Glowing in Brookfield
By Naperville Magazine
Appears in the March 2026 issue.
By Jeff Banowetz
Brookfield Zoo Chicago launches a new evening event featuring illuminated sculptures
A trip to the zoo is typically a daytime adventure. But the latest offering at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (3300 Golf Road) starts once the sun goes down.
“Glow Wild: A Lantern Festival of Hope” is a first-of-its-kind event for the zoo, featuring illuminated, handcrafted sculptures alongside food vendors, global cultural displays, and conservation exhibits. The festival, which opens March 19 and runs through May 10, is being held in collaboration with Hanart Culture, a company known for producing Chinese lantern festivals worldwide. It will be the first time work from Hanart Culture, which is based in China, is seen in the Chicago area.
“Every year, we’re always looking for new experiences to add to our lineup,” says Julianne Olivo, the zoo’s director of public relations. “We’ve seen other zoos do similar evening programming, and we wanted to try something here. It’s an opportunity to show our guests and members something that’s culturally inspired and brings a really unique connection to wildlife.”
Visitors can wander among more than 70 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns, many, of course, created in the images of animals you’ll find at the zoo. The festival also will include cuisine inspired by international flavors, as well as the “Hub of Hope,” a central plaza featuring cultural performances and interactive experiences.
The lantern sculptures were built by a team of more than 30 artists in China. “It’s a very extensive process that brings them to life, starting with a concept design and then going through the creation of the pieces so that they can be weatherproof and packaged to bring them to the site,” Olivo says. “It has taken thousands of hours to make this all happen.”
Glow Wild is an all-ages festival, and those who enter also can enjoy unlimited rides on the zoo’s carousel and Ferris wheel. Select Thursday evenings will offer a sensory-friendly experience, with reduced light and sound. “We hope that people of all ages will come out and join us—we have select experiences that make this a unique event,” Olivo says. “For the 21-plus crowd, we’ll have some great cocktails or mocktails and food that make for a fun night out with the adults. But then, for those who are younger, this is a new way to see the zoo in a different way.”
What they won’t see, however, is most of the animals: They’ve gone to bed for the night. “If you’re interested in coming out to see the animals, your best bet is to come during the day when we’re open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m,” Olivo says. “The festival is really the experience of seeing the lanterns inspired by the animals under our care and exploring the zoo after dark.”
Another unique experience is the Lantern Lounge, in which people can rent an enclosed igloo for private dining at the festival. Up to 12 guests can enjoy the setting with food and beverages; reservations are required in advance.
“We had a similar setting available for our holiday lights event, and it was very popular,” Olivo says. “You work with our catering partner to have your custom food and beverage items there. It’s a really nice addition to experiencing the event and having a place to sit down.”
Overall, Glow Wild is a fresh experience with a relatively short window.
“This limited-time exhibition is something entirely new for Chicago and unlike anything guests have experienced at Brookfield Zoo before,” says Andrea Rodgers, senior vice president of guest experience and operations. “Bringing an immersive, after-dark wildlife lantern experience to our region creates a powerful, emotional connection between people, animals, and nature. Being surrounded by glowing, larger-than-life artworks and stories of hope can spark a deeper appreciation for the wildlife we’re working to protect.”
Glow Wild: A Lantern Festival of Hope runs from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. Festival admission is $19.95 for adults and $9.95 for children, with discounts for zoo members. For more info, call 708-688-8000 or visit brookfieldzoo.org.
Around Brookfield
While the zoo is the No. 1 entertainment option in town, it isn’t the only place to have fun. Here are other ideas for when you’re in the area.
SLÁINTE!
Located just a few minutes from the Brookfield Zoo, the Irish Times Pub & Restaurant (8869 Burlington Ave.) is one of the area’s most iconic Irish pubs—one of a few in the country to serve more than 1 million pints of Guinness. You’ll find both classic Irish fare like shepherd’s pie and corned beef, as well as seasonal dishes. In warmer weather, the large outdoor patio is one of the best in the area, and the all-you-can-eat Friday fish fry draws big crowds all year. irishtimespub.com
NO QUARTERS NECESSARY
Those seeking an ’80s-style arcade experience like no other will want to visit the Galloping Ghost Arcade (1945 Ogden Ave.), considered the largest video arcade in the country. You’ll find more than 885 video games—all free to play with the $25 entry fee at the door. More than 600 world records have been set on machines here. It’s open 365 days a year, 11 a.m. to midnight during the week and until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Go even more old school by visiting the pinball section next door. gallopingghostarcade.com
HIT THE TRAIL
Part of the Cook County Forest Preserves, the Salt Creek Trail runs 7.2 miles from the Brookfield Woods Forest Preserve (adjacent to the zoo) to Western Springs. You can park and access the paved trail from six different forest preserves along the route. It’s a great option for biking, running, and walking in a woodsy environment. fpdcc.com
Photos: Brookfield Zoo Chicago; Forest Preserves of Cook County; Irish Times Pub & Restaurant
