CONTACT:
Kyle Shepherd; 502-744-5639; Kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and the Louisville Zoo are proud to announce the return of the popular La Fiesta at the Zoo: A Latin American Heritage Celebration on September 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Developed in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, La Fiesta will honor the animals, traditions, cuisine, rhythms, and stories of Latin America. The day will showcase local artistry and celebrate cultural diversity through festive music, dance, vibrant art, and more.
“Louisville is proud of the many cultures, traditions, and stories that make our city such a welcoming place to call home,” said Mayor Greenberg. “La Fiesta at the Zoo brings people together through music, dance, food, and family fun while celebrating the rich contributions of our Latin American community.”
“The Louisville Zoo is proud to provide experiences that connect people with wildlife, nature, and one another,” said Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney. “La Fiesta at the Zoo is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Latin American cultures and to create memorable experiences for guests of all ages.”
Guests of all ages can listen in on some keeper talks and embark on a virtual scavenger hunt through the Zoo, discovering fascinating facts about the animals native to Latin America and the ecosystems they call home.
Entertainment Schedule on the MetaZoo Stage:
10:30 a.m. Mariachi Sensacion (music)
11:30 a.m. Hora Certa (music)
12:30 p.m. Appalatin (music)
Entertainment on the Zoo’s front plaza:
NOON Ballet Folklorico ArteMex (folkloric arts/performance)
1 p.m. Mexico Lindo (dance)
2 p.m. Que Siga La Tradicion (dance)
3 p.m. Ballet Folklorico ArteMex (folkloric arts/interactive)
Menu Items and Locations:
Beef Empanadas Lakeside Smokehouse
Fried Plantain chips (V/GF) Lakeside Smokehouse
Barbacoa/Chicken Tinga Tacos Wild Burger
Choripan Wild Burger
Chicken Causa Wild Burger
Barbacoa/Chicken Tinga Torta African Outpost
Papusas African Outpost
Chicken Causa African Outpost
Salchipapas The Coop
Chicken Causa The Coop
Limonada Ky Canteen, Bomassa, Lakeside Smokehouse, Wild Burger
Agua Fresca Ky Canteen, Bomassa, Lakeside Smokehouse, Wild Burger
*Guests will have the option to add a shot of Tequila to either of these drinks for a fee.
Zoo Hours
The Zoo is open daily year-round. Now through September 20, 2026, hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with guests exiting by 6 p.m. Beginning September 21, 2026 – March 19, 2027, hours will be 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. with guest exiting by 5 p.m. The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more information on hours and admission.
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The Louisville Zoo, the State Zoo of Kentucky, is the top, non-profit, paid attraction in the state. The Zoo is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) which is a global alliance of zoos and aquariums. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
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