The Philadelphia Zoo is giving the summer season a packed send-off with a lineup of events dubbed the “End-of-Summer Spectacular.”
Running through Sunday, Sept. 13, the four-week celebration kicks off with French musician PLUMES on Thursday, Aug. 20, and Friday, Aug. 21. Known for his viral performance videos for animals, PLUMES will bring his musical stylings to the venue with a performance featuring giant tortoises, big cats and the birds of the Zoo’s Wings of the World exhibit. On those dates, guests will get a private performance, up-close animal encounters, meet-and-greets and a commemorative T-shirt.
Thursday’s experience continues after sunset as well with “When Animals Listen: An Evening with PLUMES,” from 6 to 9 p.m. On this night, guests can explore the Zoo after hours while enjoying handcrafted cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and desserts as PLUMES performs throughout the evening.
For adults looking to raise a glass to the final weeks of summer, the Summer Ale Festival also returns this weekend on Saturday, Aug. 22 (7 to 10 p.m.), following its postponement in July due to weather. The adults-only celebration will feature more than 100 beers, ciders, seltzers, mead, spirits and non-alcoholic selections, along with local food trucks and live performances from Philly-based bands. The event is limited to guests ages 21 and older with valid identification, and tickets (various prices) must be purchased in advance.
Families and friends can keep the celebration going during Philadelphia Zoo After Hours, presented by Surfside, on Friday, Aug. 28, from 4 to 8 p.m. This particular evening offers guests the chance to slow down and enjoy the Zoo beyond its traditional daytime schedule, including a visit to the newly transformed Carey Bear Country.
Guests can also take a ride on the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel and listen to live music from Jeni Englund on the Impala Lawn. The event is included with general admission or Zoo membership, with final entry permitted at 7 p.m. and the Zoo closing at 8 p.m.
Then, art and nature come together Saturday, Aug. 29, during the inaugural Philadelphia Zoo Art Festival. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., more than 30 local artists and makers will showcase handmade creations inspired by the natural world beneath the tent on the Impala Lawn. The family-friendly festival is included with general admission or membership and will take place rain or shine.
On Saturday, Sept. 5, the Zoo’s Teddy Bear Picnic featuring the Berenstain Bears will be in full swing. From 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., families can bring their favorite stuffed animals for an afternoon of “bear-themed fun” celebrating the opening of Carey Bear Country.
The event will feature meet-and-greets, a Scavenbear Hunt, a Teddy Bear Clinic hosted by the Zoo’s veterinary team, lawn games, live music, face painting and caricature designs. Families can also pre-order a picnic basket featuring a limited-edition Berenstain Bears book, a Zoo-branded picnic blanket and more. A picnic lunch and discounted admission tickets for up to six guests can also be added to the package.
The End-of-Summer Spectacular concludes Sunday, Sept. 13, with Philadelphia Zoo’s first-ever car show. From 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors can check out nearly a dozen classic cars positioned throughout the Zoo and more than 100 vehicles displayed in the Giraffe Lot along Girard Avenue. The car show is included with general admission or membership.
“Philadelphia Zoo is a place where there is always something new to discover, experience and remember,” says President and CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman. “No two visits are quite the same, and our end-of-summer celebrations give families and friends even more reasons to come together, experience the wonder of wildlife and make lasting memories. And with every visit, you’re helping us provide exceptional care for our animals and protect species in the wild.”
Proceeds from ticket sales to these events help support the Zoo’s mission. The Philadelphia Zoo is located at 3400 W. Girard Avenue. Tickets and additional information are available at philadelphiazoo.org
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