Amazing ‘Wild Lights Festival’ Will Return to Iowa This Spring

Get ready to see some "wild lights" this spring! The Wild Lights Festival, an annual event put on by the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, will return in early April!

According to the zoo's website, the Wild Lights Festival features "nearly 50 handcrafted, larger-than-life, illuminated Asian lanterns," including "animal displays, interactives, Asian mythical creatures, and many, many photo and selfie opportunities." And, the 2024 event will feature new lanterns, including an 82-foot-long Chinese dragon (as seen above)!

The 2024 Wild Lights Festival will run Thursday through Sunday from April 5th to May 27th. Admission each night begins at 7:30, and the final admission time is 9:30 p.m. The festival ends at 10 p.m., but Blank Park Zoo says that "the best times to walk the path and see the lights begin at sunset." You'll want to give yourself 60 to 90 minutes to get the full experience. It's a rain-or-shine experience, so dress appropriately for the weather conditions!

Tickets for the Blank Park Zoo's Wild Lights Festival will go on sale to the public very soon. A one-day sale is scheduled for Wednesday, March 6th, where tickets will be available for up to 40% off. If you plan to visit with a large group (40 or more people), there are also group ticket discounts - call 515-285-4722 for more information.

The Blank Park Zoo encourages people to purchase their Wild Lights tickets in advance, as there is only a limited number available each evening. They also recommend that you only purchase online tickets from their official website. BEWARE of scammers on social media! You can read more about the 2024 festival HERE.