Fall is a wonderful time to visit the Zoo, as many of the animals are more active in cooler weather, so make plans to get outside with the family for fresh air! The Zoo plans fun and educational special events and seasonal programs for the entire family, most of which are free with the cost of admission.
September 2022
September 15, Glow Wild Lantern Festival begins, through November 27
Beginning September 15 and continuing through November 27, “Glow Wild,” a brilliant, illuminated Lantern Festival will be held at the Zoo Thursday through Sunday evenings. This incredible evening festival will showcase more than 40 large scale illuminated sculptures. The festival will run from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Timed tickets should be purchased online at beardsleyzoo.org in advance. A small number of tickets may be available at the door, depending on capacity. Adult tickets (12+) are $22., and children (11 and under) are $20. Children under three and adults over 75 are free. Wheelchairs and strollers will be available to rent.
September 17, Fairy Tales Day: A Magical Day with Storybook Characters
Once upon a time in a zoo not so far away, there was a day for all children to dress up like their favorite storybook characters! On Saturday, September 11th, the Zoo will turn into a magical land, with a day full of fun activities, including princesses, story time at multiple locations on grounds, face painting, glitter tattoos, and animal presentations! Brian Bradley’s Sky Hunters in Flight will be presented at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sponsored by the Pediatric Care Alliance between Connecticut Children’s and Hartford HealthCare.
September 18, 12-1:30, Sunday Serenades, Sun Kings-- A Beatles Tribute
Enjoy the music created by one of the most influential bands of our time. You’ll hear many of the Fab Four’s #1 hits, B sides, and deep tracks—all performed with attention to detail duplicating their tight harmonies, fancy guitar work and solid backbeat. In short, that signature Beatles sound!
Sept 18, International Red Panda Day
Come see our adorable red panda Berry in her home, the Natt Family Red Panda Habitat. The Zoo’s Education staff will be giving talks on this adorable member of the Zoo family. Learn about red pandas and help us create as many Red Panda Rangers as possible in a single day. What is a Red Panda Ranger? A Red Panda Ranger is a special title given to children who help spread the word about red pandas. Red pandas have been identified as a flagship species and an indicator of ecological health. Join us!
Sept 21, Evening Lecture Series, Loons Are Telling Us About a Changing Arctic, 7 p.m.
Join Tamara Zeller from the US Fish and Wildlife Service for a series of short youth-produced films about loon research in Alaska and the collaborative efforts of scientists to learn more about these iconic species. Films will touch upon loon migration, habitat changes, and challenges facing loons in an evolving arctic climate. We will also show a film about the loons of Connors Lake in Anchorage, and the story behind efforts to conserve them. Lectures will be presented via Zoom. The cost is $10 for each lecture, with a discounted cost of $50 if you register for all seven lectures.
October 2022
Glow Wild Lantern Festival continues through November 27
Continuing through November 27, “Glow Wild,” a brilliant, illuminated Lantern Festival will be held at the Zoo Thursday through Sunday evenings. This incredible evening festival will showcase more than 40 large scale illuminated sculptures. The festival will run from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Timed tickets should be purchased online at beardsleyzoo.org in advance. A small number of tickets may be available at the door, depending on capacity. Adult tickets (12+) are $22., and children (11 and under) are $20. Children under three and adults over 75 are free. Wheelchairs and strollers will be available to rent.
October 19: Evening Lecture Series, The Endangered Orchids of Fakahatchee, 7 p.m.
With Mike Owen: The Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park located in the Western Everglades is home to many endangered orchids. Mike Owen, the Park biologist, will speak about the many beautiful, endangered orchids, including the Ghost which lives in the park. Mr. Owen has studied and researched these orchids for over 28 years. Lectures will be presented via Zoom. The cost is $10 for each lecture, with a discounted cost of $50 if you register for all seven lectures. Sponsored by AARP.
October 20: International Sloth Day
This holiday raises awareness about the life cycle and natural habitat of sloths, native South and Central American animals. Come find our two Two-toed sloths, Rhubarb and Hope, hiding in our Rainforest exhibit. The Two-toed sloth is a mid-size animal with brownish-greenish fur that provides excellent camouflage. Hint: look up! Look for our special Educational programming at the Zoo.
Each year on October 21, people across the nation observe National Reptile Awareness Day. Created not only for reptile lovers to celebrate, but National Reptile Awareness Day also promotes education, conservation, and appreciation for reptiles. It is a day to learn about their natural habitats and the ecological threats that they are facing. Look for our special Educational programing at the Zoo.
October 24-31: Bat Week
Each year Bat Week is an annual, international celebration of the role of bats in nature. Bat Week is organized by conservation organizations from across the United States and Canada. Learning opportunities and fun crafts and activities will be available on our website. Come visit our Vampire bats!
October 29: Centennial Gala at the Inn at Longshore, Westport
An elegant evening affair will be held at the Inn at Longshore, Westport. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo will celebrate 100 years of educating guests about the importance of wild animals and wild places while providing the community with a wonderful place for families to enjoy time together. Join us for dinner, cocktails, musical entertainment, animal encounters, and silent & live auctions at a spectacular venue. With emcee Melissa Sheketoff, host of WICC’s Melissa in the Morning, and special guest speaker Jim Breheny, director of the Bronx Zoo, this is one wild night out you don’t want to miss. Interested supporters can contact Ashley Volkens, event fundraising manager, at 203-394-6569, or at avolkens@beardsleyzoo.org.
October 29: Boo at the Zoo, 11 a.m.- 3:00 pm (Raindate: October 30, 11-3)
A spooktacular afternoon of seasonal delights! Enjoy spooky animal talks and a DJ! Guaranteed to delight and fright all those who pass through. Dress up in your Halloween costume and join the party! “Boo at the Zoo is a longstanding Zoo tradition that many families look forward to,” said Gregg Dancho, Zoo director. “It’s a fun afternoon of cool critters, and, of course, family memories.”
November 2022
Glow Wild Lantern Festival continues through November 27
Continuing through November 27, “Glow Wild,” a brilliant, illuminated Lantern Festival will be held at the Zoo Thursday through Sunday evenings. This incredible evening festival will showcase more than 40 large scale illuminated sculptures. The festival will run from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Timed tickets should be purchased online at beardsleyzoo.org in advance. A small number of tickets may be available at the door, depending on capacity. Adult tickets (12+) are $22., and children (11 and under) are $20. Children under three and adults over 75 are free. Wheelchairs and strollers will be available to rent.
November 5: National Bison Day
Join us at the Research Station and learn more about America’s largest mammal as we raise awareness at educational tables highlighting the bison and its conservation story. These giants weigh between 1,000 and 3,000 pounds and eat up to 50 pounds of grasses a day. Vast herds once roamed our prairies and open woodlands but were driven to near extinction by early settlers and bison hunters. The last few animals kept in zoos formed the basis for the entire new (and protected) population.
November 11: Veteran’s Day
Veterans get in free, with a 20% discount for their families.
November 23: Zoo Closes Early
Last ticket sold at noon; Zoo closes at 1:00 p.m.
November 24: Thanksgiving/Zoo Closed
December 2022
December 24/Christmas Eve: Zoo closes early
Last ticket sold at noon; Zoo closes at 1:00 p.m.
December 25/Christmas: Zoo closed
December 31/New Year’s Eve: Zoo closes early
Last ticket sold at noon; Zoo closes at 1:00 p.m.
January 1, 2023/New Year’s Day: Zoo closed.
Visit our Tropical Winter Greenhouse
Enjoy a visit to a tropical paradise at our Victorian Greenhouse. As you stroll through, you can see several species flowering, and feed our colorful Koi fish in their pond. It’s a short walk through another world. Free with Zoo admission.
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is closer than you think and open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Adult admission (ages 12 & older) is $19.00; children (ages 3 -11) is $15.00, senior admission (62 and older) is $15.00 and children under 3 years old are free. Zoo members also are admitted free.
Calendar subject to change without notice. Please check BeardsleyZoo.org or Facebook for the most up to date information.
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is located at 1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut, and parking at the zoo is free of charge.