Party for the Planet Powered by Xcel Energy

Celebrate Earth Day Weekend at Como

April 25 & 26 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Earth Day turns 56 years old on April 22, 2026, and Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is celebrating with a weekend full of nature, learning, and family fun.

Join us for Party for the Planet powered by Xcel Energy on April 25 and 26 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day for a fun, hands-on weekend dedicated to pollinators, plants, and the power of community action.

Explore the Zoo and Conservatory while enjoying engaging activities, interactive stations, live talks, and creative experiences designed to inspire visitors of all ages. From butterflies and bees to native plants and conservation efforts, discover how small actions can make a big impact.

What to Expect

🌼 Interactive Activities (10 AM – 4 PM)

Drop in throughout the day to enjoy:

Pollinator Pebbles (Rock Painting) – Create your own nature-inspired rock to take home or share in the community
Monarch Joint Venture Station – Learn about monarch butterflies, make a bracelet, and explore their migration journey
Green Yard Tool Demo & Rebates – Tips for sustainable yard care
Hose Repair Demo & Kit Giveaway – Fix, don’t toss, your garden hose
Visitor Survey Giveaway – Receive a small prize for participating
Community Food & Supply Drive – Support local families in need

🌱 Special Experiences

MN Seed Project Pop-Up
🕐 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (both days)
Learn how to collect, clean, and grow native plant seeds—and take home seeds for your own pollinator garden.

🐝 Talks & Presentations

Keeper Talk (Pollinators)
Gardener Talk (Pollinator Plants)
Times and locations announced onsite.

🎤 Community Lunch & Learn (Adult Audience)

Sunday, April 26 | 12:00 PM | Visitor Center Auditorium

A Kaleidoscope of Connections: Conservation for Monarch Butterflies
Presented by Katie-Lyn Puffer, Monarch Joint Venture

Take a deeper dive into the fascinating world of monarch butterflies, their life cycle, population challenges, and how you can help support pollinators at home.

Note: This presentation is designed for an adult audience.

Don’t Miss These Bonus Experiences

🌸 Catch the Final Weekend of the Spring Flower Show

As if Party for the Planet were not reason enough to visit, April 25 and 26 are also the final days of the Spring Flower Show Part I in the Sunken Garden.

Important Note:
The Sunken Garden will be closed April 27 through April 30 as our horticulture team prepares for Spring Flower Show Part II.

♻️ Reduce, Reuse, Recycle at Como

Party for the Planet is not just fun—it is also about learning simple ways to help protect wildlife and natural habitats.

Recycle Your Old Cell Phones
Have an old cell phone collecting dust at home? Bring it to Como and drop it in the recycling bin in the Visitor Center. Also collecting iPads/Tablets, iPods/mp3 Players, GPS, Smartwatches, Airpods/Earbuds, VR Headsets, Digital Cameras and associated cords and cables.

We partner with Eco Cell to responsibly recycle phones and small handheld electronics.

🌿 The Japanese Garden Reopens for the Season

Party for the Planet weekend also marks the seasonal reopening of the Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden.

After a long Minnesota winter, it is the perfect time to step outside, reconnect with nature, and experience one of Como’s most peaceful spaces as it welcomes visitors once again.

🧡 Community Food & Supply Drive

Help support our neighbors by donating essential items at the Visitor Center entrance. Donations will benefit Neighborhood House in Saint Paul.

Most-needed items include:

Pantry staples (rice, beans, peanut butter, coffee, tea)
Household supplies (toilet paper, soap, cleaning items)
Personal care items (toothpaste, deodorant, menstrual products)

🎉 Bonus Fun

Enjoy pop-up performances, games, and pollinator-themed enrichment activities happening throughout the weekend.

Plan Your Visit

Party for the Planet activities are included with your visit to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.

Most activities are family-friendly, though some experiences—like the Lunch & Learn—are geared toward adults. Children should be supervised at all times.

Hey Party Animals, It Is Cool to Conserve

Earth Day reminds us that protecting our planet starts with everyday choices. Whether it is recycling an old phone, learning about wildlife conservation, or simply spending time in nature, every action matters.

So gather your family, explore the Zoo and Conservatory, and celebrate Earth Day with us at Party for the Planet powered by Xcel Energy.