March 1st- April 27th

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Event Info

Date: March 1st - April 27th
Days: Friday - Sunday
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM*
*last entrance at 8:00 PM
Duration: The experience is around 60 minutes long
Parking: Free
Location: 2320 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL 61603

Age requirement: All ages welcome

About The Festival

This spring, Peoria Zoo transforms into a dazzling wonderland as the Glow Wild Lantern Festival lights up the night with vibrant colors, cultural artistry, and unforgettable family experiences. Presented by Kaleido Entertainment in collaboration with the Peoria Park District, this spectacular event will run from March 1 through April 27th, offering guests a luminescent journey filled with handmade, traditional Chinese lanterns, interactive activities, and live entertainment.

Already known for family fun and educational festivities for all, Peoria Zoo is the perfect setting for the city’s Glow Wild lantern festival. Guests will enter and wander through a mesmerizing photo-worthy experience.

Each unique piece holds a story of its own with depictions of Chinese legends and lore as well as the beauty of nature. Modern LED lights are combined with traditional hand-crafted lantern frames made from small pieces of Chinese silk cloth and steel wire.

Step into a dazzling world of light with hundreds of Chinese lanterns; all handmade by artisans with decades of experience. This is a whimsical walk-through experience perfect for the whole family to enjoy & to light up the season!

An Unforgettable Experience

Click to reveal the most frequently asked questions

  • Learn about the culture and craftsmanship of traditional Chinese lantern festivals! Our team believes that when it comes to culture, contribution is celebration. With our lights and lanterns, we hope to provide an unforgettable experience for all. Enjoy family fun activities and picture taking opportunities to further expand the entire experience.

  • Peoria Zoo: 2320 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL 61603

  • About 60 minutes depending on your pace.

  • Feel free to take photos and share them/tag @therealpeoriazoo on IG! This year we also brought in a few figures just for picture taking so get your cameras ready! When taking photos, please make sure not to disturb others. Professional equipment and tripods are not permitted.

  • It is recommended that you arrive within the time stated on your ticket to maximize your experience.

  • You may be asked to wait outside the gate if our festival is too crowded.

  • We love pets but no animals besides service animals are allowed

  • All ages are welcome

  • Yes

  • Yes, there will be rest areas in case you need to take a break.

  • Yes

  • The experience is outdoors

  • Yes

  •  Children 1 and under are free. Children 2 and older will need a ticket.

  • Yes parking is free

  • We are a rain or shine event. In the event of extreme weather, we will notify our guests of cancellation beforehand. You may use your tickets for any other date simply notify us which date and time you prefer

  • Flash photography, alcohol, drugs, anything which may disturb the other patrons. Please be sure to follow Peoria Zoo and Peoria Park District ordinances.

  • There are limited wheelchairs available a first come first serve basis

What to Expect

Dazzling Lantern Displays: Marvel at breathtaking lantern creations inspired by animals, flora, and fantastical scenes, illuminating the zoo pathways with vibrant beauty.

Interactive Activities: Enjoy nightly family-friendly activities and entertainment.

Themed Food & Beverages: Savor delicious treats and refreshments to complement your magical evening.

Glow Wild Festival’s unique luminescent night walk brings the culture and craftsmanship of traditional Chinese lantern festivals, where all cultural contribution is a celebration! This event takes around 60 minutes.

Modern LED lights are embellished by traditionally hand-crafted lantern frames made from small pieces of classically made Chinese silk cloth and steel wire. All lanterns are created by artisans, some of which have over 20 years of experience in their trade and bring magical folkloric creatures to life.

Each unique piece holds a story of its own that will be told to visitors to help contextualize their experience even more. Some pieces depict Chinese legends and lore, while others celebrate the beauty of nature.

Reviews

Peoria Zoo is excited to bring a traditional cultural atmosphere you can’t experience anywhere else in Peoria, while highlighting these incredible, must-see handcrafted artisan lanterns.

The Glow Wild Festival is a part of a family of festivals presented by Kaleido Entertainment including the Winter Lantern Festival, Autumn Glow Festival, and Sealight Festival.

These festivals have delighted thousands of guests; people agree that this is the perfect night out! From stunning displays to fun activities for the whole family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Follow us on social media and tag us at #PeoriaZoo #Glowwildfestival