Upcoming Events and Programs

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 – 9:00_PM

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

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 – 9:00_PM

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

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 – 9:00_PM

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

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 – 9:00_PM

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

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 – 9:00_PM

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

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 – 9:00_PM

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

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 – 9:00_PM

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

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 – 9:00_PM

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

From the loudest vocalist to the mightiest hunter, learn about how Riverbanks cares for our wild cats both big and small.

8:45_AM – 4:00_PM

Kindergarten to 5th Grade.

$285 Riverbanks members per session; $335 general public per session.

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 – 9:00_PM

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

From the loudest vocalist to the mightiest hunter, learn about how Riverbanks cares for our wild cats both big and small.

8:45_AM – 4:00_PM

Kindergarten to 5th Grade.

$285 Riverbanks members per session; $335 general public per session.

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 – 9:00_PM

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

From the loudest vocalist to the mightiest hunter, learn about how Riverbanks cares for our wild cats both big and small.

8:45_AM – 4:00_PM

Kindergarten to 5th Grade.

$285 Riverbanks members per session; $335 general public per session.

From the loudest vocalist to the mightiest hunter, learn about how Riverbanks cares for our wild cats both big and small.

8:45_AM – 4:00_PM

Kindergarten to 5th Grade.

$285 Riverbanks members per session; $335 general public per session.

From the loudest vocalist to the mightiest hunter, learn about how Riverbanks cares for our wild cats both big and small.

8:45_AM – 4:00_PM

Kindergarten to 5th Grade.

$285 Riverbanks members per session; $335 general public per session.

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 – 9:00_PM

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

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 – 9:00_PM

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

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 – 9:00_PM

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

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 – 9:00_PM

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

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 – 9:00_PM

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

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 – 9:00_PM

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

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 – 9:00_PM

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

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 – 9:00_PM

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

Nature’s doctors help scientists identify and diagnose the overall health of an ecosystem. Join us as we learn how “indicator species” are important to their environments.

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

Children ages 5–13.

Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).

$50 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

March on over to Riverbanks Zoo to learn more about our best-dressed residents!

10:45 – 11:45_AM

Children ages 3–5 with accompanying adult.

Riverbanks Farm Classroom (at the Zoo).

$40 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

March on over to Riverbanks Zoo to learn more about our best-dressed residents!

10:30 – 11:30_AM

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.

Nature’s doctors help scientists identify and diagnose the overall health of an ecosystem. Join us as we learn how “indicator species” are important to their environments.

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

Children ages 5–13.

Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).

$50 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

March on over to Riverbanks Zoo to learn more about our best-dressed residents!

10:30 – 11:30_AM

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.

Nature’s doctors help scientists identify and diagnose the overall health of an ecosystem. Join us as we learn how “indicator species” are important to their environments.

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

Children ages 5–13.

Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).

$50 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

March on over to Riverbanks Zoo to learn more about our best-dressed residents!

10:45 – 11:45_AM

Children ages 3–5 with accompanying adult.

Riverbanks Farm Classroom (at the Zoo).

$40 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Join Wingard’s Naturalist and USCG Captain Zach Steinhauser and learn about Purple Martins, why they need protection, and how to become a Purple Martin landlord by setting up your own colony of Martin Houses. Every Purple Martin you see flying around Bomb Island on Lake Murray in the summer was born in a birdhouse. Since they no longer nest naturally, they need us to put up housing for them to nest and raise their young in.

10:00_AM – 12:00_PM

$20 Riverbanks members; $25 general public.

Discover the tangled story of kudzu in a hands-on workshop with Aaron Baumgardner and DeLesslin “Roo” George-Warren, both artists and citizens of Catawba Nation. Learn to wrangle kudzu into basketry and sculptural forms while encountering stories of kudzu’s tangled past, insights into Catawba history, and the challenges of reweaving ecosystems and cultures. Part craft, part history, and part storytelling, this workshop invites you to reimagine what kudzu can mean in our landscapes and our lives.

10:00_AM – 2:00_PM

$50 Riverbanks members; $55 general public.

Discover the value of ecosystem engineers and umbrella species in protecting, modifying, and even creating habitats for other organisms that share their homes.

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

Children ages 5–13.

Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).

$50 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Meerkats are all about family and teamwork! Would you make a marvelous meerkat?

10:45 – 11:45_AM

Children ages 3–5 with accompanying adult.

Riverbanks Farm Classroom (at the Zoo).

$40 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Discover the value of ecosystem engineers and umbrella species in protecting, modifying, and even creating habitats for other organisms that share their homes.

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

Children ages 5–13.

Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).

$50 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Take your school’s career fair off-site this year! School groups, elementary through high school, are invited to explore exciting job opportunities in animal care, education, horticulture, and more! Discover the tools of the trade, meet zoo professionals and ask questions, and learn how to apply for seasonal and full-time opportunities at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

9:00_AM – 12:00_PM

Free with park admission. Space is limited, school groups please book your field trips at least two weeks in advance.

Meerkats are all about family and teamwork! Would you make a marvelous meerkat?

10:30 – 11:30_AM

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.

Discover the value of ecosystem engineers and umbrella species in protecting, modifying, and even creating habitats for other organisms that share their homes.

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

Children ages 5–13.

Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).

$50 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Meerkats are all about family and teamwork! Would you make a marvelous meerkat?

10:45 – 11:45_AM

Children ages 3–5 with accompanying adult.

Riverbanks Farm Classroom (at the Zoo).

$40 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Meerkats are all about family and teamwork! Would you make a marvelous meerkat?

10:30 – 11:30_AM

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.

Fireflies will be lighting up the night soon! Let’s learn about these magical beetles and their kin!

10:30 – 11:30_AM

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.

What do sea stars, bees, saguaro cactus, and alligators have in common? Homeschoolers explore these “Key” species to find out how they are vital to conserving their environments food webs and maybe even nominate their own flagship species for conservation!

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

Children ages 5–13.

Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).

$50 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Fireflies will be lighting up the night soon! Let’s learn about these magical beetles and their kin!

10:45 – 11:45_AM

Children ages 3–5 with accompanying adult.

Riverbanks Farm Classroom (at the Zoo).

$40 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Event details TBA.

9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

This event is free with general admission or membership.

What do sea stars, bees, saguaro cactus, and alligators have in common? Homeschoolers explore these “Key” species to find out how they are vital to conserving their environments food webs and maybe even nominate their own flagship species for conservation!

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

Children ages 5–13.

Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).

$50 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Fireflies will be lighting up the night soon! Let’s learn about these magical beetles and their kin!

10:30 – 11:30_AM

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.

A terrarium is a miniature, contained garden housed in a glass container that functions as a self-sustaining mini-ecosystem.  Learn the basics of creating a closed terrarium that stays healthy and requires minimal maintenance. Everyone will make a terrarium to take home.

10:00 – 11:30_AM

$35 Riverbanks members; $40 general public.

What do sea stars, bees, saguaro cactus, and alligators have in common? Homeschoolers explore these “Key” species to find out how they are vital to conserving their environments food webs and maybe even nominate their own flagship species for conservation!

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

Children ages 5–13.

Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).

$50 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Fireflies will be lighting up the night soon! Let’s learn about these magical beetles and their kin!

10:45 – 11:45_AM

Children ages 3–5 with accompanying adult.

Riverbanks Farm Classroom (at the Zoo).

$40 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

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 – 9:00_PM

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

Slow down and enjoy the sloth life!

10:30 – 11:30_AM

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.

Join us for this informal discussion of tips and tricks to successful vegetable gardening. We will discuss soil types, organic materials, watering techniques, pest control and more.

10:00 – 11:30_AM

$15 Riverbanks members; $20 general public.

Shop from a wide range of plants — sun-loving, shade-loving, annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, and special collections of tropical and pollinator plants!

Slow down and enjoy the sloth life!

10:30 – 11:30_AM

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.

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 – 9:30_PM

No one under 21 will be admitted.

Let’s celebrate Mother’s Day by learning about moms who lay eggs!

10:30 – 11:30_AM

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.

Let’s celebrate Mother’s Day by learning about moms who lay eggs!

10:30 – 11:30_AM

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.

What’s the difference between a frog and a toad? Hop on over to find out!

10:30 – 11:30_AM

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.

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 – 9:00_AM

What’s the difference between a frog and a toad? Hop on over to find out!

10:30 – 11:30_AM

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.

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 – 9:00_PM

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

Tap into your Wild Side for 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 – 9:30_PM

No one under 21 will be admitted.

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 – 9:00_PM

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

Join us for 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 – 9:30_PM

Event details TBA.

9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

This event is free with general admission or membership.

Gather your little ghosts and goblins and head to Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular!

6:00 – 9:00_PM

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

Gather your little ghosts and goblins and head to Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular!

6:00 – 9:00_PM

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

Gather your little ghosts and goblins and head to Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular!

6:00 – 9:00_PM

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

Gather your little ghosts and goblins and head to Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular!

6:00 – 9:00_PM

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

Gather your little ghosts and goblins and head to Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular!

6:00 – 9:00_PM

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

Gather your little ghosts and goblins and head to Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular!

6:00 – 9:00_PM

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

Gather your little ghosts and goblins and head to Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular!

6:00 – 9:00_PM

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

Gather your little ghosts and goblins and head to Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular!

6:00 – 9:00_PM

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

Gather your little ghosts and goblins and head to Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular!

6:00 – 9:00_PM

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

Gather your little ghosts and goblins and head to Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular!

6:00 – 9:00_PM

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

Gather your little ghosts and goblins and head to Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular!

6:00 – 9:00_PM

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

Gather your little ghosts and goblins and head to Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular!

6:00 – 9:00_PM

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

Gather your little ghosts and goblins and head to Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular!

6:00 – 9:00_PM

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

Gather your little ghosts and goblins and head to Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular!

6:00 – 9:00_PM

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

Gather your little ghosts and goblins and head to Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular!

6:00 – 9:00_PM

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