Racine & Me: Jack-O'-Lantern Nights and more!
Posted: Aug 27, 2023 8:00 AM CDT
RACINE, WI (CBS 58) -- Beth Heidorn from the Racine Zoo joins us to preview a fun festive fall night and much more!
- Saturday, August 26, 2023
- 6pm - 9pm
- Indulge in 5 unique whiskeys cleverly paired with a delightful 5-course dinner along the scenic lakefront while enjoying a presentation about our whiskered friends! Includes Hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction, too! Tickets are $100 per person. Must RSVP by Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 12pm.
World Roar Wine Pour Wednesday
- Wednesday, August 30
- 6pm - 8pm
- Relax and unwind at our beer and wine tasting mash-up! Discover unique varieties from around the world in your very own Zoo souvenir glass. Meet an animal ambassador and savor hors d'oeuvres at this unique summer event!
- General admission: $35, Non-drinking admission: $25
- Must be 21 or older to attend
- Saturday, Awesome Australia | Saturday, Sept. 2 – Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023
- 5pm - 9am
- Travel down under with us to learn about the unique animals that call Australia home. Meet Gumby, a laughing kookaburra, as he flies across the room during an encounter you won’t want to miss. Hop around our walkabout exhibit during a guided tour after hours to meet some of the most well-known Australian animals up close. Includes dinner, s’mores, breakfast, and more behind-the-scenes fun! $70 per participant. Tent rental available. Must RSVP by Monday, August 18 at 5pm.
Zoo Debut: 100 Years (this event is sold out so we only want to really focus on our silent and live auctions that folks can participate in even if they are not at the event) I will also want to solicit for auction items!
- Saturday, September 9, 2023
- 5pm - 11pm
- Join us for Racine's premier black-tie event, Zoo Debut, a fundraising gala. Indulge in an open bar, gourmet dinner, live entertainment by The Eddie Butts Band, dancing, live and silent auctions, and more! This dazzling event celebrating our 100th anniversary will be a night to remember! Funds raised will benefit essential veterinary and daily animal care, education programs, conservation efforts, and so much more. Your support is the key to our continued success of providing positive wildlife experiences for guests of all ages.
- Tickets to the event are currently sold out, but anyone, anywhere can participate in our online silent auction! Starts Tuesday, September 5 at 4PM (CT) and ends Saturday, September 9 at 9PM (CT). From trips to private experiences to gift baskets, there’s something for everyone! Must be 18 years or older to participate. Must be 21 years or older to bid on alcohol-related packages.
- Visit https://racinezoo.org/product/zoo-debut to learn more!
- September 28 - October 29, 2023
- 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.
- NEW IN 2023: 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.