A first for Brookfield Zoo: 'Glow Wild' lantern festival lights up the night

This spring, Brookfield Zoo Chicago invites guests to experience a spectacular first-time, nighttime transformation of its grounds with Glow Wild: A Lantern Festival of Hope, a luminous celebration blending art, culture, community and conservation. 

From today through May 10, the zoo will come alive after dusk on Thursday through Sunday evenings from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., offering an unforgettable evening walk-through experience that reimagines the zoo as a glowing tapestry of handcrafted lantern art. 

As daylight fades, visitors enter a world aglow with handcrafted lanterns that depict wildlife, mythological figures, and cultural symbols from around the world. These larger-than-life installations guide guests along familiar zoo pathways, each scene designed to spark wonder and reflection. 

Read more on Chicago Star:

• Chicago Bears clinch playoff berth, blowing in belief to Windy City sports fans
• Cubs Convention returns in January 2026 with special celebrations
• Remembering a legendary NYE at the Playboy Mansion

Glow Wild isn’t just a visual spectacle — it’s also a cultural celebration. Along the route, guests can enjoy live music and dance performances, diverse storytelling, and an array of international food offerings, infusing each evening with global traditions and flavors. 

While the lanterns form the heart of the event, Glow Wild also aims to deepen visitors’ connection to wildlife and the planet. The experience reflects Brookfield Zoo’s mission of conservation by highlighting our shared responsibility to protect nature and its inhabitants. 

Tickets include carousel and Ferris wheel rides as part of the evening’s festivities, a perfect addition for families or for visitors looking for a charming date-night outing. 

On select nights — including March 26, April 16, and May 7 — Glow Wild will offer sensory-friendly programming, creating an inclusive environment for guests of all abilities to enjoy the magic of the lights and festivities. (brookfieldzoo.org/glow-wild) 

Details

Glow Wild runs Thursdays through Sundays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. starting March 19 and continuing through May 10, 2026. 

Ticket prices (2026):

• Adults (ages 12+): approximately $19.95–$24.95

• Children (ages 3–11): approximately $9.95–$14.95
  (All tickets include zoo parking and select ride access.) 
  

Glow Wild is the zoo’s first festival of this kind, offering both locals and visitors a chance to see Brookfield Zoo in an entirely new light, literally and metaphorically.

(Updated 3/19/26)