*Groovin’ In The Garden Free Summer Music Series (with Food Trucks!) + added Flamin’ Oh’s Show!*
2026 Obon Festival, August 16 – Tickets On Sale Now!
2026 Obon Festival, August 16 – Tickets On Sale Now!
***We will be selling ONLY ADVANCED TICKETS again in 2026***
Music, martial arts, singing, dancing, drumming, delicious food, vendors, games, and other aspects of Japanese culture will be featured at the annual Como Park Japanese Obon Festival on the grounds of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory from 3:00pm – 9:00pm on Sunday, August 16. At the end of the Obon festival, lanterns are released onto the water so that the spirits can return to the other world.
Artist, Photographer, & Family Photo Hours
Artist, Photographer, & Family Photo Hours
We’re bringing back our Photographer, Artist, & Family Photo Hours! This exclusive morning session offers a special opportunity to capture the beauty of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory before it opens to the public. No registration required. $5 cash per person at the door.
CANCELLED! Groovin’ In The Garden with J-Mo On The Beat & The J-Lighters + Sizzling Wagon Food Truck ~ July 15
CANCELLED! Groovin’ In The Garden with J-Mo On The Beat & The J-Lighters + Sizzling Wagon Food Truck ~ July 15
Due to the unhealthy air conditions we need to cancel this show.
Based in Saint Paul, MN, J-Mo On The Beat & The J-Lighters is a high-energy band blending 1950s/early 60s rock ‘n’ roll, rockabilly, blues, and indie rock.
Spread out a blanket & join us for these FREE outdoor concerts & activities in front of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory Wednesdays June 10 – July 29 from 6pm–8pm. We will also have a climbing wall, some bouncy balls, and hula-hoops for the young and young-at-heart! Beer and wine will be available to purchase, and we will have the Sizzling Wagon Food Truck serving up amazing food!
Groovin’ In The Garden with Red Eye Ruby + Brick Oven Bus Food Truck ~ July 22
Groovin’ In The Garden with Red Eye Ruby + Brick Oven Bus Food Truck ~ July 22
Red Eye Ruby is a retro roots-rock collective, channeling the soulful rock sounds of Amy Winehouse and the rhythmic roots of New Orleans
Beer and wine will be available to purchase. Brick Oven Bus food truck will be here serving up tasty pizza
Spread out a blanket & join us for these FREE outdoor concerts & activities in front of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory Wednesdays June 10 – July 29 from 6pm–8pm. We will also have a climbing wall, some bouncy balls, and hula-hoops for the young and old alike! Beer and wine will be available to purchase.
photo credit Chelsea Oxborough
Groovin’ In The Garden with School of Rock + Sizzling Wagon Food Truck ~ July 29
Groovin’ In The Garden with School of Rock + Sizzling Wagon Food Truck ~ July 29
School Of Rock House Bands from St. Paul & Plymouth – The School of Rock House Bands give students 18 and under the opportunity to join a gigging band composed of fellow musicians from their school. Come see tomorrow’s Rock Stars, today!
Beer, wine, pop, & ice cream treats will be available to purchase. We will have Sizzling Wagon food truck here serving up some tasty food!
Spread out a blanket & join us for these FREE outdoor concerts & activities in front of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory Wednesdays June 10 – July 29 from 6pm–8pm. We will also have a climbing wall, some bouncy balls, and hula-hoops for the young and old alike!
Groovin’ In The Garden with The Flamin’ Oh’s + Sizzling Wagon Food Truck ~ August 12
Groovin’ In The Garden with The Flamin’ Oh’s + Sizzling Wagon Food Truck ~ August 12
The Flamin’ Oh’s have been a staple of the Minnesota music scene for more than four decades, delivering their signature blend of power pop, rock, and new wave with infectious energy. Known for catchy hooks, driving guitars, and unforgettable live performances, the band has built a loyal following with favorites like “I Remember Romance” and “Stop” Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering them for the first time, a Flamin’ Oh’s show is packed with timeless songs, high-energy musicianship, and the kind of hometown rock ‘n’ roll spirit that keeps audiences singing along from the first note to the last.
Beer, wine, pop, & ice cream treats will be available to purchase. Sizzling Wagon Food Truck will be here serving up tasty food.
Spread out a blanket & join us for these FREE outdoor concerts & activities in front of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory Wednesdays from 6pm–8pm. We will also have a climbing wall, some bouncy balls, and hula-hoops for the young and old alike!
Little Explorers Thursday!
Little Explorers Thursday!
Little Explorers is a FREE program from 10:00AM-noon on Thursdays in the Visitor Center in the Winter and on the zoo grounds in the Summer. Perfect for the 1-3 year old (but every age is welcome) to see story time, play games and many other fun activities. Different theme each week! An ASL interpreter will be here most Thursdays interpreting the 10:30 story time, 11am zookeeper talk, and the 11:30am Blaze Sparky and Friends presentation.
Red Cross Blood Drive At Como – August 4
Red Cross Blood Drive At Como – August 4
We are pleased to host a blood drive at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory on Tuesday, August 4. Sign up today by clicking HERE!
Senior Strolls & Sunset Senior Strolls
Senior Strolls & Sunset Senior Strolls
Senior Strolls and Sunset Senior Strolls are special times set aside just for those 55-and-better. This is an opportunity to visit the Conservatory for a leisurely walk before or after our busy normal business hours, as well as special activities and guests. This event is a great opportunity for Seniors to enjoy a less crowded experience that encourages being active and social with some adult learning to spice it up.
Sensory Friendly Mornings – No Registration Required
Sensory Friendly Mornings – No Registration Required
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is an energetic, colorful place full of sensory stimuli, and we know this environment can be overwhelming for some guests. This is a time designed for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families to explore the zoo without the crowds. Como strives to provide a positive, welcoming experience for every visitor.
