Zoo Luminate Returns with 'Sea to Believe' theme

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- It's time for Zoo Luminate 2026. 

Potawatomi Zoo is enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year, but one thing that the zoo can't show off is marine life. Until now. This year's Zoo Luminate theme is 'Sea to Believe' bringing ocean creatures from all over the world to the zoo in the form of glowing lanterns.  

All of the lanterns are hand-crafted every year by a specialty Chinese company, You Tian, and the event takes them about a month to set up.

Kyle Etheridge is the Director of Guest Experiences at the zoo and is excited to have Zoo Luminate again this year. "It's awesome. We're so excited to have it back. There are a few lanterns that I like as my favorites. (The) tunnel is right when you come in. This is one of our better ones, in my opinion. There's a gigantic whale."

He continued "...you'll venture through, you'll find some Arctic, you'll find some rain forest, and then you find a lot of fish and sea turtles and sharks. It's so cool." 

"There's plenty of time to come out and see the lights, but it's incredible to see. It's so worth it. It's a fun family activity, and we have a lot to check out here at the zoo for Zoo Luminate."

Zoo Luminate runs now through June 28, every Wednesday through Sunday, now open until 11 p.m. so visitors can enjoy the lights later into the evening.