Tickets are already selling quickly for one of metro Detroit’s most eagerly awaited summer fundraisers. Sunset at the Zoo returns to the Detroit Zoo on Thursday, June 18, promising an after-hours evening packed with food, entertainment and up-close animal experiences, all for a good cause.
The ages 21-and-up event runs from 7 to 11 p.m. and is expected to draw nearly 2,000 guests. Attendees will have exclusive access to the zoo after dark, with opportunities to explore exhibits, enjoy unique animal encounters and take in a lively mix of music, dancing and interactive attractions.
The festive night includes craft cocktails, performances, tram tours and carousel rides, along with conservation connection stations and a silent auction and raffle.
A highlight of Sunset at the Zoo is its culinary experience for guests. Several metro Detroit eateries and food trucks will be in attendance and offering everything from Mexican fare and seafood to gluten-free pizza, juices and coffee.
Ticketholders can expect samplings from Ale Mary’s Beer Hall, Kruse & Muer on Woodward, Mesa Tacos & Tequila, the Rugby Grill, Tom’s Oyster Bar and A Serendipity Cakery.
Those holding VIP tickets will have a culinary experience with offerings from acclaimed Midtown restaurants Grey Ghost and the newly opened Medusa Cucina Siciliana, Corktown’s Takoi and Hazel Park’s award-winning Mabel Gray.
This year’s event also has something brand new: Attendees will be among the first to explore the zoo’s Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails. The seven-acre attraction, which debuted just weeks ago, features immersive and interactive experiences, including close-up animal encounters and aerial climbing adventures designed to connect guests with wildlife and nature in new ways.
While the evening leans heavily into celebration, its impact extends far beyond the dance floor. Proceeds from the event support the Detroit Zoo’s wildlife nourishment programs, animal welfare efforts and global conservation initiatives. Last year’s fundraiser brought in more than $450,000, underscoring its significance for the organization’s mission.
“Doing good and having fun aren’t mutually exclusive. Sunset at the Zoo is annual proof that philanthropy can be a blast,” said Megan Gregg, the zoo’s senior eventsmManager. “We pair an unforgettable experience with critical support for animal care, creating an evening of memories and meaningful impact.”
General admission tickets are $250 and include parking, entry to the event, entertainment, food and drinks, and access to rides and activities. A limited number of $600 VIP tickets come with added perks such as a pre-event reception from 5 to 7 p.m., early entry, exclusive access to a live auction and complimentary valet parking.
For those who can’t attend, the Detroit Zoological Society is offering another way to contribute. The Great Zoo Giveaway raffle is back this year and offers participants a chance to win five VIP zoo experiences for themselves and up to three guests, along with a $500 gift card. Raffle tickets start at $5 and will be available through June 29, with a drawing scheduled for June 30.
For more information on Sunset at the Zoo, visit detroitzoo.org.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: After-hours party at Detroit Zoo includes food, cocktails and dancing
Reporting by Duante Beddingfield and Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Duante Beddingfield and Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
