BREVARD COUNTY — Brevard Zoo is set to glow this spring with Illumi-Nature, a new nighttime event featuring more than 1,000 larger-than-life illuminated sculptures spread across 10 acres of the zoo grounds.
The light experience is powered by New York-based LuminoCity Festival and runs from 7 to 10 p.m. daily March 13-29, then shifts to select Thursdays through Sundays from April 2 to May 10.
LuminoCity Festival has attracted more than a million visitors to its light installations nationwide and has been running since 2018 led by CEO Xiaoyi Chen.
The company is transforming sections of the Melbourne zoo, including an exclusive behind-the-scenes path dubbed “Glowing Gardens” off the Wild Florida boardwalk.
Whimsical displays will showcase animals, flowers, mythical creatures and interactive elements, all lit by over 500,000 glimmering lights. Music will play throughout the grounds to enhance the festive vibe.
“We’re so excited to bring an event of this nature to our guests,” Anthony Rivera, chief operating officer of Brevard Zoo and the East Coast Zoological Foundation, said in a statement. “We are committed to bringing unique experiences to the Space Coast not only to entertain, but also to fulfill our mission of connecting people to nature.”
A spring-inspired menu will include items such as hatch green chili flautas, a Memphis chicken sandwich, tacos and blueberry lavender spritzers. Special event merchandise will also be available.
Illumi-Nature is a separate ticketed event held after regular zoo hours. Early bird tickets are $30 per person through March 12 at BrevardZoo.org. Prices rise to $35 afterward.
Brevard Zoo is a nonprofit organization in Melbourne and home to more than 700 animals representing 170 species. It focuses on animal wellness, education and conservation through the East Coast Zoological Foundation.
