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.
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. Full entertainment schedule still to come.
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
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
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
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
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.
Visit the St. Vincent Dolphin Pavilion and where you can dive into a wondrous underwater world! 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.
Returning March 20 — 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.