Racine & Me: Jack-O'-Lantern Nights and more at Racine Zoo
RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Sweater weather is right around the corner and what better place to spend those crisp, cool nights than the Racine Zoo? Beth Heidorn, Executive Director, and Abby Flores, Conservation Education Manager, joined us from the Racine Zoo this week with all the details about their upcoming fall events.
- September 26 – November 3, 2024
- Thursdays - Sundays
- 6pm - 10pm (last admission 9:30pm)
- $10 per person, 2 years and younger: free (Admission only at the door)
- Over 1,000 Jack-O'-Lanterns will light up the night at Racine Zoo! In the crisp fall air, stroll through the Zoo along a dedicated paved pathway and become immersed in dazzling lights and charming decorations. The intricately designed jack-o’-lanterns will look like pieces of art during the day and come to life at night for all to see. There will be an abundance of custom designs to discover including cats, owls, scarecrows, and more Halloween-themed creations. To compliment the jack-o’-lanterns, there will be enchanting light displays throughout the route. Within the event, the Zoo will be hosting a decorating contest that businesses and organizations can sign up to participate in. Guests will be able to vote on their favorite decorated space and the winner will be announced at the end of the event. As you take in the delightful sights, warm up with seasonal food and beverages on site.
- Pumpkin sculptures! These large structures will consist of multiple pumpkins placed together in the shape of an animal with details carved into them. Some animals that may be included are a giraffe, rhino, zebra, African penguin, kangaroo, orangutan, lion, tiger, emperor tamarin, lynx, and snake.
- Friday, September 27, 2024
- 6-9pm
- Happy OktoBEARfest! Prepare your taste buds for a German-themed night of beer tasting from your very own souvenir sampling glass. Dive into a great food selection and visit with an animal ambassador. Bring your friends and enjoy a night at the Zoo!
- Saturday, October 5, 2024
- 6PM – 9PM
- Join the Racine Zoo in celebrating Wisconsin’s classic cocktail. Sample old fashioned cocktails from local competitors while listening to live music on Lake Michigan. Vote on your favorite and at the end of the night we will crown a winner! Food included. Additional drinks will be available for purchase.
- Must be 21 or older to attend. Get tickets at racinezoo.org.
- Friday, October 25, 2024
- 6pm - 9pm
- Happy Hallowine! Prepare your taste buds for a Halloween-themed night of wine tasting from your very own souvenir sampling glass. Dive into hors d'oeuvres and visit with an animal ambassador. You may want to bring a friend or two...who knows what spooky creatures are lurking about! Proceeds benefit the animals and programs of Racine Zoo.
- General Admission: $40; Non-Drinking Admission: $30
The Racine Zoo is proud to have so many dedicated volunteers as a valuable part of our team. We have our Volunteen Program for teens ages 13 – 19, as well as our Adult Volunteer Program! This is perfect for those who are considering a future career with animals, zoos, education, or for those just looking for a fun volunteer opportunity to do in their spare time! New volunteens and volunteers are accepted in the Spring and Fall of each year. Fall applications are due October 1, 2024.