Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Upcoming Events
Cafesjian’s Carousel Now Open!
May 1-September 3
Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
September 4-October 31
Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Free rides on May 14, June 18, July 16,
August 13, Sept. 17
Operated by volunteers, the 68-horse carousel was built in 1914 and celebrates its 11th year at Como. www.ourfaircarousel.org
Como Town Now Open!
Weekends April 28 – May 6
Daily May 11 -September 3
Como Town features more than 18 interactive rides and attractions that encourage kids to actively shape or control their experience including the Tilt-A-Whirl—an original Made-in-Minnesota ride—and the Splash Zone—an interactive water play area. Other visitors’ favorites include the Tornado! Screamin’ Dragon the double spiral roller coaster, Drop Zone, Traffic Jam! bumper cars, and Como Town Driving School.
Como Shuttle
Weekends May 5 – September 30
Daily service May 17 – August 12.
Follow the signs to our off-site parking lot and take the quick trip to our front door aboard the Como Shuttle. These air-conditioned, stroller friendly and ADA compliant shuttles drop guests off in front of the Visitor Center. This free Shuttle runs continuously from 9:30 am – 6:30pm
Summer Flower Show
April 28 – September 30
Inspired by the 106th American Association Of Museums Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo™ , the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is showcasing a Summer Flower Show influenced by Impressionist masters Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Cezanne. The flowers chosen for the Summer Flower Show feature the artists’ favored roles in their paintings and personal gardens. Visitors will see the sunflowers that inspired Van Gogh, the lavendar Cezanne loved, and the nasturtiums that Monet made famous in his paintings of Giverny.
National Public Gardens Day
May 11
A national day of celebration to raise awareness of America’s public gardens and their important role in promoting environmental stewardship and awareness, plant and water conservation, and education in communities nationwide. National Public Gardens Day celebrates all public gardens, botanical gardens, educational gardens, specialty gardens, entertainment gardens, arboreta, farm gardens, historical landscapes, and zoos.
Mother’s Day Bonsai Show
May 12 & 13
The Minnesota Bonsai Society Mother’s Day Weekend Bonsai Show is a unique opportunity to see privately owned bonsai. Bonsai are ‘trees in pots’ and are an ancient art form from Japan that blends artistic vision and horticultural expertise. Each bonsai represents nature in miniature and creates appreciation for the aesthetic of great age and rugged form as represented by the trees.
Sparky the Sea Lion Show
May 26 – September 3
11:30am Daily
11:30am & 3:00pm Weekends & Holidays
This year, in honor of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Sparky the Sea Lion is competing in her own version of the games, the Zoolympics. Sparky will test her skills in competition against sharks, puffins, and even jellyfish in events that highlight the natural behaviors of the oceans’ inhabitants. While Sparky is a formidable opponent in many of the events such as the smile competition and the breach jump, she succeeds in what she does best… being a sea lion!
The Mystery of the Plastic Disaster – New Theater Show!
May 26 – September 3
12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:3pm0 & 3:30pm Daily
This short, family-friendly performance will take place daily in the Como Town amusement ride area. The show takes an entertaining, light-hearted approach in illustrating how personal choices impact marine life.
TPT Family Fun Day
Como Town & Como Zoo
June 2, 10am-4pm
Fun activities throughout the day!
- Enjoy the music from Snapdragon Seeds, fun for kids of all ages, always upbeat and engaging
- SciGirls will be in the Zone with some fun new experiments
- Take a break in the zone and watch one of your favorite children’s shows
- Character appearances on stage during the day
- Come and enjoy our celebrity readers that will be joining us in the zone!
Call TPT for more information. (651) 229-1330 or toll free (866) 229-1300 9am-5pm Monday – Friday
Como Community Nights
June 11, July 9 & August 13
The zoo will be open until 8:00pm and Como Town will be offering 1/2 price Star Saver unlimited ride wristbands from 4-8pm.
Roots, Shoots & Fruits – The Incredible Edible Garden
June 15 – October 7
Featuring an array of vegetables, small fruits, and tasty herbs cultivated in an imaginative garden display located south of the Visitor Center. Learn effective growing techniques, fun ways to harvest & prepare the fresh food from your garden, pollinator friendly tips, natural pest control and creative edible landscape design. It’s not just about a row of tomatoes and bush beans!
Travelers Sunset Affair Gala: Global Adventure
July 19
Travelers Sunset Affair is the highlight of Como Park Zoo and Conservatory’s social calendar. It is Como’s largest fundraiser featuring dinner, entertainment and auction. For ticket information call 651-487-8229. *Como will close at 3:00pm to prepare for this event.
Rockin’ On The Rooftop – Free Live Music on the Roof of the Visitor Center
Wednesdays In August (& September 5) 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Spread a blanket out, bring a picnic dinner and play lawn games while grooving to live music from some of the Twin Cities best local musicians. Beer, wine, food & other refreshments will be available to purchase.
Japanese Lantern Lighting Festival
August 19 3:30pm – 9:00pm
Learn & experience Japanese Culture through food, entertainment, gardens, vendors & a traditional lantern lighting ceremony at dusk.
Artist & Photographer Days inside the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory
Sunday, May 20 8:00 am- 10 am
Wednesday, June 20 6:00pm – 9:00 pm
Sunday, July 15 8:00am- 10am
An opportunity for aspiring artists to bring in easels and tripods before or after public hours. $5 per person
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