PRESENTED BY
GLOW Wild Lantern Festival Returns!
September 25 - December 14, 2025
Thursdays - Sundays
5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Get ready to light up the night at Glow Wild, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo’s most dazzling nighttime tradition! Back by popular demand, this illuminated lantern festival transforms the Zoo into a glowing wonderland filled with over 35 larger-than-life, hand-crafted lantern displays that celebrate wildlife, nature, and the magic of the season. Perfect for families, date nights, and evening adventures, Glow Wild offers a unique way to experience the Zoo after dark. Enjoy new experiences, tasty treats, and photo-worthy moments at every turn. Come see the Zoo in a whole new light!
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Please note that Glow Wild does not run on Halloween or Thanksgiving nights. Additional Blackout dates may apply.
GLOW Wild will be closed for a private Event: October 10, 11, & 12.
Thursdays - Sundays
5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Get ready to light up the night at Glow Wild, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo’s most dazzling nighttime tradition! Back by popular demand, this illuminated lantern festival transforms the Zoo into a glowing wonderland filled with over 35 larger-than-life, hand-crafted lantern displays that celebrate wildlife, nature, and the magic of the season. Perfect for families, date nights, and evening adventures, Glow Wild offers a unique way to experience the Zoo after dark. Enjoy new experiences, tasty treats, and photo-worthy moments at every turn. Come see the Zoo in a whole new light!
--
Please note that Glow Wild does not run on Halloween or Thanksgiving nights. Additional Blackout dates may apply.
GLOW Wild will be closed for a private Event: October 10, 11, & 12.
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Ticket Pricing
Adult tickets (ages 12 +):$25 Children (11 and under): $23 Under two and adults 76 and over: Free |
Member Discount
Zoo members receive $2 off of every Glow Wild ticket purchased. At checkout, simply check the "I'm a Member!" box and sign in with your member ID to receive your discount. |
Glowing Reviews for 2024!
“This was the GREATEST event to come to the zoo and the city!
"Just about the entire zoo was covered - there was something to see everywhere!
"On a scale from 0-10 this is an 11!
"My mom who is 81 years old has not stopped talking about it and is telling all her friends they need to go.
"Such a fun family adventure. It was perfect for celebrating my daughter's birthday with a few friends!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long can you stay at the glow wild lantern festival?
The tickets are sold in half hour increments so that we can control the crowd flow, but you can stay as long as you like. It should take you an hour or so to walk through the Zoo and enjoy the lanterns.
2. How late will the animals be outside?
The animals will be put away at their normal times—at 4pm when the Zoo closes. There will not be animal viewings at night.
3. Can i use my general admission day ticket towards the glow wild lantern festival?
No. These are two separate admission tickets - one for a daytime trip to the Zoo, and one for the nighttime Glow Wild experience.
4. Is the event rain or shine?
Yes, the event is rain or shine! Dress for the weather!
5. Are the tickets non-refundable? If we purchase tickets and then need to change day/time can we reschedule?
There will be no exchanges or refunds. In the event that we cancel the event, exchanges to a new date will be issued.
6. WIll the Zoo STIll close at 4 PM?
Yes. The Zoo will continue to be open daily from 9:00am - 4:00pm. At 4:00pm the zoo will close. Gates will reopen to guests who purchased GLOW WILD tickets at 5:30 PM.
7. Will there be food available?
A limited menu of drinks and snacks will be available out of the side window of the café.
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Title Sponsor
ASML
Glow Wild Sponsor
The Ernest & Joan Trefz Foundation
Elite Sponsor
Avangrid (UI, SCG)
Select Sponsors
AARP
M&T Bank
R.D. Scinto, Inc.
Support Sponsors
Barker Specialty
Coca Cola Northeast
LIV IT UP
ASML
Glow Wild Sponsor
The Ernest & Joan Trefz Foundation
Elite Sponsor
Avangrid (UI, SCG)
Select Sponsors
AARP
M&T Bank
R.D. Scinto, Inc.
Support Sponsors
Barker Specialty
Coca Cola Northeast
LIV IT UP
Interested in becoming a sponsor?
Support this illuminating community event by becoming a sponsor and get your/ your company's name displayed next to a lantern. Your sponsorship support will be marketed to over 125,000 onsite visitors, and include reach to over 150,000 digital followers. This event would not be possible without our sponsors and their generous support.
Please contact Ashley Volkens, Director of Development & Marketing
[email protected] // 203.394.5522
Support this illuminating community event by becoming a sponsor and get your/ your company's name displayed next to a lantern. Your sponsorship support will be marketed to over 125,000 onsite visitors, and include reach to over 150,000 digital followers. This event would not be possible without our sponsors and their generous support.
Please contact Ashley Volkens, Director of Development & Marketing
[email protected] // 203.394.5522
