Mar 21 - Apr 7

xZOOberance

10 AM - 4 PM

Activities run 10am-4pm Thursdays-Sundays only; Zoo is open 9am-5pm

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Description

Winter’s magical. Let’s watch it disappear.

After another long Indiana winter, we could all use a little xZOOberance. Join us for a spring festival featuring 12 days of fun — no matter what you’re looking for. Need a place for the kids to blow off steam and overcome a little cabin fever? We’ve got huge outdoor musical instruments, animal matching games and creative crafts like a fun springtime pinwheel to mesmerize some little eyes. Seeking your next epic photo op? Head to the Bicentennial Pavilion for unforgettable décor, live music and dancing, along with spring-centric art and activities. And, of course, don’t miss encounters with animals—including chickens and goats. Just want to unwind with a beverage? Head to the Cheer Garden anytime, where we’ll have craft beer and wine for adults plus a special menu featuring Bavarian pretzels, kettle chips, picnic snacks and kid-friendly refreshments. With this much to see and do, there’s no question: It’s time to say sayonara to winter and ring in the season we’ve all been waiting for.

Music and Entertainment

Ready for a virtuosic musical performance? See headliner Hiss Golden Messenger at 6pm on March 30 with opening act the Jai Baker 3 taking the stage at 5pm. The Zoo will stay open late for this special performance, so you can dance the evening away to the sounds of these incredibly talented bands. xZOOberance will feature a changing lineup of acts all 12 days. With a main stage under the Bicentennial Pavilion featuring the recycling percussion group the Dumpster Drummers, the contemporary dance company Dance Kaleidoscope and more, there will be music and dancing for everyone. The second stage at The Perch will have a variety of talents — from exciting storytellers to interactive music — to keep you engaged and entertained. All concerts are included with Zoo admission. See the full entertainment schedule below.

Entertainment Schedule

Thursday, April 4

10am – Deborah Asante, Storytelling Arts of Indiana, The Perch

10:30am – Backyard Bugs Chat, Hilbert Conservatory

10:45am – Chicken Chat, The Perch

11am – Tim Brickley Trio, music, Main Stage

Noon – Jump and Hop, music and dance, The Perch

1pm – Tim Brickley Trio, music, The Perch

2pm – Chicken Chat, The Perch

2:30pm – Potted Platins for Spring, demonstration, The Perch

3pm – Jump and Hop, music and dance, The Perch
Friday, April 5

10am – Bob Sander, Storytelling Arts of Indiana, The Perch

10:30am – Backyard Bugs Chat, Hilbert Conservatory

10:45am – Chicken Chat, The Perch

11am – Cathy Morris, music, Main Stage

Noon – Teddy Bear Series, Program the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, The Perch

1pm – Cathy Morris, music, Main Stage

2pm – Chicken Chat, The Perch

2:30pm – Potted Plants for Spring, demonstration, The Perch

3pm – Teddy Bear Series, Program of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, The Perch
Saturday, April 6

10am – Paint Out Day, Keller Illustrations, The Perch

11am – People, Paint & Percussion, Main Stage

Noon – Michael Kelsey, music, The Perch

1pm – People, Paint & Percussion, Main Stage

2pm – Chicken Chat, The Perch

3pm – Michael Kelsey, music, The Perch
Sunday, April 7

10am – Bob Sander, Storytelling Arts of Indiana, The Perch

10:45am – Chicken Chat, The Perch

11am – The Islanders, music, Main Stage

Noon – Ruditoonz, music, The Perch

1pm – The Islanders, music, Main Stage

2pm – Chicken Chat, The Perch

3pm – Ruditoonz, music, The Perch

Fun Times Await With New Activities

Stretch out with some animal-inspired yoga. Can you balance on one leg like a flamingo? Or spread your wings like a macaw? Join in on the fun with large outdoor musical instruments, animal matching games and creative crafts including springtime pinwheels to catch the season’s breeze. At The Perch, under the cover of the Bicentennial Pavilion, you may have wild encounters with some cool animals, while making color paper kites to provide our animals with enrichment.

xZOOberance is included with regular Zoo admission

Plan Your Springtime Visit

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New Dolphin Presentation

Visit the St. Vincent Dolphin Pavilion and where you can dive into a wondrous underwater world! This is also your first chance to experience our all-new dolphin presentation. You’ll be amazed by the power and athleticism of these marine mammals. You’ll also learn what Central Indiana families are doing to keep our oceans healthy for dolphins in the wild. Watch the new introduction video highlighting how you can help stop the waste of single-use plastics. You’ll walk away inspired and enlightened.

Presented by Citizens Energy Group

Experience Butterfly Kaleidoscope

Returning March 21 — just in time for xZOOberance — experience the beauty of butterflies in the Hilbert Conservatory. While you enjoy the warmth of our indoor garden, watch as nearly 40 species of extravagant butterflies from all around the globe glide around you. Join us for one of our schedules releases to watch newly hatched butterflies take their first flight. Different colored butterflies will be floating, fluttering and flying creating an aerial rainbow right before your eyes! You can also learn about attracting native pollinators to your backyard. Plus, our xZOOberance scavenger hunt will have you dashing all around out outdoor gardens to discover the whimsical sculptures.

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