(BRIDGEPORT, CT) – Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is thrilled to announce the return of its wildly popular Glow Wild Lantern Festival, kicking off October 1 through December 20, 2026. This year, guests will experience an all-new Glow Wild, featuring an entirely new collection of vivid, intricately detailed animal lanterns making their worldwide debut, along with new lighting effects and immersive experiences throughout the Zoo.
Every lantern featured in Glow Wild 2026 is brand new from the designers and has never been displayed anywhere else. More detailed, complex and vivid than ever, the new creations form elaborate, diorama-like animal scenes that will take guests on an illuminated journey through the animal kingdom, with species and environments spanning Africa to the Arctic, from the equator to the poles.
For the first time, Glow Wild will also introduce immersive and enhanced lighting effects that bring the Zoo’s nighttime landscape to life in an entirely new way.
“Glow Wild 2026 is truly an all-new show,” said Zoo CEO Dr. Jim Wharton. “Every lantern is making its worldwide debut here at Beardsley Zoo, and the level of detail, color and artistry is incredible. Adding movement, sound and new lighting effects gives us another way to bring animals to life after dark and create an experience that feels completely fresh for our guests.”
The new lantern collection will remain overwhelmingly animal-focused, with illuminated scenes inspired by wildlife from across the globe and a dragon adding a touch of fantasy to the journey. Together, the lanterns, lighting and sound will create a richer, more immersive nighttime experience designed to surprise both first-time visitors and returning Glow fans.
Special thanks to GLOW Wild 2026 Community Impact Sponsor, ASML. “Innovation begins with curiosity, and experiences like Glow Wild inspire people to see the world through a new lens. By blending art, science, and the natural world into an unforgettable experience, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo creates opportunities for families to learn, explore, and connect,” said Michael Opuszynski, Senior Program Manager, Strategy Office of ASML. “ASML is honored to continue supporting this extraordinary tradition and help illuminate a season of discovery, wonder, and shared community experiences.”
Glow Wild 2026 tickets for the public go live September 7th, with timed-entry tickets available online at beardsleyzoo.org/glow-wild. Adult tickets (ages 12 +) are $25 online and $27 at the gate, and Children (11 and under) are $23 online and $25 at the gate. Tickets for Adults 65+ are $15 online and $17 at the gate; Children, two and under are free. Wheelchairs and strollers will be available to rent. For group bookings visit the website at beardsleyzoo.org or call for details.
Glow Wild opens officially on October 1st and is currently scheduled to run through December 20, 2026. Get ready to experience the Zoo after dark in an entirely new way with never-before-seen lanterns, animals appearing throughout the forest, and an all-new Glow Wild adventure.
About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating 102 years, features 350 animals representing primarily North and South American and Northern Asian species. Guests won’t want to miss our Red Pandas, Andean bears, maned wolves, Mexican gray wolves, and American Red Wolves. Other highlights include our Spider Monkey Habitat, and new prairie dog exhibit! As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participant in its Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs, the non-profit Zoo is committed to the preservation of endangered animals and wild habitats. Tickets may be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org.