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Sunset Celebration at Lowry Park Zoo

By Lowry Park Zoo/Catherine Fialla, Macaroni Kid Brandon Publisher July 21, 2016
This weekend, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo will debut its new 10-night summer event, Sunset Celebration, the first in a series of seasonal family festivals. The Zoo will stay open till 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays July 8-August 6 with dining, entertainment and animal encounters throughout the park.

“At Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, our vision is to be an unforgettable place of discovery. This includes going beyond expectations by offering our visitors new experiences and new ways to connect with nature and one another,” said CEO Joe Couceiro. “We’re excited to present our most engaging line-up of family events yet, starting with this summer’s Sunset Celebration. The very best way to take advantage of these events is through Zoo Membership or our ‘pay for a day, come back all year’ program which provide free and unlimited access.”

Starting this weekend, enjoy cooler summer evenings as the sun sets over Tampa’s most unique setting, featuring wildlife in a whole new light.  Animals have been carefully and safely acclimated so that habitats in the Asian and African realms of the zoo, along with Primate World, can now be illuminated and open throughout the night for viewing. New animal encounter kiosks will also bring guests eye-to-eye with numerous animal ambassadors.

Entertaining activities for the whole family can be found around every corner, including a group of atmospheric acrobats known as the “tumble monkeys,” as well as magicians, stilt walkers, hula hoop artists, DJs, dancers, bands, and an end-of-the-night laser light show finale.

Live music at the main stage will feature a tribute band that rotates each weekend. On July 8 and 9, guests will be transported to “Margaritaville” by Bluffett as they play favorite hits from Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band.

Specialty dining will also be available. Sample a delightful variety of dining options including bar-b-que, Latin flavors, tasty pub fare, and all-American favorites. Keep cool with a variety of refreshments including more than 40 types of beer, more than 20 types of wine, frozen drinks and Coca-Cola products, the Zoo’s newest beverage partner. Relax at our new Beer & Wine Garden. Take advantage of super savings with Dining Passes, available in advance online or at the front gate the night of the event.

Sunset Celebration is every Friday and Saturday evening, July 8 through August 6, until 10 p.m. Event admission is included free with Annual Zoo Membership, our ’pay for a day, come back all year’ program*, or one-day admission on event days. Also, special after 4 p.m. tickets are only $19.95 on event days and are available online or at the front gate.

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo gratefully acknowledges the generous sponsors who help make Sunset Celebration possible: Overlook at Crosstown Walk, Land Rover Tampa, Morgan Air and OAI, Inc.

Following this summer’s Sunset Celebration, the Zoo will introduce all-new fall and winter family festivals to be known as Creatures of the Night (Friday and Saturday nights September 30-October 29) and Christmas in the Wild (select nights November 25-December 31). *Limited blackout dates apply
 
About Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo
Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is operated by the Lowry Park Zoological Society, an independent 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to excellence in conservation, education, recreation and research. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and is featured among the “Top 25 Zoos in the U.S” by TripAdvisor (2015). The Zoo is located at 1101 W. Sligh Avenue in Tampa, one mile west of I-275 (exit 48) and is open seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours for special events. Parking is free. For more, visit www.LowryParkZoo.org or call (813) 935-8552.  Also find the Zoo on Facebook and Twitter.

Check out the fun Macaroni Kid Brandon & Macaroni Kid South Tampa had at Lowry Park Zoo's Sunset Celebration on media night!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzUFpvz9FPg