By Marissa Willman
The Living Desert is lighting up after dark this spring with the return of Glow in the Park, an annual lantern festival that brings festive light displays, larger-than-life lantern installations, and family-friendly fun to the park.
From March 16 through April 28, the highly anticipated springtime celebration brings illuminated wonder, delectable flavors, and boundless fun to The Living Desert. Upon entering the park, guests will be greeted with enchanting lantern scenes, illuminated pathways, and interactive installations that encourage guests to explore. From mesmerizing light displays to fantastic photo opportunities, every corner of Glow in the Park offers something new and exciting to discover.
One of the highlights of this year’s event is the lineup of themed nights, each offering a unique twist on the Glow in the Park experience. Whether you’re looking for a lively night out with friends at the Adult Night, a fun-filled evening for the whole family at La Familia Night, or a country-themed extravaganza at Country Night, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This year’s themed evenings include:
- March 21: Glow with Pride, presented by KGAY 106.5
- April 11: Adult Night (21+) with MIX 100.5
- April 18: La Familia Night with KUNA-FM
- April 25: Country Night with The Bull 98.5
Specialty food and drinks will also be available during Glow in the Park, including customizable Asian noodle bowls (with vegetarian and vegan options) and a delightful cherry blossom cocktail.
This year, a new GLOW All Day bundle lets you enjoy the park from sunrise to sunset for a full day of desert adventures. The bundle includes daytime admission to the zoo and nighttime admission to Glow in the Park, plus a giraffe feeding experience, perfect for getting a look at the two new baby giraffes the zoo has welcomed in 2024!
“This year’s Glow in the Park invites everyone to experience the enchantment of nature while also embracing our commitment to wildlife conservation and education,” said Allen Monroe, President and CEO of The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. “With our GLOW All Day Bundle, guests can explore the Zoo during the day while they learn about our conservation efforts and desert plants and animals; then continue the adventure into the night with Glow in the Park. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with nature and support our mission of preserving the beauty of our planet for generations to come.”
Glow in the Park runs through April 28, from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM, with last admission at 9:00 PM. Tickets are available for purchase online at LivingDesert.org/Glow.
