Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo Sunset Celebration runs weekends through August 6

Guests can see Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo in a whole new light at Sunset Celebration, which keeps the attraction open till 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays July 8-August 6 with dining, entertainment and animal encounters throughout the park.

Starting last weekend, visitor can enjoy cooler summer evenings as the sun sets over Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, 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.

“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.”

Activities for the whole family include 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 in the newly renovated event yard will feature a tribute band that rotates each weekend.

Specialty dining will also be available, with a variety of dining options including bar-b-que, Latin flavors, 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. A Beer and Wine Garden will be available, and Dining Passes are 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.

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).

For  more information, visit lowryparkzoo.org and watch our coverage of the event on the July 15 episode of Attractions The Show.