Flowers, Bonsai, Sparky, Rides, Concerts, & New…Como Quest!

Cafesjian’s Carousel Opening Day
May 1
One of only three operating carousels still in original paint, the carousel has been restored to its 1914 beauty. Come take a ride on the historic Cafesjian’s Carousel, featuring 4 rows of horses (68 total) and 18 scenic paintings around the upper part of the carousel.  Enjoy free rides on May 31 and June 28!  Please visit Cafesjian’s Carousel’s website for their hours as they do differ from the Zoo and Conservatory. https://www.ourfaircarousel.org/

Annual Bulb Sale
May 2, 9AM – Noon
Bring a little bit of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory to your garden this year at our annual bulb sale! Como Friends’ Garden Safari Gifts has hundreds of recycled tulip, daffodil, and hyacinth bulbs from the Spring Flower Show ready for you to bag up and bring home for one day only, while supplies last. With prices from $5 and up, it’s a great time to stock up and support conservation at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. No reservations are needed unless you want to enter Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. Please bring your own bag and credit cards preferred.

Summer Flower Show
May 7 through October 2, 2022
The Summer Flower Show is the longest of the five flower shows. Summer sunsets inspire this year’s summer flower show. Tropical annuals and a glowing color palette of warm season annuals will fill the Sunken Garden. Hibiscus ‘Imperial Dragon’, dark red verbena, orange begonias, red salvia, tangerine impatiens, striped tiki torch petunias, and canna are among the many flowers featured in the longest running flower show of the year.

Mother’s Day Bonsai Show
May 7 & 8
Instead of buying a bouquet for Mom, make memories at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory! Mother’s Day weekend marks the return of the Minnesota Bonsai Society Show, an extravaganza of elegantly trained trees arranged throughout the Visitor Center. If you’ve been wondering what it takes to grow your own, don’t miss the Mother’s Day Bonsai Show, which will feature dozens of privately-owned trees all trained by members of the Minnesota Bonsai Society. Members will be on hand all weekend to answer your questions about everything from taking care of Bonsai, to which trees work the best. This is a unique opportunity to see beautiful privately owned bonsai, along with Como’s vast collection on May 7 and 8 from 10am-6pm. 

The SPIRE Sparky Show Returns!
May 7th
After a four-year break, Sparky the sea lion is ready to make her big debut in Como Harbor and she welcomes a new friend, SPIRE Credit Union. The SPIRE Sparky Show will launch on May 7 with a program at 11:20 a.m. followed by the inaugural show at 11:30 a.m. The SPIRE Sparky Show will be in the KSTP Amphitheater daily at 11:30 & 2:30.

Como Town Opening Day
May 14
Como Town is located next to Como Zoo. The family-friendly amusement park is home to more than 20 ride and attractions, concessions, and a General Store. Please visit Como Town’s website for their hours as they do differ from the Zoo and Conservatory. https://comotown.com/

Red Cross Blood Drive
May 26. 9Am – 3PM
We are pleased to host a blood drive at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory on Thursday, May 26. Sign-up now by clicking HERE!

Senior Strolls
May 10 & 24  9AM -10AM
June 7 & 21   9AM -10AM
This is a special time set aside just for our 55-and-up aged guests.  This is an opportunity to visit the Zoo and Conservatory for a leisurely walk before the crowds.  This event is a great opportunity for Seniors to enjoy a free event that encourages being active and social.

Sensory Friendly Mornings
May 18 & 22  9AM – 10AM
June 1 & 12   9AM – 10AM
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. With our Sensory Friendly Mornings, we strive to provide a positive, welcoming experience for every visitor.

Music Monday
Mondays, 10AM – 1PM,  Memorial Day – Labor Day
Join members of the Jack Brass Band every Monday as they Second line through the zoo grounds.

Como Quest – A new family-friendly fundraising adventure in support of Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
June 4 & 5
Como Quest is a wild exploration designed for multigenerational fun, as kids and adults work together to unlock conservation clues, collect rewards, and uncover exciting new secrets about animals, plants and the planet we share. Tickets and more information at https://comofriends.org/events/como-quest/

Groovin’ In The Garden
June 8  Innocent Reggae Band
June 15 Annie & The Bang Bang
June 22 Porky’s Groove Machine
June 29 Flamin’ Oh’s
Pack a picnic and dancing shoes, spread out a blanket & join us for these FREE outdoor concerts & activities in front of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory every Wednesday, June 8 – July 27 from 6pm–8pm. Hotdogs, ice cream treats, beer and wine will be available to purchase.