At John Ball Zoo a tale of illuminating connections between wildlife and wild places is ready to be told. The illuminating tale of how we are all connected to each other, to the land, the water, the air, the trees, and all animals big and small with the power to make a positive change in our world. You are invited to take a journey through IllumiZoo – A Glenlore Tale at John Ball Zoo.

IllumiZoo – A Glenlore Tale is a one-mile outdoor nighttime journey through John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This magical tale told through a display of colors and sounds will wind through the lower and upper realms of the Zoo and is the combined imaginations of Bluewater Technologies of Southfield, Michigan, and John Ball Zoo.

Guests should note that the pathway through the Zoo will be lighted with sounds and changing lights and scenery but it is not a haunted trail experience. IllumiZoo – A Glenlore Tale will take about 45-60 minutes to walk, depending on your pace.

The magical light show follows many of the same pathways that guests walk during the daytime at John Ball Zoo so it is wheelchair as well as stroller friendly. Masks are required of guests ages 5 and older who cannot maintain a 6’ distance between other guests. Also, the Zoo’s animals will not be viewable during this nighttime experience.

Electronic Dance Music Night – Thursday, October 29 – 9p to Midnight
Electronic Dance Music has come to IllumiZoo – A Glenlore Tale! Experience the solid beats of the music as you dance your way through the illuminating journey as it tells the tale of our connection between wildlife and wild places.

The illuminating tale of how we are all connected to each other, to the land, the water, the air, the trees, and all animals big and small with the power to make a positive change in our world.

Discover vibrant lighted creatures that come alive at night to help tell the tale and experience a magical show of lights and sounds that are sure to captivate your imagination with EDM as your guide. IllumiZoo – a Glenlore Tale is a mile-long, outdoor nighttime journey through the upper and lower realms of John Ball Zoo.

Don’t forget to get your lighted squid hats, and other lighted fun, including cotton candy and beverages, along with adult-only drinks, to make your EDM experience unique!

Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon Music Night – Thursday, November 5 – 9p – Midnight
Experience a musical transformation of IllumiZoo – A Glenlore Tale told through the music of Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon!

The classic album will bring a heightened experience to the tale of illuminating connections between wildlife and wild places. The tale of how we are all connected to each other, to the land, the water, the air, the trees, and all animals big and small with the power to make a positive change in our world.

Join us to experience IllumiZoo – A Glenlore Tale with the music of Dark Side of the Moon as it guides you through this magical tale told through a display of colors and lights that wind through the lower and upper realms of the Zoo!

Tropical Calypso Music Night – Thursday, November 12 – 9p to Midnight
Caribbean island-inspired music of Calypso with its highly rhythmic and harmonic vocals will get your body groovin’ for this special evening of IllumiZoo – A Glenlore Tale!

A tale of illuminating connections between wildlife and wild places is ready to be told through the tropical sounds of Calypso music. The illuminating tale of how we are all connected to each other, to the land, the water, the air, the trees, and all animals big and small with the power to make a positive change in our world.

Enjoy a wide array of music from Rodrigo y Gabriella to Bob Marley and the Wailers. You will make your way through the illuminated journey to the blissful rhythm of the steel pan drums swirling among marimbas and horns, while shakers complement the upbeat percussion and brassy tambourine.

IllumiZoo – a Glenlore Tale is a mile-long, outdoor nighttime journey through the upper and lower realms of John Ball Zoo. Join us as calypso music leads you through this magical tale told through a display of colors and lights that wind through the lower and upper realms of the Zoo!

Reserve your tickets for the theme music nights or any IllumiZoo night here.