Popular lantern event will return to Kansas City Zoo for fifth year

Kansas City Entertainment Popular lantern event will return to Kansas City Zoo for fifth year The GloWild lantern festival has become a Kansas City tradition after operating only four years at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Year 5, with the theme 'Hidden Treasure,' will open Friday, Sept. 11, and run through Dec. 27. The nighttime experience will feature large lighted fabric sculptures replicating shipwrecks, buried treasure, jungle landscapes and more. The displays contain more than 34 tons of steel and nearly 89,000 feet of fabric. In addition to viewing the giant lanterns, visitors will be able to enjoy seasonally themed lanterns spanning fall and Halloween and through winter and Christmas. Other offerings will include free rides on the Endangered Species Carousel (6-9 p.m.) and $8 rides on the Flying Flamingo Zipline (6-9 p.m.). Here's what you need to know before you go. GloWild: 'Hidden Treasure' When: 6-10 p.m. Sept. 11-Oct. 30 and 5:30-10 p.m. Nov. 1-Dec. 27. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays except Nov. 23-24 and Dec. 21-22; also closed Dec. 24. Oct. 10 is open only to ticket holders for Brew at the Zoo. Where: Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, 6800 Zoo Drive What: A mile-long route filled with lighted sculptures, including some that can be walked through and others with moving parts. Cost: General admission $22-$24 online, $26-$28 at the gate; $2 less for Friends of the Zoo members; four tickets for $85. Unlimited admission $37-$39; GloWild-Zoo combo tickets for $27-$39. Event requires separate ticket from daily zoo admission. Notes: Because most animals will have bedded down for the evening, zoo animals will not be available for viewing. However, the Sobela Ocean Aquarium will be open on Wednesday evenings. Santa will be on hand Nov. 1-Dec. 27. Food and beverages available for purchase. GloWild is a cashless event, so come armed with debit or credit cards. Parking is free on lots near the zoo's front entrance. Festival will be held rain or shine. Information: kansascityzoo.org/glowild Dan Kelly The Kansas City Star Email this person Dan Kelly has been covering entertainment and arts news at The Star since 2009. He previously worked at the Columbia Daily Tribune, The Miami Herald and The Louisville Courier-Journal. He also was on the University of Missouri School of Journalism faculty for six years, and he has written two books, most recently 'The Girl with the Agate Eyes: The Untold Story of Mattie Howard, Kansas City's Queen of the Underworld.'