Blank Park Zoo - Special Events

Special Events

--As of 2013 Dates--

• Lil' Bookworms: Tuesdays in January & February; educational story time for preschool children while visiting the zoo.
• Eggstravaganza: Saturday, March 30th; Easter celebration, participate in your own Easter fun, along with the animals of the Zoo. Egg hunts, scavenger hunts, craft activities and games, and a visit from the Easter Bunny!
• I Do At The Zoo: Sunday, May 5th; brides to meet with dozens of vendors including DJs, local cake shops, dress boutiques and photographers to help get ready for the big day at the zoo!
• Adventure Days: Second Saturday of the month May through August; summer series revolves around the Zoo’s mission statement to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through education, conservation and recreation. Adventure Days will spark a child’s creativity through crafts and games, engage them in scavenger hunts and other activities, and educate on the importance of conservation.
• Zoo Brew: Wednesdays in June, July & August; those 21 and over, Blank Park Zoo comes to life after hours every Wednesday in the summer. Each week this popular event features different themes, bands, and drinks while guests visit all the animals of the Zoo.
• Campout at the Zoo: Friday, June 21st; snooze at the Zoo with your friends and family for an overnight experience unlike any you've ever had before. Pitch a tent and see the animals of the Zoo after-hours while enjoying other camping themed activities.
• 2013 ZACC Conference: July 8th through July 12th; hosts the 2013 Zoos and Aquariums: Committing to Conservation conference.
• Grandma's Day: July 12th; help Blank Park Zoo celebrate that bond by joining us for Grandma’s Day at the Zoo. This fundraiser is designed to provide an extra-special Zoo experience for grandmas, grandchildren, and of course, grandpas!
• Zoobilation: Friday, September 20th; Blank Park Zoo’s annual fall gala. Whether you enjoy the Zoo for the animals, education, conservation or all of its aspects, this event will allow you to support your favorite features all while enjoying food, cocktails and fun entertainment.
• Zooktoberfest: Wednesday, October 2nd; Zoo Brew with an October twist! This event features the best seasonal beers, Oktoberfest-style food, live entertainment, and of course, all the animals of the Zoo.
• Night Eyes: October 17th-20th & October 24th-27th; returning for its 23rd year of the sweetest Halloween fun in Central Iowa. Costumed guests are invited to go on a treat safari in a world of lights, castles, and storybook characters. Ride the train, race tractors and skip down Scarecrow Lane to get to the Fun Zone during this merry, not scary, trick-or-treating event for the whole family to enjoy!
• Santa at the Zoo: December 8th & December 15th; Take your picture with Santa, visit his reindeer, and make arts and crafts. Also explore the Zoo’s Discovery Center and watch some of the big cats open a few early Christmas presents! Complete with cookies and cocoa this is a holiday event for all to enjoy.