Nights of Wild Lights

Fluorescent fish, a sensational shark and a flowing phoenix are all sights to behold at the Louisville Zoo—in lantern form. Wild Lights lantern festival is back for the fifth year with a new lineup. 

“Wild Lights is truly a feast for your eyes and your imagination,” says Kyle Shepherd, the zoo’s media relations manager. “It is a great way to learn about a culture different from our own. We round out the festival with Asian food and fantastic nightly performances.” 

Guests walk the zoo’s 1.4-mile path and see more than 60 individual displays in themed areas showcasing nature, coral reefs and Chinese mythology.

Separate from regular zoo admission, tickets for Wild Lights must be purchased online in advance. The festival is from 7–10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday nights, rain or shine, through June 16.

The event is wheelchair and stroller-friendly on a paved path. 

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

“Tianyu has done extraordinary work with the attention to detail to bring you this vivid and colorful event,” Shepherd says. 

Tickets for Louisville Zoo members are as follows: Thursdays and Sundays, $20 for adults ages 12–59; $17 for children and seniors; Fridays and Saturdays, $21 for adults ages 12–59; $18 for children and seniors. 

General admission tickets are as follows: Thursdays and Sundays, $22 for adults ages 12–59; $18 for children and seniors; Fridays and Saturdays, $23 for adults ages 12–59; $19 for children and seniors. 

Children under age 3 are admitted free. Discounts for Family 4 Packs are available. Parking is $7. 

To purchase tickets, visit louisvillezoo.org/wildlights.