Glow Wild: A Stunning Lantern Festival Opens at Brookfield Zoo Next Week

A brand-new nighttime experience is coming to Brookfield Zoo Chicago this spring and it’s going to transform the zoo into a glowing wonderland.

Starting March 19, 2026, Brookfield Zoo will debut Glow Wild: A Lantern Festival of Hope, an immersive evening event featuring massive illuminated animal lanterns, live performances, food, and family-friendly activities.

For visitors in Berwyn and the surrounding suburbs, this is one of the most exciting new events happening just minutes away.

What Is Brookfield Zoo Glow Wild?

Brookfield Zoo Glow Wild is an after-hours lantern festival where guests can explore the zoo at night while walking through paths illuminated by giant, handcrafted animal lantern sculptures.

More than 70 larger-than-life illuminated lantern displays will be featured throughout the zoo, creating a magical nighttime atmosphere.

The event blends:

• art

• global culture

• wildlife conservation storytelling

  
  

to create an experience that feels more like a festival than a traditional zoo visit.

Event Dates and Times

Glow Wild runs for a limited time this spring.

📅 March 19 – May 10, 2026

🗓 Thursdays – Sundays

🕕 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM 

The zoo closes at 4 PM each day and reopens at 6 PM for the Glow Wild experience.

Special Sensory-Friendly Nights

Brookfield Zoo is also hosting sensory-friendly nights designed for guests with sensory sensitivities.

📅 March 26

📅 April 16

📅 May 7

What You’ll See

Glow Wild turns the zoo into a glowing sculpture garden filled with art and light.

Visitors can expect:

🦁 giant illuminated animal lanterns

🐘 glowing wildlife displays

🎭 cultural performances and music

🌎 storytelling about wildlife conservation🍜 themed international food and drinks

The experience is designed for families, date nights, and anyone looking for a unique evening out near Chicago. 

Free Rides During Glow Wild

One of the best surprises for visitors — some rides are included.

🎡 Ferris Wheel rides are free

🎠 Carousel rides are free 

These rides reopen specifically for the evening festival.

Ticket Prices

Tickets must be purchased in advance.

General admission pricing:

Adults: $24.95 Children: $14.95

Zoo members receive discounted pricing:

Adults: $19.95 Children: $9.95 

Select nights may also offer $5 value discounts. 

Important Things to Know

During Glow Wild evenings:

• animal habitats will be closed to ensure animal comfort

• parking is available at the main entrance

• the event takes place rain or shine

  
  

Why This Event Is Special

Glow Wild is the first lantern festival of its kind at Brookfield Zoo, created to blend art, light displays, and conservation education.

It offers a completely different way to experience the zoo — walking through glowing wildlife sculptures under the night sky.

For Berwyn residents, it’s one of the easiest and most unique spring outings just a few minutes away.

Plan Your Visit

📍 Brookfield Zoo 3300 Golf Rd Brookfield, IL

📅 March 19 – May 10

🕕 Thursdays – Sundays6 PM – 10 PM

Tickets are available now on the Brookfield Zoo website.