Día de los Muertos (2026)

Experience Día de los Muertos (2026) at Louisville Zoo in Louisville, KY.

November 1 & 2 FREE with Zoo admission or Louisville Zoo membership The Louisville Zoo is creating a special ofrenda for Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) to honor beloved pets and Zoo animals that have passed away–animals who brought joy to our guests, inspired our mission, and touched the hearts of staff. Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a traditional celebration in Mexico and many other cultures to honor and remember loved ones who have passed. It is a vibrant and heartfelt tradition and a joyful celebration of the life, memory, and connections we had with those who have passed. As part of the celebration, families create ofrendas, or altars, decorated with photos and other meaningful items to remember those who have passed. Marigolds and monarch butterflies are also common themes as the holiday coincides with the monarch butterflies return to Mexico to overwinter in the oyamel fir forest in the mountains of Michoacan and the State of Mexico. FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS Bunny Hop March 28 & 29, 2026 @ 10:00 am Hop over for an EGGstra fun time as you meet the Easter Bunny, hunt for eggs and more. Kentucky Shakespeare – The Tempest April 4, 2026 @ 11:00 am Kentucky Shakespeare, the Official Shakespeare Festival of Kentucky, presents THE TEMPEST at the Louisville Zoo. VIP (Very Important Princesses) Party 2026 April 11 & 12, 2026 Sessions at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. The Louisville Zoo invites all our VIPs (Very Important Princesses and Princes) to a royal banquet straight out of a fairytale. Join princesses from every kingdom for an enchanting storybook celebration. Native Plant Sale (April 2026) April 19, 2026 @ 10:00 am Browse a selection of native plants available for purchase at the Zoo. Throo the Zoo 5K Run/Walk 2026 May 9, 2026 @ 8:00 am Race on over for the WILDEST 5K in Louisville! This unique course doesn’t just go around the Zoo but takes you on a safari directly “throo” the Zoo! Participants receive a t-shirt, finishers medal, post-race refreshments, PLUS a ticket to visit the Zoo at a much slower pace! Storybook Character Day (2026) May 16, 2026 @ 10:00 am We’re fully booked with friends like Curious George, Clifford, Pete the Cat and more! Join us as your favorite characters hop straight off the page and right to your Zoo! Super Summer Saturday (2026) June 6, 2026 @ 10:00 am Fly, jump or warp your way over to the Zoo to visit with some of your favorite superheroes, here to kick off the summer season. While at the Zoo, learn about some of the amazing adaptations your favorite animals harness as their own wild “superpowers”. @ Summer Santa (2026) July 18, 2026 @ 10:00 am It’s a jolly summer holiday as Santa and Mrs. Claus stop at your Zoo while on vacation. Join them to get your holiday list in early. Royal Rendezvous (2026) August 8, 2026 @ 10:00 am Princesses have arrived from faraway lands to close out the summer season with all of their adoring (and adorable) subjects. Ball gowns are not required, but guests are welcome to dress their best for this Royal Rendezvous. Cinema Safari 2026 – Zootopia 2 August 14, 2026 @ 8:00 pm Hey bub, grab your partners-in-crime (or crime-fighting) and join Judy and Nick as they try to make the world a better place. Cinema Safari 2026 – Wicked For Good September 4, 2026 @ 8:00 pm We’re bubbling with excitement for the finale to the hit musical starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Native Plant Sale (September 2026) September 13, 2026 @ 10:00 am Browse a selection of native plants available for purchase at the Zoo. Whether you’re just starting out or have been gardening for years, you are sure to find the perfect plants to benefit the pollinators that visit your at-home habitat. La Fiesta at the Zoo: A Latin American Heritage Celebration (2026) September 19, 2026 @ 10:00 am Join the Louisville Zoo for a fun celebración! Partners from throughout our community will be here to share information and resources, festive music, vibrant art and more. Boo at the Zoo (2026) October 1 – 29 (Select nights) Join us for the sweetest party in town! Boo at the Zoo features trick-or-treating for kids 11-and-under, rides, and special attractions all for one great price. Boo at the Zoo 2026 – Sensory Friendly Night October 7, 2026 @ 5:00 pm This special night features peanut-free treat booths and added non-food treats like stickers, tattoos, pencils and more. Boo at the Zoo 2026 – Allergy Friendly Night October 28, 2026 @ 5:00 pm This special night features peanut-free treat booths and added non-food treats like stickers, tattoos, pencils and more. Día de los Muertos (2026) November 1 & 2, 2026 The Louisville Zoo is creating a special ofrenda for Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) to honor beloved pets and Zoo animals that have passed away–animals who brought joy to our guests, inspired our mission, and touched the hearts of staff. Throo the Boo 2026 November 7, 2026 @ 6:00 pm Dash over and join us for the SWEETEST Fun Run in Louisville! This unique course doesn’t just go around the Zoo but takes you directly “throo” the Zoo along our popular Boo at the Zoo route. Race past your favorite Halloween characters and decorations at this fun run full of treats and no tricks. Beary Happy Holidays (2026) December 5-6 December 12 – 13 December 19-20 (Santa & Mrs. Claus) Throughout December, we’re transforming areas of your Zoo into a winter wonderland, complete with holiday-themed decorations and animal enrichment.

Event information from Louisville Zoo.