Topeka Zoo Announces Two Major September Events
The Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center is kicking off a busy September with two signature events offering different ways to experience the Zoo: Brew at the Zoo presented by Kaw Valley Bank on Sept. 12 and the inaugural Wildlife and Nature Festival presented by Club Car Wash on Sept. 19.
From an adults-only night of beer, music and ’80s fun to a family-friendly celebration of wildlife and conservation, both events invite the community to connect with the Zoo in new and engaging ways.
Brew at the Zoo brings back the ’80s
On Saturday, Sept. 12, Brew at the Zoo presented by Kaw Valley Bank will transform the Zoo into an adults-only after-hours party from 5 to 9 p.m.
This year’s event takes an ’80s-inspired twist, encouraging guests to break out their neon, acid-wash denim, leather jackets, leg warmers, big hair and favorite vintage band tees. Costumes are not required, but ’80s attire is encouraged.
Guests can sample more than 70 beers, enjoy live ’80s arena rock from Villains Dance, visit local food trucks, participate in interactive games and experience animals throughout the Zoo after hours.
VIP tickets are $90 and entry begins at 5 p.m. and includes special beer tastings, dinner. VIP parking, fast-pass access at tasting tables and complimentary giraffe feeding.
Tickets are $55 for general admission and $25 for designated drivers, entry begins at 6 p.m.
Brew at the Zoo is a 21-and-older fundraising event benefiting the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center and its animal care, conservation and educational programs. A valid, government-issued photo ID is required for entry.
New Wildlife and Nature Festival celebrates conservation
One week later, on Saturday, Sept. 19, the Zoo will host its inaugural Wildlife and Nature Festival presented by Club Car Wash from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The new festival will celebrate the connection between people, wildlife and the natural world through hands-on activities, educational experiences and opportunities for guests to take action for conservation.
More than 30 booths and activities will be located throughout the Zoo, featuring Zoo staff, docents and more than a dozen participating community organizations.
Festival highlights will include a Monarch Village, where guests can participate in monarch-focused activities and become “Monarch Marshals”; a Bird House Construction Zone featuring cedar bird house kits; the Zoo’s first annual Native Flower Seed Sale; an electronic device recycling drive; a wildlife and nature raffle; an environmental pledge station; and the Shawnee County Conservation District’s new Soil Tunnel and Poster Contest.
All Wildlife and Nature Festival activities are included with regular Zoo admission.
“September gives us two great opportunities to connect with our community in completely different ways,” said Cynthia McCarvel, Chief Advancement Officer. “Brew at the Zoo offers a fun adult night out while supporting the Zoo’s mission, and the Wildlife and Nature
Festival invites families to spend the day discovering new ways to connect with wildlife, protect natural habitats and become conservation champions.”
September at the Zoo
Brew at the Zoo presented by Kaw Valley Bank
Saturday, Sept. 12 | 5-9 p.m.
21 and older
Tickets: $90 VIP | $55 General Admission | $25 Designated Driver
Wildlife and Nature Festival
Saturday, Sept. 19 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Included with regular Zoo admission
For more information about Brew at the Zoo and the Wildlife and Nature Festival, visit topekazoo.org.
