Asian Lantern Festival POSTPONED
The Asian Lantern Festival has been postponed due to the temporary shutdown of the Louisville Zoo. The organizers of this event are working with the zoo to reschedule for a date to be determined once the safety precautions surrounding the coronavirus health crisis. Tickets already purchased for the festival will be valid for the rescheduled dates.
The festival is a fantastic journey along a 1.4-mile trail featuring both natural and fantastical creatures transformed into luminescent art, with more than 2,000 twinkling silk-covered lanterns with over 50,000 LED light bulbs are adorning Zoo grounds, illuminating 65 larger-than-life scenes. The event is wheelchair and stroller friendly on a paved path.
Come face to face with a 130-foot-long Chinese dragon, stroll past an African savanna, and gaze above in wonder at a pathway of shimmering butterflies. Interactive displays let families become part of the magic. Adventure into the depths of a 70-foot shark tunnel, leap from lily pad to lily pad, and glide through the air on amazing color-changing swings. There are plenty of photo opportunities including a photo spot to pose with wondrous glowing wings.
Wild Lights is about more than just lanterns. Stop by the performance stage to enjoy traditional Chinese acts of juggling, balancing, and acrobatics three times each night. Embark on a culinary adventure to enjoy delicious Asian-fusion food and drinks throughout the Zoo including spring rolls, wonton crisps, bánh mì sandwiches, Asian beers, sake and more. Visit the marketplace to take home a beautiful item representing years of Chinese culture. Wild Lights is only at the zoo for a limited time, but the memories will last a lifetime.
Wild Lights: Asian Lantern Festival is in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc. an international event design company. Tianyu has produced 56 lantern events in 38 cities welcoming over 258 million visitors. After successful runs in other major U.S. cities, including Philadelphia, Chicago, Cleveland, New Orleans, and Atlanta, Tianyu is expanding on this success in Louisville to create one of the largest lantern festivals in the nation.
Tickets are on sale now. Louisville Zoo members can purchase in advance online until 5 p.m. the day of the event for $15.50 for adult, child and senior (60+) and $18.50 at the Zoo’s admission windows. Non-members can purchase general admission tickets in advance online until 5 p.m. the day of the event for $18.50 for adult, child and senior and $20.50 at the Zoo admission windows. Children 2 and under are free.
Family four-pack pricing is available for $50 for members and $60 for non-members in advance online only; family four-pack ticket buyers must enter the event together. There is a $5 parking fee. Group rates are available for 15 or more for $16.
The Zoo will remain open during normal daytime hours, but those attending Wild Lights will need to purchase a separate admission ticket to visit the Zoo and see the animals during regular hours. Many of the animals will not typically be on exhibit for this nighttime festival so they can rest and maintain their regular schedule. For more information, visit wildlightslouisville.com
Sponsored by The Confucius Institute, Republic Bank and State Farm.
Special Thanks to Asia Institute — Crane House and the University of Louisville College of Arts and Sciences