Walk-through lantern installation
FinishedAnimals Aglow
St. Louis, Missouri
March 13, 2026 – May 17, 2026
Last verified · 5 official sources
At a glance
Quick facts
- Season dates
- March 13, 2026 – May 17, 2026
- Venue
- Saint Louis Zoo
- Usual hours
- The 2026 event ran Wednesday–Sunday, March 13–May 17, usually 6:30–9:30 p.m. Central, with selected nights extended to 10 p.m. The zoo says this season has concluded.
- Format
- Walk-through lantern installation
- Organizer
- Saint Louis Zoo
Status & verification
Event status and verification
Finished The last verified season ran March 13, 2026 – May 17, 2026. Check the official event site for a future season announcement.
Last verified · 5 official sources
Saint Louis Zoo Animals Aglow status page ↗Saint Louis Zoo 2026 Animals Aglow announcement ↗Dates & hours
March 13, 2026 – May 17, 2026
The 2026 event ran Wednesday–Sunday, March 13–May 17, usually 6:30–9:30 p.m. Central, with selected nights extended to 10 p.m. The zoo says this season has concluded.Saint Louis Zoo 2026 Animals Aglow announcement ↗Saint Louis Zoo Animals Aglow status page ↗
Location & directions
Parking & transportation
- The 2026 event map marked the zoo’s North and South parking lots, but did not state an event-specific parking price. The zoo’s current general parking page lists paid parking and says prices can change.Saint Louis Zoo 2026 Animals Aglow program ↗Saint Louis Zoo general parking and transit guide ↗
- For general zoo access, MetroBus route 90 stops near the North Entrance; the zoo also lists a MetroLink connection through Forest Park–DeBaliviere. Event-night service was not separately confirmed.Saint Louis Zoo general parking and transit guide ↗
What to expect
- The 2026 Animals Aglow route displayed more than 60 new illuminated animal, plant, and Chinese cultural scenes, with interactive lantern areas and walk-through corridors.Saint Louis Zoo 2026 Animals Aglow announcement ↗Saint Louis Zoo 2026 Animals Aglow program ↗
- The 2026 event program said animals and animal buildings were not open for viewing during Animals Aglow.Saint Louis Zoo 2026 Animals Aglow program ↗
Food & drinks
- The 2026 event program listed specialty food and drink at several zoo cafés and stands. Those menus are not a promise for a future season.Saint Louis Zoo 2026 Animals Aglow program ↗
Accessibility
- The zoo’s general accessibility guide lists accessible parking in both lots and says major facilities are wheelchair accessible. An Animals Aglow-specific route assessment was not published in the checked sources.Saint Louis Zoo general accessibility guide ↗
Tips before you go
- The current Animals Aglow page says the season has ended and offers no new event dates or ticket sale. Do not assume that free daytime zoo admission applies to this special event.Saint Louis Zoo Animals Aglow status page ↗
- The 2026 program asked visitors to stay behind marked barriers and avoid touching or climbing on lanterns.Saint Louis Zoo 2026 Animals Aglow program ↗
Frequently asked questions
Is Animals Aglow still open?
No. The Saint Louis Zoo states that the 2026 season has concluded; it has not posted new event dates.
Saint Louis Zoo Animals Aglow status page ↗Are zoo animals viewable during Animals Aglow?
The zoo’s 2026 event program said no animals or animal buildings were open for viewing during this event.
Saint Louis Zoo 2026 Animals Aglow program ↗Is parking free for Animals Aglow?
The checked 2026 event materials did not confirm an event-specific parking price. The zoo’s general parking policy currently lists paid lots, so check the next event announcement.
Saint Louis Zoo 2026 Animals Aglow program ↗Saint Louis Zoo general parking and transit guide ↗Official sources
These pages were checked on September 26, 2026. Follow the organizer’s current instructions if anything changes.
- Saint Louis Zoo Animals Aglow status page ↗Official event schedule · exact event name, season concluded, zoo address, absence of new-season tickets
- Saint Louis Zoo 2026 Animals Aglow announcement ↗Official event schedule · 2026 dates and hours, display format
- Saint Louis Zoo 2026 Animals Aglow program ↗Official visitor FAQ · event map, food locations, animal-building closure, lantern safety rules
- Saint Louis Zoo general parking and transit guide ↗Venue directions and parking · venue address, current general parking policy, MetroBus and MetroLink directions
- Saint Louis Zoo general accessibility guide ↗Venue accessibility · general accessible parking and facilities
Update history
- — Confirmed the 2026 season concluded; omitted unannounced next-season dates, tickets, and event-specific parking prices.Saint Louis Zoo Animals Aglow status page ↗Saint Louis Zoo 2026 Animals Aglow announcement ↗Saint Louis Zoo general parking and transit guide ↗
Last verified · 5 official sources
Event details can change. Check the official event page before your visit.