Thousands of handcrafted silk lanterns are set to light up the Little Rock Zoo again starting Thursday, as GloWild kicks off its sixth season with opening-weekend programming featuring costume contests, character meet-and-greets and live music. The nighttime spectacle returns to light up the grounds once more.
The zoo's current event page lists select nights from October 29, 2026, through January 3, 2027. The zoo's blog outlines an opening-weekend program for the season, which begins October 29. Altrui has discussed new exhibits for GloWild.
The zoo's own event page describes dazzling handcrafted silk lanterns taking center stage across the grounds, transforming the zoo into an after-dark wonderland. The displays also include interactive elements, and food kiosks sell s'mores and other treats.
What's Happening Opening Weekend
The first week of GloWild features characters, costume contests and live music, according to THV11. The zoo's own schedule fills in some of those details: Happily Ever After characters are set to greet guests at the Plaza and Civitan Pavilion from 6 to 8 p.m., while a costume contest hosted by Dustin Bean is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Civitan Pavilion, per the zoo's blog post.
Musician Christine DeMeo is scheduled to perform at the Elephant Stage from 5 to 8:30 p.m., the same source notes. Food kiosks are expected to sell seasonal treats including gooey s'mores, pretzels and Dippin' Dots, though the zoo specifies that food and treats are sold separately from GloWild admission, while the listed activities are included with the price of a ticket.
A Fundraiser With a Growing Footprint
GloWild is described by the zoo as one of its largest annual fundraisers, with proceeds going toward animal care, conservation, education and the zoo's future, according to the event's official page. Tickets can be purchased online, and the zoo notes that members receive discounted admission.
The event has grown steadily since its debut. AY Magazine reported that GloWild expanded from a 40-night run in its 2023-24 season to 45 nights the following year, and that it emerged as a successful alternative after the zoo's former Halloween event, Boo at the Zoo, became too costly to hold annually. By its third year, GloWILD was described as the most successful event in Little Rock Zoo history, drawing more than 40,000 visitors, AY Magazine also reported.
Past seasons have featured elaborate builds, including a 100-foot-long, 20-foot-tall dragon display and more than 500,000 LED lights spread across the zoo's roughly 33-acre footprint, according to the same outlet. The lanterns and displays are designed and installed in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, AY Magazine reported. Past seasons have featured themed sections and food offerings. The zoo has said children two and under are admitted free. GloWild has also featured a Sensory Night and a New Year's Eve party.
