Zoo Luminate

April 22 – June 28, 2026, 7-11 pm

There’s nothing like it in our region! “Sea” To Believe: Zoo Luminate!

Step into a fantastic undersea world at the Potawatomi Zoo during Zoo Luminate this year. Rooted in traditional Chinese lantern art, Zoo Luminate is a visually stunning cultural experience featuring large-scale, illuminated lantern installations inspired by centuries-old Chinese craftsmanship. In partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, an internationally recognized producer of authentic Chinese lantern festivals, the Potawatomi Zoo will come alive with more than 60 handcrafted lantern displays, each reflecting the creativity, symbolism, and artistic heritage of Chinese culture.

Zoo Luminate is every Wednesday through Sunday, 7-11 pm.

2026 Ticket Details

General Adult – $22
General Child – $18
Ages 2 and under – Free

Zoo Member Adult – $18
Zoo Member Child – $14
Ages 2 and under – Free

Family 4-pack –  $70

Please note: Guest passes, discount coupons, and organizational membership passes are not valid for special events.

How long is the Zoo Luminate experience?

The one-way path goes through the entire Zoo, is just over a mile, and can take 1-2 hours.

Is the route ADA accessible?

Yes, the entire Zoo Luminate pathway is ADA-accessible.

What time should I arrive? 

Zoo Luminate begins at 6:30 pm, Wednesday through Sunday. The event ends at 10:30 pm with the last admission promptly at 10 pm. Please arrive within those times and expect the full vibrancy of the lights as it gets darker.

Where should I park?

Please park in the main Zoo lot with flow over parking available at Kid’s Kingdom lot, John Adams High School (weekends only), or on the surrounding city streets. There is NO charge for parking.

Can my ticket be refunded?

There are no refunds on purchased tickets. Your tickets are valid for one-time entry for the duration of the event dates. This event is rain or shine.

Can I take photos or videos?

Please do! As long as you don’t interfere with the experience of other guests. All guests must stay on the guest paths. No large photography equipment or drones.

Will there be food or drinks available?

Absolutely! We will have food, non-alcoholic beverages, and beer, wine, and cocktails available at our Farmhouse Café and The Lodge Café.

Will the Zoo animals be out?

While some of the animals may be viewed, we cannot guarantee that specific animals will be out for this event.

Will the rides be operating?

Definitely! Both the carousel and the train will be open for rides with attraction tickets or attraction passes. Indoor giraffe viewing will be open, but there is no giraffe feeding during the event.

Zoo Luminate

April 22 – June 28, 2026, 7-11 pm

There’s nothing like it in our region! “Sea” To Believe: Zoo Luminate!

Step into a fantastic undersea world at the Potawatomi Zoo during Zoo Luminate this year. Rooted in traditional Chinese lantern art, Zoo Luminate is a visually stunning cultural experience featuring large-scale, illuminated lantern installations inspired by centuries-old Chinese craftsmanship. In partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, an internationally recognized producer of authentic Chinese lantern festivals, the Potawatomi Zoo will come alive with more than 60 handcrafted lantern displays, each reflecting the creativity, symbolism, and artistic heritage of Chinese culture.

Zoo Luminate is every Wednesday through Sunday, 7-11 pm.

2026 Ticket Details

General Adult – $22
General Child – $18
Ages 2 and under – Free

Zoo Member Adult – $18
Zoo Member Child – $14
Ages 2 and under – Free

Family 4-pack –  $70

Please note: Guest passes, discount coupons, and organizational membership passes are not valid for special events.

How long is the Zoo Luminate experience?

The one-way path goes through the entire Zoo, is just over a mile, and can take 1-2 hours.

Is the route ADA accessible?

Yes, the entire Zoo Luminate pathway is ADA-accessible.

What time should I arrive? 

Zoo Luminate begins at 6:30 pm, Wednesday through Sunday. The event ends at 10:30 pm with the last admission promptly at 10 pm. Please arrive within those times and expect the full vibrancy of the lights as it gets darker.

Where should I park?

Please park in the main Zoo lot with flow over parking available at Kid’s Kingdom lot, John Adams High School (weekends only), or on the surrounding city streets. There is NO charge for parking.

Can my ticket be refunded?

There are no refunds on purchased tickets. Your tickets are valid for one-time entry for the duration of the event dates. This event is rain or shine.

Can I take photos or videos?

Please do! As long as you don’t interfere with the experience of other guests. All guests must stay on the guest paths. No large photography equipment or drones.

Will there be food or drinks available?

Absolutely! We will have food, non-alcoholic beverages, and beer, wine, and cocktails available at our Farmhouse Café and The Lodge Café.

Will the Zoo animals be out?

While some of the animals may be viewed, we cannot guarantee that specific animals will be out for this event.

Will the rides be operating?

Definitely! Both the carousel and the train will be open for rides with attraction tickets or attraction passes. Indoor giraffe viewing will be open, but there is no giraffe feeding during the event.

Thanks To Our 2026 Partners

Join us in hosting the Zoo Luminate Lantern Festival, and put your brand in front of visitors from South Bend and beyond, with increased marketability toward the growing families of the region. Sponsoring Zoo Luminate is a unique opportunity for your business to be seen in lights!

Contact the Potawatomi Zoo at development@potawatomizoo.org for more information.

Join our Alpha Pack!

Become a Corporate Sponsor or Event Sponsor at the $5,000 level or higher, and in addition to the regular benefits of sponsorship, you’ll receive special Alpha Pack recognition on “Thank You” sponsor signage prominently displayed in the Zoo plaza for more than 400,000 annual visitors to see.