How to have your best summer ever at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
High season is officially here at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, with a calendar full of fun and fascinating public programs, free concerts, and face-to-face experiences you won’t want to miss. Whether you’ve got just an hour to drop in, or a full day to play, check out this roster of what’s happening and when to make the most of your summer days.
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Polar Bear Program | 10:30 a.m.
Now home to four polar bears—Nan, Neil, Kulu, and Astra—Como Zoo is playing a key role in preserving bears through the Polar Bear Population Alliance. Stop by Polar Bear Odyssey to learn the latest about polar bears, and what it takes to care for bears in every season of life.
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Zookeeper Talk | 11:00 a.m.
From Galapagos tortoises to Great Plains bison, this daily zookeeper talk changes topics on the daily. Listen to the public service address to find out where the day’s zookeeper talk will take you!
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Blaze Sparky Show | 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
A splashy Como tradition since 1956, the Blaze Sparky Show now highlights all of the pinnipeds that call Como Harbor home.
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Washed Ashore at the Bird Yard | 12 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Each of the extraordinary sculptures featured in Como’s seasonal “Washed Ashore” exhibit were made from plastics pulled from the ocean. Check out this daily talk to learn more about how we can help protect our waterways and oceans from plastic pollution.
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Gardener Chat | 1:00 p.m.
How do Como’s gardens grow? Find out at this rotating talk, highlighting various corners of Como’s horticultural collections with the talented gardeners who make it all happen.
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Giraffe Feeding Station | 1:15 p.m.
Get your cameras ready for your face-to-face encounter with the world’s tallest animal. A limited number of $5 tickets ($4 for Como Friends members) are available each day for this unforgettable animal encounter, connecting with one of the most majestic animals on the planet.
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Gorilla Program at Gorilla Forest | 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Meet the greatest of the apes face-to-face in Gorilla Forest, as primate keepers connect with Como’s western lowland gorillas, while exploring ways that you can help protect their wild cousins.
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Meet the Tigers | 2 p.m.
Come to Como’s Cat Bridge to learn more about the tigers—Bernadette and her two-year-old cubs, Maks and Marisa.
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Water Gardens | 3 p.m and 4:30 p.m.
Gather in the Centennial Garden—or the Visitor Center Porch in case of rain—to learn all about aquatic horticulture, and what it takes to grow the crowd-favorite Victoria water platters.
Special Programs
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Groovin’ in the Garden | Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The always entertaining live music series is back this summer with eight free outdoor concerts on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
June 10: Innocent Reggae Band
June 17: Miss Georgia Peach
June 24: Jellyjacket
July 1: Em and the Gems
July 8: Salsa del Soul
July 15: J-Mo On The Beat and The J-Lighters
July 22: Red Eye Ruby
July 29: School of Rock
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Sensory-Friendly Early Entry
See Como Zoo without the crowds from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. during these early access days: July 11, August 1, September 5.
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Senior Strolls
Take some time to smell the flowers during these special entry times, set aside for the 55+ crowd.
June 9, 9:00–10:00 am
June 16, 9:00–10:00 am
July 14, 9:00–10:00 am
July 28, 9:00–10:00 am
August 4, 9:00–10:00 am
August 18, 9:00–10:00 am
September 8, 9:00–10:00 am
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Artist & Photographer Days
Bring your tripods, cameras, paint sets, or easels and enjoy a peaceful, creative experience surrounded by lush gardens and vibrant seasonal displays. During these two-hour entry sessions featuring a $5 entry fee, family photos and senior portraits are allowed and encouraged.
July 11, 8–10 a.m.
July 19, 8–10 a.m.
August 9, 8–10 a.m.
September 27, 8–10 a.m. and 4:30–6 p.m.
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Obon Festival
The largest celebration of Japanese culture in the Upper Midwest, Como’s lantern lighting festival is a feast for the senses. Set for Sunday, August 16, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., $8 advance tickets are required for admission.
