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 Adult tickets start at $20 Child / Senior tickets start at $16 Limited number of $27 “Anytime tickets” Louisville Zoo member discounts! Buy Tickets! anytime Tickets Gate Prices Night of the Event 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. Is Wild Lights a family-friendly event? 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 p...
