Riverbanks Calendar Update

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is rolling out the red carpet for their fall and winter events lineups featuring new adult-oriented programs, family-friendly Halloween fun, and a dazzling experience at Wild Lights.

“We’re absolutely buzzing with excitement to share these engaging experiences with our community,” said Tommy Stringfellow, president and CEO at Riverbanks Zoo. “Whether you’re looking to unleash your inner artist or get lost in a magical winter wonderland, our events are all about connection, fun, and celebrating nature.”

Marsupial Swap in the Hope for a Joey

Farewell to Coedie – Riverbanks guests who are fans of male koala Coedie should plan to visit soon and give him well-wishes. Coedie is headed to Zoo Miami in an effort to promote genetic diversity among koalas in human care. His daughter, Kirra, will remain at Riverbanks and be joined by new resident Milo in the coming weeks. Our hope at Riverbanks is to continue to contribute to the koala Species Survival Plan(SSP) as set forth by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums(AZA) to ensure happy and healthy populations across partnering institutions. Coedie has been a popular resident of Riverbanks since 2020, and guests are encouraged to visit Koala Knockabout for a fond farewell.

Plant N Pour: New Adult Programs in the Botanical Garden

Painting with a Purpose – Thursday, October 3: 6pm to 8pm. Experience the beauty of Riverbanks Botanical Garden at night as you test your creative skills through a unique paint-n-pour event. Enjoy a beverage and the blooms of the Garden before the painting portion of the evening begins. At 6:30pm, painting instruction will guide participants as they create a botanical themed painting to take home. A self-guided painting option will also be available for those who enjoy a little less structure. There will be food and beverages on site. The program price includes two drink tickets; additional drinks will be available for purchase.

$45 per person or $80 for both programs*

Bug Hotels & Seed Balls – Thursday, November 7: 6pm to 8 pm. Join us for an exclusive evening at Riverbanks Botanical Garden and explore the vital role of pollinators in a relaxed social setting. Enjoy the Garden with a refreshing beverage as you build a crafty bug hotel for your home garden that will provide important shelter for beneficial insects through the winter. Take home a homemade seed ball to plant that will bloom in the spring. The program price includes two drink tickets; additional drinks will be available for purchase.

$45 per person or $80 for both programs*

• Type the code BREW at checkout for $3.00 off the ticket price.

Conservation Awareness

World Migratory Bird Day – Saturday, October 12: 9:30am to 12:30pm. It’s time to celebrate and protect our feathered friends as they prepare to head south for the winter. This event raises awareness about the threats facing migratory birds and the food sources they rely on. Riverbanks will have six external partners on-site to educate our guests about migratory birds, pollinators, and pollinator plants, as the theme this year is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds.” Our educators will work with external partners to encourage our guests to take small conservation actions at home and in the community to protect these species.

Family-Friendly Halloween Fun

Boo at the Zoo – October 18-October 30. Tickets are on sale now for 12 nights of family friendly Halloween fun at Riverbanks. New spooks are arriving this year. Protect your booty as you meander through Pirate’s Cove; lace up your shoes in case you find Bigfoot in Sasquatch Swamp; don’t get whisked away by a UFO in an Invasion; and get the full VIP treatment with the Trick-or-Treat Dinner Party. Enjoy all of your old favorites as well. Trick or treat through the Zoo; try your hand at some hocus-pocus at Ray’s Moonlight Magic Show; and beware of the lost souls as you traverse the Mummy’s Maze. Plus, show off your best Monster Mash moves at the Eeky Freaky DJ Dance Party. For an additional charge, guests can toast s’mores, take a spin on the Haunted Carousel or hop aboard the Spooky Spots and Stripes Railroad.

Boo at the Zoo will take place each evening from 6pm-9pm. Tickets are limited, and prices vary by evening. Purchase in advance to take advantage of discounted prices. Costumes are encouraged. Adults may wear costumes but will not be admitted with masks that cover the face.

Holiday Spectacular

Wild Lights – November 15 – January 14 (select nights) Get ready for a fresh take on the wild lights experience, shining a light on the beauty of nature and the importance of caring for our natural world. From polar bears to flamingos, jellyfish to wildebeest, experience a brilliantly illuminated wildlife safari featuring more than 60 brand-new larger-than-life lantern displays inspired by nature. Along the way, discover engaging interactives and fun photo ops plus enjoy some old favorites like nightly snowfall and visits with Santa. Tickets for this can’t miss experience will go on sale November 1.

Wild Lights will glow from 5pm-9pm on select nights November through January. Advance purchase is recommended. Rates vary by night; member prices start at $10.99 for adults (ages 13 and up) and $7.99 for children ages 2-12. General public prices start at $20.99 for adults and $15.99 for children. Children younger than 2 are free.

Riverbanks Backstage

Tickets are available for the fall Backstage season at Riverbanks. Get an inside look at animal care, meet some of your favorite animals and learn about the Zoo’s efforts to protect endangered species! Each encounter is a private experience for your group, and all proceeds support the care and conservation of plants and animals at Riverbanks and beyond. Whether you want to pet a 100+ year old tortoise or prep diets for our sea lions, all of Riverbanks’ backstage tours provide a unique experience that you’ll remember for years to come. Plus, keep a lookout for new backstage opportunities in the near future. For more information on all available tours please visit the Plan Your Backstage Visit page on the Riverbanks website.

Visit riverbanks.org for details on these and other signature events at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

 

About Riverbanks Zoo and Garden 

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to more than 3,000 magnificent and fascinating animals and one of America’s best public gardens. The Zoo opened on April 25, 1974, and for five decades, has connected individuals, families and school children with the natural world. Riverbanks is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is recognized as a global leader in animal care and welfare, education, recreation, science and wildlife conservation. It is the mission of the Zoo and Garden to create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places. For more information, visit riverbanks.org.