May 15 – July 26, 2026;  Thursdays – Sundays only*
*No performances on June 12, July 11 and July 12.

The fun starts at 7 p.m. | Advance online ticket required.
This is an outdoor event. 

Our popular lantern festival returns to the Louisville Zoo!

Experience unique locations from around the world as you stroll through the Zoo under the light of enormous, handcrafted, silk-covered lanterns. Don’t miss the thrilling sights of the region’s largest lantern festival with hundreds of lanterns aglow with more than 50,000 LED light bulbs.

 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.

Created in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc., an international event design and manufacturing company headquartered in Zigong, Sichuan, China — the world’s lantern capital — Wild Lights celebrates the rich cultural heritage and master craftsmanship behind this timeless art form. Join us for a luminous summer celebration where storytelling, tradition, and creativity shine brighter than ever.