Experience the Magic of Wild Summer Lights at Mesker Park Zoo

Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden will soon transform into a glowing wonderland with the debut of Wild Summer Lights, and we have your chance to win a 4-pack of tickets! Keep reading to learn how to register!!

Wild Summer Nights is Coming to Evansville, Indiana

Beginning August 14th, and every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night through October 5, 2025, 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

Stretching for more than a mile, you'll find illuminated displays celebrating art, nature, and culture in a vibrant, interactive way. 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 dozens of cities in the United States, Tianyu has produced, they have shared their talents with over 7 million visitors in the past decade.

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Wild Summer Nights Ticket Information

Tickets are 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.

Special Sensory Sessions for Guests

There will be Special Sensory Sessions held on Wednesday, August 20, and Wednesday, September 24, from 5:30–9:30 PM. These evenings feature reduced crowds, no live music, and a calmer environment for guests with sensory sensitivities.

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 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.

How to Win Tickets

Take a peek at the video below to see some highlights from other Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc. lighted displays, and then use our free app to register for your chance to win a 4-pack of tickets to experience Wild Summer Lights at Evansville's Mesker Park Zoo!