragon Fruit Lemonade (Vodka)
ENTERTAINMENT
Enjoy mesmerizing feats of magic by Aaron Harp at the MetaZoo Ampitheater.*
*subject to changeDates: June 11, 13 – 14, 18 – 21, 25 – 28
Times: 7:45 p.m., 8:45 p.m., 9:45 p.m.
HOST YOUR EVENT!
Make your next gathering unforgettable with a private or group experience at Wild Lights. From corporate outings to celebrations with friends and family, Wild Lights offers a vibrant nighttime setting filled with illuminated art, entertainment, and atmosphere.
Group tickets are available, with pricing starting as low as $13 per person.
More information coming soon!
CHINESE HANDICRAFTS
Wild Lights offers unique retail opportunities featuring hand‑crafted Chinese artistry and cultural goods. Guests can explore beautifully made items inspired by traditional techniques, design, and craftsmanship, adding a meaningful and memorable shopping experience to their evening.
ANIMALS AT WILD LIGHTS
“Will I see Zoo animals during Wild Lights?”
Select animals may be viewable during the evening as well as some exhibit buildings until approximately 8:30 p.m.
DEDICATION OPPORTUNITY
Sponsorship opportunities for Wild Lights are now available.
To learn how your company can support this popular event, align your brand with the Louisville Zoo, and gain meaningful visibility among a diverse audience from across the region.
Download Sponsorship Packet
HOW THEY ARE CREATED
All lanterns at Wild Lights are handcrafted by Tianyu Arts & Culture Inc., an international leader in lantern and light festivals. Skilled artisans design and build each piece, combining traditional techniques with modern lighting to create large‑scale, illuminated works of art.
Watch the above video to see the artisans in action.
ABOUT TIANYU
Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc., is an international event design and manufacturing company headquartered in Zigong, Sichuan, China — the world’s lantern capital. Wild Lights celebrates the rich cultural heritage and master craftsmanship behind this timeless art form. Join us for a luminous summer celebration where storytelling, tradition, and creativity shine brighter than ever.
