6:30 - 10 p.m.
This brand-new event at your Akron Zoo is a can't miss experience of animals, art and light! This awe-inspiring event offers a unique look at wildlife and nature through spring-themed lighting, illuminated paintings, projection mapping and lighted sculptures from local artists.
This event is a nighttime event full of illuminated displays and spring-themed lighting. Please keep this in mind when deciding what time to arrive. The darker, the better - it's when the excitement truly comes alive!
Dates for 2024
- April 4-6, 12, 19-20, 26-27
- May 3-4, 10, 17-18, 24-25, 31
- June 1
Prices
- Adult: $18-24
- Akron Zoo Member Adult: $14-20
- Child (2-14 years): $14-20
- Akron Zoo Member Child (2-14 years): $11-17
- Infants (under 2 years): FREE
Wildlife Illuminated has something for everyone to enjoy!
- Areas of the zoo will shine with special-effect lighting and lighted elements, such as bees, dragonflies, sea kelp, tunnel of flowers and cherry blossom trees.
- Enjoy an immersive experience as you walk through six different biomes - rainforest, temperate forest, ocean, tundra, savannah and desert - on display in Lehner Family Zoo Gardens. Each biome will feautre resin animals, projections and other elements to bring these areas to life.
- Fifteen illuminated endangered species paintings will be placed throughout the zoo. Animals such as giraffe, orangutan, sea turtle, African painted dog and more will be featured on paintings created by artist, Russ Ronat, of Project Holocene.
- Celebrate local artists through commissioned artwork, such as sculpted jellyfish and butterflies, helping to connect you to wildlife and art.
- An interactive mural, as well as a poetry station designed by Kent State University's Wick Poetry Center, will encourage guests to express their creativity and artistics talents.
- As skies darken each night, two separate buildings in the zoo will come alive with projection mapping. Each projection will display detail projection featuring endangered species and their habitats, The projections are set to music and designed by local artist, Kevin Jackson.
- Each weekend, different local performing artists will be showcased. Guest can enjoy live music, dance, painting or sculpting.
- Learn more about the zoo's conservation efforts through various conservation activities.
Adult Fun
Check out our special adult-only events during Wildlife Illuminated!
- Pints 'n Pollinators - Saturday, April 13
- Roars 'n Pours - Saturday, May 11
*These events are 21 and older only.
Family Friendly Fun
Looking to add some adventure to your Wildlife Illuminated visit?
Check out our VIP Mocktail Hour Adventure! - April 20, April 27 & May 4