Día de los Muertos (2026)

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,…