La Fiesta at the Zoo: A Latin American Heritage Celebration (2026)

September 19, 2026 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. FREE with Zoo admission or Louisville Zoo membership Join the Louisville Zoo for a fun celebración! Partners from throughout our community will be here to share information and resources, festive music, vibrant art and more. Plus, you can participate in a virtual scavenger hunt that takes you on a journey through the Zoo to learn all about the animals that call Latin America home. SCHEDULE Front Plaza 1:00 p.m. México Lindo Experience the vibrant sights and sounds of Mexico through traditional music, colorful costumes, and energetic performances. 2:00 p.m. Que Siga La Tradición Celebrate Hispanic heritage with lively folkloric dance and music that honors cultural traditions passed down through generations. MetaZoo Stage 10:30 a.m. Mariachi Sensación Enjoy the rich harmonies and timeless melodies of a talented mariachi ensemble performing beloved Mexican favorites. 11:30 a.m. Hora Certa Feel the rhythm of Brazil with an engaging performance featuring Latin-inspired music, dance, and cultural flair. 1:30 p.m. Mariachi Alegre This dynamic mariachi group brings festive energy to the stage with spirited vocals, traditional instruments, and crowd-pleasing songs. MENU V=Vegetarian | GF= Gluten Free Lakeside Beef Empanadas: Empanadas are the national dish of Argentina. This flaky pastry is filled with beef short rib and Manchego cheese. Topped with fresh salsa criolla. Served with a side of creamy avocado sauce. Fried Plantain Chips (V/GF): Common in the Latin Island nations of the Caribbean, these sweet plantains are fried until golden brown. Served with a drizzle of brown butter condensed milk. Garnished with toasted coconut. Wild Burger Barbacoa/Chicken Tinga Tacos (3): Tender Mexican beef braised beef with chiles and citrus. Shredded and served in corn tortillas. With diced onion, cilantro and a side of guacamole. Choripan: Chorizo sausage link served Argentinian style on a roll with chimichurri aioli and salsa criolla. Served with fried potatoes. Chicken Causa (GF): This cold “farmer’s food” from Peru layers creamy aji Amarillo pureed potatoes, avocado, chicken salad and rocoto sauce. African Outpost Barbacoa/Chicken Tinga Torta: Tender shredded chicken tinga simmered in a smoky chipotle-tomato sauce. Layered with creamy avocado, pickled onions and queso fresco. Papusas (GF): These toasty, stuffed masa griddle cakes from El Salvador & Honduras can be made with a variety of fillings. Available with plain cheese. Topped with cortido slaw and a side of salsa rosada. Chicken Causa (GF): This cold “farmer’s food” from Peru layers creamy aji Amarillo pureed potatoes, avocado, chicken salad and rocoto sauce. The Coop Salchipapas (GF): A classic Latin American street food. Fresh cut fries topped with sliced, char-grilled hot dog and a trio of sauces including cilantro, aji amarillo and salsa verde. Chicken Causa (GF): This cold “farmer’s food” from Peru layers creamy aji Amarillo pureed potatoes, avocado, chicken salad and rocoto sauce. Specialty Non-Alcoholic Drinks Served at Canteen, Bomassa, Lakeside, Wild Burger *Guests will have the option to add a shot of Tequila to either of these drinks for a fee Brazilian Limonada: This refreshing, creamy lime based drink with deep cultural roots in Brazil. It is made from fresh squeezed limes, water, sugar, ice and sweetened condensed milk. Agua Fresca: This drink from Mexico meaning “fresh water” in Spanish, is a traditional beverage made by blending water with fruits, flowers, seeds, or grains, and sweetening it.