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Upcoming Events and Programs

Here’s a look at all of the events and programs currently scheduled at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

This schedule is (of course) subject to revision. As the year goes on, please revisit this page for any changes.

Today

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 4:00PM

Signature Event Wild Lights

Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through December 23). Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

5:00 – 9:00PM

Buy online and save! Children younger than 2 will be admitted free.

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 4:00PM

Signature Event Wild Lights

Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through December 23). Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

5:00 – 9:00PM

Buy online and save! Children younger than 2 will be admitted free.

Friday, December 27, 2024

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 4:00PM

Signature Event Wild Lights

Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through December 23). Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

5:00 – 9:00PM

Buy online and save! Children younger than 2 will be admitted free.

Saturday, December 28, 2024

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 4:00PM

Signature Event Wild Lights

Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through December 23). Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

5:00 – 9:00PM

Buy online and save! Children younger than 2 will be admitted free.

Sunday, December 29, 2024

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 4:00PM

Signature Event Wild Lights

Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through December 23). Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

5:00 – 9:00PM

Buy online and save! Children younger than 2 will be admitted free.

Monday, December 30, 2024

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 4:00PM

Winter Break Camp Monkeying Around (Session A)

Swing on over to Riverbanks and spend the break with us learning how we care for our monkeys, lemurs, and apes

8:45AM – 4:00PM

Kindergarten to 5th Grade.

$120 Riverbanks members per session; $140 general public per session.

Signature Event Wild Lights

Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through December 23). Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

5:00 – 9:00PM

Buy online and save! Children younger than 2 will be admitted free.

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 4:00PM

Winter Break Camp Monkeying Around (Session A)

Swing on over to Riverbanks and spend the break with us learning how we care for our monkeys, lemurs, and apes

8:45AM – 4:00PM

Kindergarten to 5th Grade.

$120 Riverbanks members per session; $140 general public per session.

Signature Event Wild Lights

Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through December 23). Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

5:00 – 9:00PM

Buy online and save! Children younger than 2 will be admitted free.

Thursday, January 2, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 4:00PM

Winter Break Camp Monkeying Around (Session B)

Swing on over to Riverbanks and spend the break with us learning how we care for our monkeys, lemurs, and apes

8:45AM – 4:00PM

Kindergarten to 5th Grade.

$120 Riverbanks members per session; $140 general public per session.

Signature Event Wild Lights

Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through December 23). Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

5:00 – 9:00PM

Buy online and save! Children younger than 2 will be admitted free.

Friday, January 3, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 4:00PM

Winter Break Camp Monkeying Around (Session B)

Swing on over to Riverbanks and spend the break with us learning how we care for our monkeys, lemurs, and apes

8:45AM – 4:00PM

Kindergarten to 5th Grade.

$120 Riverbanks members per session; $140 general public per session.

Free Fridays

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will once again offer complimentary admission to taxpaying residents of Lexington and Richland Counties every Friday during January and February. Valid proof of residency is required. Please present a property tax statement, vehicle registration, South Carolina driver’s license, or photo ID at any ticket window for free entry to the park.

9:00AM – 4:00PM

Signature Event Wild Lights

Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through December 23). Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

5:00 – 9:00PM

Buy online and save! Children younger than 2 will be admitted free.

Saturday, January 4, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 4:00PM

Signature Event Wild Lights

Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through December 23). Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

5:00 – 9:00PM

Buy online and save! Children younger than 2 will be admitted free.

Sunday, January 5, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 4:00PM

Signature Event Wild Lights

Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through December 23). Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

5:00 – 9:00PM

Buy online and save! Children younger than 2 will be admitted free.

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 4:00PM

Signature Event Wild Lights

Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through December 23). Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

5:00 – 9:00PM

Buy online and save! Children younger than 2 will be admitted free.

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 4:00PM

Signature Event Wild Lights

Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through December 23). Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

5:00 – 9:00PM

Buy online and save! Children younger than 2 will be admitted free.

Friday, January 10, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 4:00PM

Free Fridays

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will once again offer complimentary admission to taxpaying residents of Lexington and Richland Counties every Friday during January and February. Valid proof of residency is required. Please present a property tax statement, vehicle registration, South Carolina driver’s license, or photo ID at any ticket window for free entry to the park.

9:00AM – 4:00PM

Little Learners at Riverbanks Octopus

Octopus are some of the coolest creatures in the ocean! Let’s learn all about them.

10:30 – 11:30AM

Children ages 3–5 with an adult.

Waterfall Junction Learning Center in the Botanical Garden.

$16 per child. Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Signature Event Wild Lights

Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through December 23). Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

5:00 – 9:00PM

Buy online and save! Children younger than 2 will be admitted free.

Saturday, January 11, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 4:00PM

Signature Event Wild Lights

Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through December 23). Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

5:00 – 9:00PM

Buy online and save! Children younger than 2 will be admitted free.

Sunday, January 12, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 4:00PM

Signature Event Wild Lights

Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through December 23). Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

5:00 – 9:00PM

Buy online and save! Children younger than 2 will be admitted free.

Monday, January 13, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Homeschool Class Eliminating Extinction (Spring Session D)

Why does wildlife disappear? How can we prevent it? From the mystery of the Carolina Parakeet to the return of the beautiful Bali Mynah, students will investigate ways they can help Riverbank’s eliminate extinction.

10:30AM – 12:00PM

Children ages 5–12.

Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).

$45 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Homeschool Little Learners Ducks, Geese, and Swans (Spring Session D)

Winter is a great time to see waterfowl on our lakes and rivers. Join us as we learn about our feathered friends!

10:45 – 11:45AM

Children ages 3–5 with accompanying adult.

Riverbanks Farm Classroom (at the Zoo).

$35 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Friday, January 17, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Free Fridays

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will once again offer complimentary admission to taxpaying residents of Lexington and Richland Counties every Friday during January and February. Valid proof of residency is required. Please present a property tax statement, vehicle registration, South Carolina driver’s license, or photo ID at any ticket window for free entry to the park.

9:00AM – 5:00PM

Little Learners at Riverbanks Octopus

Octopus are some of the coolest creatures in the ocean! Let’s learn all about them.

10:30 – 11:30AM

Children ages 3–5 with an adult.

Waterfall Junction Learning Center in the Botanical Garden.

$16 per child. Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Monday, January 20, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Homeschool Class Eliminating Extinction (Spring Session E)

Why does wildlife disappear? How can we prevent it? From the mystery of the Carolina Parakeet to the return of the beautiful Bali Mynah, students will investigate ways they can help Riverbank’s eliminate extinction.

10:30AM – 12:00PM

Children ages 5–12.

Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).

$45 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Friday, January 24, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Free Fridays

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will once again offer complimentary admission to taxpaying residents of Lexington and Richland Counties every Friday during January and February. Valid proof of residency is required. Please present a property tax statement, vehicle registration, South Carolina driver’s license, or photo ID at any ticket window for free entry to the park.

9:00AM – 5:00PM

Little Learners at Riverbanks Turtles & Tortoises

What’s the difference between a turtle and a tortoise? Let’s investigate!

10:30 – 11:30AM

Children ages 3–5 with an adult.

Waterfall Junction Learning Center in the Botanical Garden.

$16 per child. Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Monday, January 27, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Homeschool Class Eliminating Extinction (Spring Session F)

Why does wildlife disappear? How can we prevent it? From the mystery of the Carolina Parakeet to the return of the beautiful Bali Mynah, students will investigate ways they can help Riverbank’s eliminate extinction.

10:30AM – 12:00PM

Children ages 5–12.

Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).

$45 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Homeschool Little Learners Ducks, Geese, and Swans (Spring Session F)

Winter is a great time to see waterfowl on our lakes and rivers. Join us as we learn about our feathered friends!

10:45 – 11:45AM

Children ages 3–5 with accompanying adult.

Riverbanks Farm Classroom (at the Zoo).

$35 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Friday, January 31, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Free Fridays

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will once again offer complimentary admission to taxpaying residents of Lexington and Richland Counties every Friday during January and February. Valid proof of residency is required. Please present a property tax statement, vehicle registration, South Carolina driver’s license, or photo ID at any ticket window for free entry to the park.

9:00AM – 5:00PM

Little Learners at Riverbanks Turtles & Tortoises

What’s the difference between a turtle and a tortoise? Let’s investigate!

10:30 – 11:30AM

Children ages 3–5 with an adult.

Waterfall Junction Learning Center in the Botanical Garden.

$16 per child. Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Saturday, February 1, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Adult Garden Workshop Sweetgrass Basket Weaving

The Gullah tradition of weaving baskets from strong but supple marsh grass in the lowcountry is one of the nation’s oldest and most beautiful handicrafts of African origin. Participants will craft a small sweetgrass basket in the traditional style through this hands-on workshop with Mary Graham-Grant.

10:00AM – 2:00PM

$70 Riverbanks members; $85 general public.

Friday, February 7, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Free Fridays

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will once again offer complimentary admission to taxpaying residents of Lexington and Richland Counties every Friday during January and February. Valid proof of residency is required. Please present a property tax statement, vehicle registration, South Carolina driver’s license, or photo ID at any ticket window for free entry to the park.

9:00AM – 5:00PM

Little Learners at Riverbanks Ducks, Geese & Swans

Winter is a great time to see waterfowl on our lakes and rivers. Join us as we learn about our feathered friends!

10:30 – 11:30AM

Children ages 3–5 with an adult.

Waterfall Junction Learning Center in the Botanical Garden.

$16 per child. Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Monday, February 10, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Homeschool Class Conservation Connection (Spring Session D)

Explore the many ways Riverbanks is involved in protecting North America Songbirds and Pollinators. Students will get the opportunity to take home some tools to help connect to wildlife and conservation in their own backyard!

10:30AM – 12:00PM

Children ages 5–12.

Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).

$45 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Homeschool Little Learners Octopus (Spring Session D)

Octopi are some of the coolest creatures in the ocean! Let’s learn all about them!

10:45 – 11:45AM

Children ages 3–5 with accompanying adult.

Riverbanks Farm Classroom (at the Zoo).

$35 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Friday, February 14, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Free Fridays

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will once again offer complimentary admission to taxpaying residents of Lexington and Richland Counties every Friday during January and February. Valid proof of residency is required. Please present a property tax statement, vehicle registration, South Carolina driver’s license, or photo ID at any ticket window for free entry to the park.

9:00AM – 5:00PM

Monday, February 17, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Homeschool Class Conservation Connection (Spring Session E)

Explore the many ways Riverbanks is involved in protecting North America Songbirds and Pollinators. Students will get the opportunity to take home some tools to help connect to wildlife and conservation in their own backyard!

10:30AM – 12:00PM

Children ages 5–12.

Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).

$45 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Friday, February 21, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Free Fridays

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will once again offer complimentary admission to taxpaying residents of Lexington and Richland Counties every Friday during January and February. Valid proof of residency is required. Please present a property tax statement, vehicle registration, South Carolina driver’s license, or photo ID at any ticket window for free entry to the park.

9:00AM – 5:00PM

Little Learners at Riverbanks Ducks, Geese & Swans

Winter is a great time to see waterfowl on our lakes and rivers. Join us as we learn about our feathered friends!

10:30 – 11:30AM

Children ages 3–5 with an adult.

Waterfall Junction Learning Center in the Botanical Garden.

$16 per child. Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Monday, February 24, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Homeschool Class Conservation Connection (Spring Session F)

Explore the many ways Riverbanks is involved in protecting North America Songbirds and Pollinators. Students will get the opportunity to take home some tools to help connect to wildlife and conservation in their own backyard!

10:30AM – 12:00PM

Children ages 5–12.

Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).

$45 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Homeschool Little Learners Octopus (Spring Session F)

Octopi are some of the coolest creatures in the ocean! Let’s learn all about them!

10:45 – 11:45AM

Children ages 3–5 with accompanying adult.

Riverbanks Farm Classroom (at the Zoo).

$35 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Friday, February 28, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Free Fridays

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will once again offer complimentary admission to taxpaying residents of Lexington and Richland Counties every Friday during January and February. Valid proof of residency is required. Please present a property tax statement, vehicle registration, South Carolina driver’s license, or photo ID at any ticket window for free entry to the park.

9:00AM – 5:00PM

Little Learners at Riverbanks Capybara & Kin

Capybaras look like a cute cross between a pig, a beaver, and a hippopotamus. But what are they really? Let’s learn about capybaras and their relatives!

10:30 – 11:30AM

Children ages 3–5 with an adult.

Waterfall Junction Learning Center in the Botanical Garden.

$16 per child. Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Friday, March 7, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Little Learners at Riverbanks Capybara & Kin

Capybaras look like a cute cross between a pig, a beaver, and a hippopotamus. But what are they really? Let’s learn about capybaras and their relatives!

10:30 – 11:30AM

Children ages 3–5 with an adult.

Waterfall Junction Learning Center in the Botanical Garden.

$16 per child. Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Monday, March 10, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Homeschool Class Restoration Recovery (Spring Session D)

Join us as we observe some of the ways Riverbanks is working to restore Gopher Tortoises, Spider Lillies, and Gopher Frogs to their native habitats.

10:30AM – 12:00PM

Children ages 5–12.

Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).

$45 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Homeschool Little Learners Capybara & Kin (Spring Session D)

Capybaras look like a cute cross between a pig, a beaver, and a hippopotamus. But what are they really? Let’s learn about capybaras and their relatives!

10:45 – 11:45AM

Children ages 3–5 with accompanying adult.

Riverbanks Farm Classroom (at the Zoo).

$35 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Monday, March 17, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Homeschool Class Restoration Recovery (Spring Session E)

Join us as we observe some of the ways Riverbanks is working to restore Gopher Tortoises, Spider Lillies, and Gopher Frogs to their native habitats.

10:30AM – 12:00PM

Children ages 5–12.

Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).

$45 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Friday, March 21, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Little Learners at Riverbanks Seal & Sea Lions

What’s the difference between seals and sea lions? Let’s find out.

10:30 – 11:30AM

Children ages 3–5 with an adult.

Waterfall Junction Learning Center in the Botanical Garden.

$16 per child. Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Monday, March 24, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Homeschool Class Restoration Recovery (Spring Session F)

Join us as we observe some of the ways Riverbanks is working to restore Gopher Tortoises, Spider Lillies, and Gopher Frogs to their native habitats.

10:30AM – 12:00PM

Children ages 5–12.

Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).

$45 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Homeschool Little Learners Capybara & Kin (Spring Session F)

Capybaras look like a cute cross between a pig, a beaver, and a hippopotamus. But what are they really? Let’s learn about capybaras and their relatives!

10:45 – 11:45AM

Children ages 3–5 with accompanying adult.

Riverbanks Farm Classroom (at the Zoo).

$35 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Friday, March 28, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Little Learners at Riverbanks Seal & Sea Lions

What’s the difference between seals and sea lions? Let’s find out.

10:30 – 11:30AM

Children ages 3–5 with an adult.

Waterfall Junction Learning Center in the Botanical Garden.

$16 per child. Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Friday, April 4, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Little Learners at Riverbanks Colorful Flowers of Spring

Let’s explore the spring garden to see what colors we can discover!

10:30 – 11:30AM

Children ages 3–5 with an adult.

Waterfall Junction Learning Center in the Botanical Garden.

$16 per child. Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Friday, April 11, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Little Learners at Riverbanks Colorful Flowers of Spring

Let’s explore the spring garden to see what colors we can discover!

10:30 – 11:30AM

Children ages 3–5 with an adult.

Waterfall Junction Learning Center in the Botanical Garden.

$16 per child. Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Members’ Night Out

It’s free, after-hours, and for members only. Stroll around the park with a new perspective, see our animals engaging with enrichment, and meet members of our animal care team as they roam the Zoo sharing personal stories throughout the night.

6:00 – 9:00PM

Free for Riverbanks members only (no guest passes, please). Pre-registration is not required.

Friday, April 25, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Signature Event Wine Tasting at Riverbanks Botanical Garden

Join us for an evening of elegance and exploration as you sample hand-selected wines and light bites in one of the nation’s most beautiful and inspiring gardens. Wine Tasting at Riverbanks Botanical Garden is a delightful journey for seasoned wine enthusiasts and newcomers. Come sip, savor, and unwind with us. For those who prefer hops to grapes, an assortment of craft brews can be sampled in the Beer Garden.

7:00 – 9:30PM

No one under 21 will be admitted.

Opens March 15

Saturday, April 26, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Adult Garden Workshop Kokedama, Japanese Moss Balls

The art of using moss as a way to encapsulate soil and a living plant can create a stunning botanical piece for your house or garden. Participants will all learn to make this living sculpture that can be a table centerpiece or hung indoors or out for a unique floral focus.

10:00 – 11:30AM

$25 Riverbanks members; $30 general public.

Friday, May 2, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Little Learners at Riverbanks Dragonflies & Damselflies

Join us as we learn about these beautiful and fascinating insects!

10:30 – 11:30AM

Children ages 3–5 with an adult.

Waterfall Junction Learning Center in the Botanical Garden.

$16 per child. Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Friday, May 9, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Little Learners at Riverbanks Dragonflies & Damselflies

Join us as we learn about these beautiful and fascinating insects!

10:30 – 11:30AM

Children ages 3–5 with an adult.

Waterfall Junction Learning Center in the Botanical Garden.

$16 per child. Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Friday, May 16, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Little Learners at Riverbanks Mother Earth

Let’s journey around the world and explore this incredible planet we call home!

10:30 – 11:30AM

Children ages 3–5 with an adult.

Waterfall Junction Learning Center in the Botanical Garden.

$16 per child. Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Saturday, May 17, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Signature Event Riverbanks Run

Make tracks to Riverbanks for one wild 5k race that benefits wildlife conservation! Riverbanks Run will wind through the park’s scenic back roads, cross the Saluda River, and pass some of the most popular exhibits in the Zoo.

7:15 – 9:00AM

Opens April 1

Saturday, June 7, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Adult Garden Workshop Ikebana Floral Arranging

Ikebana is a Japanese art form that involves arranging flowers and other natural materials in a stylized manner. Lin Ko of the Asia Cultural Society will be demonstrating three styles of Ikebana, and then leading participants through a hands-on portion to create an arrangement to take home.

10:00AM – 12:00PM

$40 Riverbanks members; $48 general public.

Friday, June 13, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Members’ Night Out

It’s free, after-hours, and for members only. Stroll around the park with a new perspective, see our animals engaging with enrichment, and meet members of our animal care team as they roam the Zoo sharing personal stories throughout the night.

6:00 – 9:00PM

Free for Riverbanks members only (no guest passes, please). Pre-registration is not required.

Friday, August 1, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Signature Event Brew at the Zoo

Tap into your Wild Side for the 20th annual Brew at the Zoo! Experience an unforgettable evening of craft and local beer, live music, and wildlife set against the stunning backdrop of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. This event promises to be a memorable night for beer enthusiasts and animal lovers alike.

7:00 – 9:30PM

No one under 21 will be admitted.

Opens June 15

Friday, September 5, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Members’ Night Out

It’s free, after-hours, and for members only. Stroll around the park with a new perspective, see our animals engaging with enrichment, and meet members of our animal care team as they roam the Zoo sharing personal stories throughout the night.

6:00 – 9:00PM

Free for Riverbanks members only (no guest passes, please). Pre-registration is not required.

Friday, September 26, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Signature Event Riverbanks ZOOfari

Join us for the 51st anniversary edition of ZOOfari — an unforgettable evening of cocktails, cuisine, and conservation! Experience the nostalgia with flavors from previous ZOOfari events, paired with specialty cocktails throughout the Zoo.

7:00 – 9:30PM

Opens August 1