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.

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

8:45_AM – 4:00_PM

Kindergarten to 5th Grade.

$120 Riverbanks members per session; $140 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.

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

8:45_AM – 4:00_PM

Kindergarten to 5th Grade.

$120 Riverbanks members per session; $140 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.

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

8:45_AM – 4:00_PM

Kindergarten to 5th Grade.

$120 Riverbanks members per session; $140 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.

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

8:45_AM – 4:00_PM

Kindergarten to 5th Grade.

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

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.

9:00_AM – 4:00_PM

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.

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.

9:00_AM – 4:00_PM

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

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.

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.

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.

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

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.

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

10:45 – 11:45_AM

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.

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.

9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

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

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.

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.

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

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.

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.

9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

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

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.

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.

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

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.

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

10:45 – 11:45_AM

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.

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.

9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

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

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.

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.

10:00_AM – 2:00_PM

$70 Riverbanks members; $85 general public.

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.

9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

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

10:30 – 11:30_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.

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!

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

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.

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

10:45 – 11:45_AM

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.

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.

9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

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!

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

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.

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.

9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

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

10:30 – 11:30_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.

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!

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

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.

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

10:45 – 11:45_AM

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.

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.

9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

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 – 11:30_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.

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 – 11:30_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 as we observe some of the ways Riverbanks is working to restore Gopher Tortoises, Spider Lillies, and Gopher Frogs to their native habitats.

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

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.

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 – 11:45_AM

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.

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.

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

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.

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

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.

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

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.

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 – 11:45_AM

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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 – 11:30_AM

$25 Riverbanks members; $30 general public.

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

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 as we learn about these beautiful and fascinating insects!

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

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

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.

10:00_AM – 12:00_PM

$40 Riverbanks members; $48 general public.

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 the 20^th 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 – 9:30_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 the 51^st 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 – 9:30_PM