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Como Friends’ annual summer benefit for Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
Please join us at Sunset Affair. For 19 years, this event has been the premier summer gala in the Twin Cities, celebrating one of the state’s most beloved destinations and an exceptional free zoo and botanical garden.
Como Friends’ Sunset Affair is the highlight of Como Park Zoo and Conservatory’s social calendar. In 2020, it will attract 550 of the Twin Cities’ most influential leaders, representing business, philanthropy, government and the arts. Always an entertaining evening, this high-caliber event raises funds for innovative education programs, improvements to gardens and animal habitats, and a free admission policy for 2 million annual visitors.
At Sunset Affair, guests are treated to a one-of-its kind cocktail party on the grounds of Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. This year will highlight the beauty of the Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden and the diversity of Como’s collections, the community it serves, and the powerful connections between animals, plants and people.
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Plan your night! Stay tuned for event details on parking, attire, and event activities.
2019 Event Details
Como Friends’ community of supporters came up with more than 300 amazing travel adventures, fabulous baskets, food and wine experiences and “Only at Como” items up for bid during 2019’s Sunset Affair: Kaleidoscope’s fantastic silent auction. Here’s a peek at last years auction items:
2019 Auction Preview
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Thank You 2019 Sponsors!
Sunset Affair Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sunset Affair?
Sunset Affair is the annual summer fundraising gala hosted by Como Friends to benefit Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. In 2018, the event raised nearly $185,000 to benefit the plants, animals and people that depend on Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.
What does it cost?
Tickets to this popular event cost $250 for individual tickets ($300 for Patron Tickets), and $2,500 for a table of ten. The event also includes a limited number of Choice table options in a premier exhibit location on the grounds of the Como Zoo for $4,000 for a table of ten. The VIP option includes a private experience with Como’s own zookeepers, showcasing the unique plants and animals at Como.
Tickets are available?
Tickets can be reserved by calling Como Friends at, 651-487-8229 for Sunset Affair 2019.
What should I wear to Sunset Affair?
Dress cool and casual. Though dinner is served in our air-conditioned Visitor Center, many of the night’s activities will be outdoors where the potential for tropical temperatures calls for light fabrics, comfortable shoes, flowing dresses, and can’t-go-wrong khakis and capris. (In the event of severe weather, the party will move indoors.)
What about the Silent Auction?
Sunset Affair’s Silent Auction includes more than 300 unique items. For your convenience, Como Friends works with BidPal mobile bidding, allowing guests to bid for their favorite items directly from a smart phone. Information on items and the silent auction will be coming soon.
Where does the money go?
Sunset Affair is the largest fundraiser of the year for Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, attracting a sell-out crowd of more than 500 guests. Sunset Affair is produced by Como Friends, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire community generosity to advance Como Park Zoo and Conservatory as a destination where people from every walk of life can gather, learn and enjoy the natural world.
How can I get more information?
Call Como Friends at 651-487-8229 or email events@comofriends.org.
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