Minnesota Zoo Zoo After Hours – Winter 2026

Wild Hearts - Zoo After Hours
February 14, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Got Valentine’s plans? Make it tropical instead of typical! At the adults-only event Zoo After Hours on Saturday, February 14, you can see the holiday in a whole new way... with pink flamingoes, red river hogs, and white-cheeked gibbons. Bring your sweetheart, gals, or pals for an endearing evening of delicious food, drinks, dancing, and the company of animals. Don’t miss Royal Credit Union Sea Lion Discovery, love-themed tours, up-close animal encounters, and hearty chef’s specials. Study up on matters of love because Trivia Mafia will be here!

Activities and Animals

Celebration Plaza (Outdoors)
- Penguin Pub | carved ice bar | 5:30 - 8 p.m.
- DJ Chuck Love in Celebration Plaza and dancing with World Beat Duo in Penguin Lobby
- Move to the rhythms of the world with World Beat, featuring a lively mix of Middle Eastern and Latin beats.
- S’mores Station
- Fire pits
- Photo op
Tropics Trail
- Explore the trail | 5:30 - 8 p.m.
- Diver Photo Ops | 6:30 – 7:15 p.m.
- Self-Guided Love-themed tours
- Keeper Chats: Love in the Animal Kingdom | 6:00 & 7:00 pm
Discovery Bay
- Explore the oceans | 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
- Complimentary wine tasting; Cash bar, snacks and sweets for purchase
- Royal Credit Union Sea Lion Discovery | 6 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
- Silent Dance Party | 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Dining and Drink Options

Call of the Wild | Last Call: 8:00 p.m.
- Lobster bisque, sweet & sour chicken wings, French dip sandwich, goat cheese pizza
- Classic menu: burgers, chicken tenders, falafel, Caesar salad, mac & cheese
- Wild Bites: Dole whip, ice cream o
Discovery Bay | Charcuterie and cheese plates; S’mores kits
Penguin Cafe | Mexican chocolate fondue
Bars | Locations: Discovery Bay, Penguin Cafe, Call of the Wild, Minnesota Lodge, Wild Java | Last call 8 p.m.
- Be Mine: Vodka, cranberry juice, Sprite, grenadine
- Love Bug (NA): Strawberry puree, coconut water, agave syrup, lime juice
- 21+ beverages: Draft and canned beer, cider, canned cocktails, red & white wine

Zoo After Hours: Equinox Edition
March 21, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Equinox Edition offers you daylight and nightlife – equally! This event is exclusively for adults 18+ so you can unwind with the wildlife. Whether you’re a winter hibernator or a spring chicken, Zoo After Hours bridges the best of both seasons! Winter-types can relax with a sound bath session or cozy up fireside. Or put some spring in your step and head outside for nocturnal trail talks and enjoying a whiskey cocktail on Treetop Trail. Bring your buds or a date for an evening in the company of animals. You won’t want to miss Royal Credit Union Sea Lion Discovery shows, up-close animal encounters, and fresh chef’s specials and signature drinks. Study up on the seasons because Trivia Mafia will be here!

Costume Contest with prizes provided by the Minnesota Lottery. The Spring Equinox is equal hours of daylight and night skies – and should inspire your outfit for the evening!
- Creature of the Night: Go batty! We welcome all interpretations of the theme. Perhaps a prince of darkness, twilight princess, or nocturnal animal?
- Day Glow Duo: Give us a double dose of color — the brighter, the better!
- Zoo Zodiac: March 21 marks the start of the astrological calendar. Aries may be the GOAT sign – but don’t let them have all the fun. Dress as your zodiac symbol.

Zoo After Hours: Farm Fresh Fun
April 25, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

E-i-e-i-oh so much fun awaits you when Zoo After Hours heads to the Farm on Saturday, April 25. This event is exclusively for adults 18+ so you can unwind with the wildlife – and a farmful of friends. We’re tacking on the treats to this Zoo After Hours. Your ticket includes a spin on the Conservation Carousel (where the horses are the wild variety).

As the sun sets over the Farm, enjoy dining, drinks, live music, lawn games, and Barnyard BINGO. Plus: heritage livestock breeds in the barns and pastures, Farmkeeper Chats, and photo ops with the Clydesdale draft horses. Yeehaw! You can meet miniature donkeys and miniature cows – they’re brand-new to the Farm in 2026.