Zoo Luminate

March 19-May 25

There’s nothing like it in our region: Discover Zoo Luminate!

Derived from Asian culture, Zoo Luminate is a spectacular lantern festival made of huge, luminous, artistic lanterns around the entire Potawatomi Zoo. In partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, an experienced lantern festival producer, the Zoo will bring more than 60 lantern displays to life around the Zoo.

Zoo Luminate runs March 19 through May 25, Wednesdays through Sundays, 6-10 pm.

Tickets available at the Zoo or online:

Adults (ages 15+): $20
Children (ages 3-14): $15
Babies (ages 2 and under): Free

Tickets (Full Price Admission Only)

Available at the Zoo only:

Zoo Member Adults: $18
Zoo Member Children: $13

Family 4-pack (2 adults and 2 children): $60

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 pm, Wednesday through Sunday. The event ends at 10 pm with the last admission promptly at 9:30 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 seltzers 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

March 19-May 25

There’s nothing like it in our region: Discover Zoo Luminate!

Derived from Asian culture, Zoo Luminate is a spectacular lantern festival made of huge, luminous, artistic lanterns around the entire Potawatomi Zoo. In partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, an experienced lantern festival producer, the Zoo will bring more than 60 lantern displays to life around the Zoo.

Zoo Luminate runs March 19 through May 25, Wednesdays through Sundays, 6-10 pm.

Tickets available at the Zoo or online:

Adults (ages 15+): $20
Children (ages 3-14): $15
Babies (ages 2 and under): Free

Tickets (Full Price Admission Only)

Available at the Zoo only:

Zoo Member Adults: $18
Zoo Member Children: $13

Family 4-pack (2 adults and 2 children): $60

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 pm, Wednesday through Sunday. The event ends at 10 pm with the last admission promptly at 9:30 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 seltzers 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 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 at the $5,000 level or higher or Event Title Sponsor, 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 350,000 annual visitors to see.

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