Win Tickets to Mesker Park Zoo’s Wild Summer Lights

One of Evansville's most spectacular summer events has returned!

Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden is once again transforming into a glowing nighttime experience as Wild Summer Lights returns for another season of larger-than-life Chinese lantern displays, live entertainment, and family fun.

A Mile of Illuminated Wonder

Wild Summer Lights offers a completely different way to experience Mekser Park Zoo.

Guests can stroll through more than a mile of handcrafted Chinese lantern displays, featuring colorful scenes inspired by wildlife, nature, art, and culture. The immersive nighttime experience is created in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, one of North America's leading producers of Chinese lantern festivals.

In addition to the illuminated displays, guests can also enjoy live local music each evening and a rotating lineup of food trucks, making it a perfect summer night out for the whole family.

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Event Dates and Ticket Information

Wild Summer Lights runs:

• July 30 through October 4, 2026
• Thursday through Sunday
• 6 to 10 p.m.

Tickets are:

• $18 for guests ages 13 and older
• $16 for children ages 3-12
• Free for children ages 2 and younger

Zoo members receive $3 off each ticket.

Tickets are available online through Mesker Park Zoo. Regular daytime zoo admission is not valid during Wild Summer Lights.

Because this is an evening lantern festival, some animal exhibits may not be accessible, and animal visibility may be limited during the event.

Listen to Win

Want to experience Wild Summer Lights without buying tickets?

Listen to 103GBF weekday afternoons from 3 to 7 p.m. with Kat Mykals for your chance to win a Family Four-Pack of passes.

Whether you're seeing the glowing lanterns for the first time or making a return visit, Wild Summer Lights is one of Evansville's most unique summer traditions and a memorable way to spend an evening before the season comes to a close.