CONTACT:
Kyle Shepherd, 502-744-5639 Kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and the Louisville Zoo are pleased to announce a new event celebrating the rich cultures of Latin America! La Fiesta at the Zoo: A Latin American Heritage Celebration will be September 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This festival has been months in the making, developed by Zoo staff 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.
“La Fiesta at the Zoo is more than a celebration, it’s a reflection of Louisville’s vibrant diversity and the strength we draw from people around the world who now call Louisville home,” said Mayor Greenberg. “I’m excited to see our city come together to honor Latin American heritage in such a special, inclusive way.”
Guests of all ages can 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. Flamenco Louisville (dance)
- 1:30 p.m. Mariachi Alegre de Kentucky (music)
- 2:30 p.m. Appalatin (music)
Entertainment on the Zoo’s front plaza:
- 11 a.m. Mexico Lindo (dance)
- 1 p.m. Que Siga La Tradicion (dance)
Zoo Keeper Talk Schedule:
- 10:30 a.m. Maned wolf habitat
- 11 a.m. Toucan habitat
- 11:30 a.m. Porcupine — Islands common area
- Noon Macaw — Islands common area
- 1 p.m. Armadillo — Islands common area
- 1:30 p.m. Cuban crocodile habitat
- 2 p.m. Sloth habitat
- 2:30 p.m. Flamingo habitat
- 3 p.m. Puma habitat
Menu Items and Locations:
- Empenadas Lakeside Smokehouse
- Salchipapas African Outpost
- Papusas African Outpost
- Chicken Causa African Outpost and Wild Burger
- Limonada Kentucky Canteen, Bomassa, Lakeside Smokehouse, Wild Burger
La Fiesta at the Zoo: A Latin American Heritage Celebration is sponsored by Councilman Piagentini and District 19 residents. It is presented in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.
Zoo Hours:
The Zoo is open daily year-round. Now through September 21, 2025, Zoo hours are 10 a.m. ─ 5 p.m. (enjoy until 6 p.m.). Beginning September 22, 2025 –March 13, 2026, Zoo hours will be 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (enjoy until 5 p.m.). The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more info.
***
About the Louisville Zoo:
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 accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), a global alliance of zoos and aquariums. For more information visit www.louisvillezoo.org.
# # #