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La Fiesta at the Zoo: A Latin American Heritage Celebration (2026)
September 19, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
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 | ||
| NOON | Ballet Folklorico ArteMex | Performance. Celebrate the beautiful heritage of Mexico and Latin America through folkloric arts! |
| 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. |
| 3:00 p.m. | Ballet Folklorico ArteMex | Interactive. Celebrate the beautiful heritage of Mexico and Latin America through folkloric arts! |
| 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. |
| 12:30 p.m. | Appalatin | Appalatin’s foot-stomping, hip-swinging sounds organically unite Appalachian folk and high-energy Latin music. |
| 2:30 p.m. | Henry Míles | Straight from Kentuckiana, Henry Míles brings Spanglish soul and bachata flavor to a whole new vibe. This Afro-Latino Mexican artist’s music is a fusion of passion, cultura, and the grind of growing up in two worlds. |
| Special Keeper Talks | ||
| 11:00 a.m. | Toucan | South America across from the red panda exhibit. |
| 11:30 a.m. | Armadillo | Inside the MetaZoo |
| Noon | Macaw | Located in the Islands Pavilion |
| 1:00 p.m. | Porcupine | Inside the MetaZoo |
| 3:00 p.m. | Puma | Cats of America |
| 3:15 p.m. | Maned Wolf | Maned Wolf Exhibit |
| Noon | Sloth | Sloth Exhibit across from Flamingos |
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.