Mesker Park Zoo Brings Back Wild Summer Lights for 2026

Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden will once again transform into a glowing wonderland with the return of Wild Summer Lights!

Wild Summer Nights is Coming to Evansville, Indiana

Beginning July 30th, and every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night through October 4, 2026, Mesker Park Zoo will be home to an all-new Chinese lantern festival coming to Evansville, Indiana. Presented by Liberty Federal Credit Union and Mesker Park Zoo, Wild Summer Lights is a limited-time event that will run Thursday through Sunday evenings and will require advanced special event tickets.

More Than A Mile of Glowing Lantern Displays

You'll find illuminated displays celebrating art, nature, and culture in a vibrant, interactive way as it stretches for more than a mile. Created in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc., the largest Chinese lantern festival producer in North America, Wild Summer Lights will showcase the authentic craftsmanship and beauty of this centuries-old tradition. Having produced more than 86 festivals across 78 cities in the United States, they have shared their talents with over 7 million visitors in the past decade.

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Wild Summer Nights Ticket Information

Tickets for Wild Summer Nights at Mesker Park Zoo are just $18 for everyone age 13 and older, and $16 for children ages 3–12. Children 2 and under are free. Zoo members save $3 per ticket, and all tickets must be purchased online in advance at meskerparkzoo.com. General admission zoo tickets are not valid during the festival.

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Proceeds Benefit Evansville Zoological Society

Some areas of the zoo will not be accessible during the event, and animal visibility may be limited. However, you do not want to miss all that this event has to offer. Plus, proceeds from Wild Summer Lights benefit the Evansville Zoological Society 501(c)(3), supporting the zoo’s mission of connecting people with the natural world.

What To Expect

Take a peek at the video below to see some highlights from other Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc. lighted displays. You'll very quickly realize that this is a must-not-miss event.