Step Into the Wild: Denver Zoo’s After-Dark Glow Is Here ✨🦁

Lanterns, giraffes, and glowing surprises—Glowing Wild at Denver Zoo is lighting up the season. Don’t miss Denver’s most dazzling event!

Author

What's Happenin' Denver
March 26, 2025

🚗🌟 Glowing Wild at Denver Zoo: A Lantern Adventure Like No Other

Hey Denver!

From African lions to immersive lanterns, the Denver Zoo is more than a family favorite—it’s a conservation powerhouse and one of the most beloved destinations in the city. With over 4,100 animals and world-class exhibits, it’s no wonder it’s the most visited cultural attraction in Colorado.

This spring, the zoo is lighting up the night with Glowing Wild, an evening-only lantern experience featuring 145+ glowing sculptures, themed food + drink passports, and magical moments around every corner. Whether you’re going with kids or making it a date night, this event is a must-see. 🐅✨

🦁 Denver Zoo: Where Wildlife Meets Wonder

Whether you’re visiting with the family or reliving your childhood fascination with animals, the Denver Zoo is a can’t-miss destination in the heart of City Park. Home to 4,100+ animals and over 600 species, the zoo has evolved over 125 years into one of the top-ranked zoological institutions in the country—committed to conservation, education, and awe-inspiring experiences.

🐾 Highlights at the Zoo:

• 🦒 New Baby Giraffe! Catch a glimpse of BB’s adorable calf on the live cam.

• 🐘 Toyota Elephant Passage – Watch elephants roam in one of the most innovative habitats in the world.

• 🐍 Tropical Discovery – Explore rainforests, reefs, and reptiles in this immersive indoor space.

• 🦧 Primate Panorama – Home to swinging gibbons and majestic orangutans.

• 🦍 Gorilla Trek VR – A high-tech virtual journey into the African jungle.

🎟️ Zoo Hours + Admission

• Open daily from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)

• Adult: $26 | Senior: $23 | Youth (3–15): $19 | 2 & Under: Free

✨ Glowing Wild: An After-Dark Lantern Experience

Now through May 4, see the Denver Zoo like never before with Glowing Wild, a limited-time evening-only event filled with massive glowing lanterns, interactive light displays, and 60+ animal-themed scenes from around the globe.

Wander through a giant illuminated crocodile, chat with glowing birds, and marvel at dazzling botanical installations. It’s wildlife conservation meets glowing art—and it’s totally magical.

🕕 Hours:

• March 13–31: 6:00–9:30 PM

• April & May: Select nights, 6:30–9:30 PM

💸 Pricing:

• General Admission (April 10–May 4): Adults $26 | Youth $19

• Peak (March 13–April 6): Adults $28 | Youth $21

• Members Save! ($20 Adults / $15 Youth)

🍴 Bonus: Grab a Food + Drink Passport for a bite-sized tasting tour across five zoo eateries. Options include savory snacks, sweet treats, and adult sips.

🎉 Special Nights:

• Adult Night (21+): April 3 & May 1 — $30 includes a drink!

• Sensory-Friendly Night: April 13 — Calmer lighting and sounds for a more inclusive experience.

Denver Trivia Time 🌟

What year did Denver Zoo officially open to the public?

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Answer at the bottom of this issue!

🌆 Mile High Happenings & Weather ☀️❄️

Wednesday, March 26

☀️ Sunny | High: 78°F | Low: 48°F | Wind: N 7 mph | 1% chance of rain

🆓  Free Events

♟️ Chess Night | 🕕 6:00 - 9:00 PM | 📍 Woods Boss Brewing

🎤 Open Mic Comedy | 🕣 8:30 PM - 1:30 AM | 📍 Wide Right

❓ Punk Rock Trivia Night | 🕖 7:00 - 9:00 PM | 📍 Bowman’s Vinyl & Lounge 💰

Ticketed Events

🤠 Mile High Roundup | 🕘 9:00 PM - 12:00 AM | 📍 Mile High Spirits

🎸 This is Lorelei – Live with Starcleaner Reunion. @ Globe Hall, 8 PM ($15+)

🎤 Tobe Nwigwe – Home is Where the Hood Is Tour. @ The Ogden Theatre, 8 PM ($$)

Thursday, March 27

🌤️ Partly Cloudy | High: 80°F | Low: 52°F | Wind: SSW 10 mph | 0% chance of rain

🆓 Free Events

❓ Trivia Night! | 🕡 6:30 - 8:30 PM | 📍 The Waldschänke

💰 Ticketed Events

🦞 Boogie T.Rio Blocka Party – Crawfish boil, DJ sets, flash tattoos & live music. @ Globe Hall, 8 PM ($$)

🎶 Claudio Narea – Únete Al Baile Tour 2025. @ The Oriental Theater, 8 PM ($$)

🎸 Matt Axton with Rodney Rice – Folk and roots live show. @ Swallow Hill Music, 8 PM ($30+)

🎤 Martha Wainwright – 20th Anniversary Tour. @ The Bluebird Theater, 7 PM ($$)

🎸 Movements with Citizen – Live rock show. @ The Fillmore, 6 PM ($53+)

🎤 PVRIS – Presented by Channel 93.3. @ The Ogden Theatre, 8 PM ($50+)

🎶 Music Matters March Closing Celebration – Community showcase celebrating music education. @ Roxy, 6-9 PM (Donation-based)

🎷 The Annie Booth Trio – Live jazz with dinner or bar seating. @ Nocturne, 6-10 PM ($26 bar, $98 dinner/show)

🔔 Singing Bowls at the Gardens: Spring Clearing – Sound healing meditation session. @ Denver Botanic Gardens, 5:30 PM ($25)

🎤 The Astronomers – With Jude Barclay. @ Globe Hall, 8 PM ($21+)

🎶 Tim Atlas – Enchanté Tour with Josh Fudge. @ Larimer Lounge, 8 PM ($11+)

Where are you heading this week? Tag us in your adventures! 🚀

🐾 See You at the Zoo!

Whether you’re feeding lorikeets, riding the Conservation Carousel, or wandering through a glowing crocodile at Glowing Wild, the Denver Zoo is the kind of place that brings out your sense of wonder—no matter your age.

Thanks for reading, and we’ll catch you next time with more ways to explore the Mile High City! 🐅🌟

✅ Answer: A) 1896

Denver Zoo was founded in 1896 after the mayor received a black bear cub as a gift—marking the beginning of what would become one of the top zoos in the country. 🐻🎉

Stay tuned for more Denver trivia next issue! 😉

—The What’s Happenin’ Denver Team

Planning your next Colorado adventure? Check out more fun beyond the zoo:

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