Bring on spring! The Indianapolis Zoo is celebrating all the colorful new life and growing excitement of the season with an expanded xZOOberance spring festival presented by Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana Corn Marketing Council.
Sprouting up just in time for spring break, this year’s event begins March 24 and continues through April 17. Activities run from noon-4pm every Thursday through Sunday, offering 16 days of lively performances, spring-centric activities, living artworks, and, of course, animals.
The Bicentennial Pavilion will be buzzing with energy from live entertainment on the main stage. The lineup features an eclectic mix of acts like Cathy Morris, Air Bears, Circle City Bucket Drummers, Meraki Dance Co., Cowboy Randy Erwin, and more. Everything is set amid a vibrant landscape of oversized pinwheels, animal-shaped topiaries, and larger-than-life flowers.
At the Bee Study, visitors can chat with beekeepers and see the tools they use to care for honeybees. Guest can also meet Polly Pollen and discover the importance of pollinators. Plus, children can enjoy storytime, learn the bee dance and try their hand at the pollen toss game.
Additional activities will keep everyone hopping. Animal-inspired yoga will have guests stretching up tall like a giraffe, spreading their wings like a macaw, and balancing on one leg like a flamingo. Plus, families can make memories at the beautiful Fly with the Butterflies photo op presented by PNC and express their creativity with a flowery craft.
At the center stage near Café on the Commons, backyard karaoke with Uncle Frank and Aunt June is sure to have guests smiling and singing along. That’s also the perfect spot to enjoy a bite from the new seasonal food menu, which features savory options including BBQ pork, grilled brats, and Bavarian pretzels plus sweet treats like hand-dipped crispy treats and honey lollipops. Adults can also sip craft beers or specialty cocktails created by Hotel Tango.
Moderate spring temperatures also mean more active animals. Guests can meet chickens and goats at the Bicentennial Pavilion. Plus, many of the Zoo’s animals will be out to join in the fun with extra chats and themed enrichment created especially by guests.
On April 16 and 17, the little ones can meet the Easter Bunny and collect goodies at the new Easter Egg Hunts presented by Kinder Joy®. Day-of registration is required.
Best of all, xZOOberance is free for Zoo members and included with regular admission. Visit IndianapolisZoo.com for advance tickets and more information.
