Forest Park is set to light up again this spring as Animals Aglow, the Saint Louis Zoo's illuminated lantern festival, returns for its third year. The ticketed event will run on select nights from March 13 through May 17, 2026, with organizers promising dozens of new lanterns, interactive installations and nightly Chinese cultural performances tailored to families and evening visitors. The zoo has also carved out two sensory-friendly evenings for guests who prefer a quieter, lower-stimulus experience.
Dates, hours and sensory-friendly nights
According to the Saint Louis Zoo's event page, Animals Aglow runs March 13–May 17, 2026, and will be open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., with hours extended to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The zoo lists Sensory-Friendly Nights on March 29 and April 8, noting that tickets went on sale at the end of January.
Lanterns, performances and what's new
As reported by First Alert 4, this year's festival will feature about 60 displays featuring animals, plants and traditional Chinese elements, along with nightly performances that include juggling and dance. The outlet also notes the event will be closed on Sunday, April 19, and lists ticket prices ranging from $17.95 to $24.95. Michael Macek, the zoo's executive director, told First Alert 4 the festival "gives the Zoo a new way to connect our community to the incredible diversity of life."
Tickets and practical tips
The zoo directs buyers to its Animals Aglow page for tickets, showtimes and special programming. Parking in the zoo's North and South lots is free during the event, although it fills quickly on weekend nights. Visitors are encouraged to check the event page for peak and non-peak dates before heading out so they can choose a less crowded evening or plan for parking and arrival times.
Background and what to expect
The festival is produced in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, whose artisans hand-make lanterns by weaving thousands of LED lights over metal frames and covering them in colorful silks, a craft noted by industry coverage. InPark Magazine and local partners say the 2024 debut drew more than 131,000 ticketed guests, and organizers built this year's lineup around larger interactive pieces and traditional Chinese elements. The zoo notes that animals and indoor buildings will not be viewable during Animals Aglow, so the evening is set up as a lights-and-culture experience rather than a typical daytime zoo visit.
