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Spotlight Events

Erie Zoo Illuminates With Chinese Lantern Festival

Catch inaugural artistic centennial celebration through June

by Thomas Taylor
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April 10, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Contributed
Be sure to stop in to see the Erie Zoo adorned with a colorfully unique display of handmade lanterns at their Glow Wild: Chinese Lantern Festival, weekends through June 15.

BEGINNING THURSDAY, APR. 17

The Erie Zoo will light up the night sky to celebrate their centennial anniversary with Glow Wild: Chinese Lantern Festival. Featuring displays of glowing animals and handcrafted lanterns produced by Hanart Culture, the event showcases a world of illumination with live entertainment and interactive experiences for guests.

"Glow Wild offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience your Erie Zoo in a whole new way," Erie Zoo CEO Roo Kojancie described. "As we mark our centennial year, this event is a celebration of culture and creativity, bringing a unique and vibrant experience to our community. Guests will see the zoo illuminated like never before, and our team is excited for everyone to take in the stunning displays and immersive atmosphere."

In partnership with Holiday Inn Erie and the Bayfront Sheraton, the zoo also offers Overnight Bundle packages for guests traveling to Erie for the festival. Complimentary drinks and an appetizer are provided within the Glow Wild Adventure Package from the Bayfront Sheraton alongside two tickets. Also, guests can receive a discount to the expErience Children's Museum by presenting their Glow Wild ticket at the museum's front desk.

Glow Wild is the first Chinese Lantern Festival within the Erie region, with the work of Hanart Culture's experienced performers and artisans being featured at Zoo Atlanta and the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Each lantern is hand-made by masters in Zigong within the Sichuan providence of China, with intricate designs taking hundreds of hours to craft.  "The art of making Chinese lanterns is a tradition that goes back many centuries. We are happy to share the beauty of not only the lanterns, but the Chinese culture," said George Zhao, president of Hanart Culture. 

Thursdays through Sundays from Apr. 17 to Jun. 15 // 6 to 10 p.m. // Erie Zoo, 423 W. 38th St. // $15-$22 // For tickets and info: eriezoo.org

Erie ZooGlow WildChinese Lantern FestivalHanart

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August 2026: Erie Gives
Erie Reader: Vol. 16, No. 8
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