Tickets Now on Sale
CONTACT: Kyle Shepherd
502-238-5331 (Media Cell 502-744-5639)
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov
The Louisville Zoo is happy to bring back one of the largest lantern festivals in the nation — Wild Lights—returning March 18 through June 5, 2022. Tickets are now on sale at louisvillezoo.org/wildlights.
Guests will see the Zoo in a whole new light with a new lineup of lanterns, including more than 70 larger-than-life illuminated displays made of more than 2,000 silk-covered pieces lit by over 50,000 LED lightbulbs.
Guests can embark on a journey to the far east on a 1.4-mile stroll through the Zoo alongside dramatic cultural displays that celebrate the rich heritage and craftsmanship of lantern artisans. Archways illuminate the path on a magical journey past colorful peacocks, slithering serpents and a beautiful African savanna. Majestic butterflies mark the entrance into a world of larger-than-life insects and animals from all around the world. Visitors can become part of the magic and sway on the glowing moonlight swings or step inside a larger-than-life kaleidoscope.
Wild Lights features a variety of animal lanterns, including mammals, birds, and insects, a 98-foot-long dragon, mythical Chinese creatures and promenade walk-throughs. Guests may also enjoy interactive photos opportunities like illuminated angel wings, color changing swings, a kaleidoscope, and many more.
The 48-night immersive cultural experience that kicks off the Zoo’s 53rd season will also include unique handcrafted goods available for purchase, nightly cultural performances on the MetaZoo stage, and Asian-fusion cuisine by Service Systems Associates (SSA) – the Zoo’s food and amenity vendor.
Wild Lights is in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture Inc., an international event design company. Tianyu has produced 62 lantern events in 38 cities welcoming more than 4.5 million of visitors.
The event is wheelchair and stroller friendly on a paved path. The festival will be 6:30 – 10:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday nights from March 18 – June 5 and daily from April 4 – 8.
Louisville Zoo members may purchase tickets in advance online for $17 per guest age 3 and over. Non-members may purchase general admission tickets in advance online for $20 per guest age 3 and over. Children 2 and under are free. Family Four Pack tickets are available for $55 for members and $65 for non-members in advance online only; Family Four Pack ticket buyers must enter the event together. Guests may add the $6 parking fee to their online ticket order or pay at the Zoo’s admission windows. For more information, visit louisvillezoo.org/wildlights.
Sponsored by Bob Ray Company, Confucius Institute, LG&E and KU Foundation, Norton Children’s and Republic Bank.
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The Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state Zoo of Kentucky, 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 by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).