Ever been to the Detroit Zoo’s Wild Lights event? If not, you’re missing out on one of the coolest Detroit experiences around. This seasonal spectacle, which typically takes place each year from November through January, transforms the entire zoo into an immersive wonderland of color, sound, and storytelling. And that’s where Bluewater comes in, blending magic with cutting-edge tech that turns ordinary spaces into something unforgettable. Check out the full case study here.
David Booth, a key member of the Bluewater team responsible for these activations, explains it best:
“Our activations create an environment where the attendees can actively engage with the technology, not just look at it. When it comes to the penguinarium and the field at the main welcome, we take what otherwise would be dead space and help create an environment where the spaces come alive to music and utilize the canvas of the penguinarium to help tell the story the zoo is wanting to tell.
My favorite is the penguinarium projection because it’s such a cool-looking building and making it into a giant video canvas is just cool to see.”
Making the Zoo Come Alive
The penguinarium turns into a massive, moving storytelling canvas, with digital projections that make it feel like something straight out of a dream.
And it’s not just the penguinarium that gets a glow-up. Bluewater transforms transitional spaces—the ones people might normally walk right past—and fills them with color, music, and interactive elements sweeping guests up in the magic.
Another magical activation Bluewater created is the Stepping Tones at the Consumers Energy Events Pavilion, an engaging sensory experience designed to harmonize sound and visuals.
Experience the Magic Together
Wild Lights is also about making memories. Families bundle up, wander through the zoo, and see spaces they thought they knew completely transformed. Watching a child’s face light up as the penguinarium shifts and shimmers with dazzling visuals? That’s the real magic. Bluewater doesn’t just light up the zoo; it’s brought to life.
Pulling off an event like this takes creativity, planning, and tech wizardry. The Bluewater team works behind the scenes to make sure every projection, light, and soundtrack works in perfect harmony. Whether they’re mapping visuals onto the unique shape of the penguinarium or turning an open space into an interactive playground, the goal is always the same: creating a one-of-a-kind immersive experience people won’t forget.
So, on your next visit to the Detroit Zoo Wild Lights, take a moment to appreciate all the little details that make it so special. It’s not just a light show—it’s a full-on adventure meant to be experienced together.
Want to learn more about this experience? Find additional details here: https://detroitzoo.org/events/wild-lights/
