WINNIPEG = The Zoo Lights Festival has another exciting schedule this year, running between November 30, 2018 and January 5, 2020.
The after hours ticketed event will run for 32 nights and will dazzle visitors with thousands of light installations from traditional tree wrapping to the latest technology in outdoor lighting and projection while exploring Polar Town, a magically illuminated place where the wonders of winter are celebrated through music, art, culture, and community.
“Our guests will be able to enjoy live entertainment in the Town Hall, take a romantic walk down Lovers Lane, explore Indigenous culture in The Village, admire the art of Kal Barteski along the Tundra Trail, enjoy late night parties, shop at a nightly Third + Bird market, see Santa, roast s’mores and so much more,” said Stephanie Meilleur, Events Producer, Assiniboine Park Conservancy.
The Zoo Lights Festival schedule will include high-quality performances by Indigenous artists, Francophone artists, and members of the LGBTTQ+ community. Artistic programming will reflect a diverse and inclusive roster of over 400 actors, musicians, and entertainers. Each night will offer new activities, entertainment, and experiences including (but not limited to):
· Live musical performances by local artists including Erin Propp, Trio Bembe, Micah Erenberg, Raine Hamilton, Red Moon Road, Smith’s Onion, Sol James, and many more.
· Family-friendly performances by Asham Stompers and Teakle Family Circus.
· Themed nights hosted by Folklorama, Winnipeg Folk Festival, and Times Change(d).
· DJ dance parties with Mama Cuttsworth, Boogey the Beat, and DJ Hunnicutt.
· Activities designed to get you moving including hula hooping with Kurrent Motion, snow shoeing with Fort Whyte Alive, and hockey night with the Winnipeg Ice.
· Late Night Parties in Polar Town every Saturday night and on New Year’s Eve.
· A nightly pop-up market hosted by Third + Bird.
· Pride Night featuring family-friendly performances from Winnipeg’s LGBTTQ+ community.
· Appearances by Santa every event night from November 30 to December 23.
· Caroling, bingo nights, big games, salsa and swing dancing, eco-friendly gift wrapping, contemporary dancers, craft stations, a comic book expo, and so much more!
The full schedule and event hours of operation can be found online at zoolightsfestival.ca.
Tickets for Zoo Lights Festival go on sale October 16.
· $12 + GST if purchased online or at any Red River Co-op location.
· $15 + GST if purchased at the Zoo entrance.
· $30 + GST three-day passes can be purchased online, at the Zoo entrance, or any Red River Co-op location.
Single tickets are valid for one time use on any event night between November 30 and January 5. Three day passes are valid for use on three separate nights. Children two years of age and under do not require a ticket.
“As a locally owned and operated cooperative, Red River Co-op is proud to present Zoo Lights Festival – an event that will see community organizations coming together to create a uniquely Winnipeg experience,” said Doug Wiebe, CEO, Red River Co-op. “Our cooperative is a longstanding partner of the Assiniboine Park Zoo and Conservancy as the sponsor of the Red River Co-op Zoo Tram, and with our $125,000 donation in 2018 for the revitalization of the sports fields through our Co-op Community Spaces Program. We are looking forward to partnering on this new event that is sure to become a treasured holiday tradition for family and friends.”
APC is currently recruiting volunteers to support the Zoo Lights Festival. Volunteers will enjoy a number of benefits including free event tickets and complimentary food. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age, commit to at least one shift, and be able to spend extended periods of time outdoors in all kinds of weather.
For more information, visit the Zoo Lights Festival website at zoolightsfestival.ca.
PHOTO CREDIT = Assiniboine Park Conservatory