The Phoenix Zoo has become more than a place to see animals — it’s a place to gather. The fall/winter programming spans early‑childhood activities, family adventures and grown‑up nights out.
Dubbed the “wildest happy hour in the Valley,” Roars & Pours allows people 21 and older to enjoy the Phoenix Zoo without the hustle and bustle of a typical daytime experience, according to Linda Hardwick with the Phoenix Zoo.
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Upcoming Prehistoric Pours: Roars & Pours are 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, and the first Thursday of the month thereafter through May, with a break for ZooLights. Tickets are $13.
“It has been a huge hit,” said Hardwick, the zoo’s vice president of marketing, communications and events.
“We do camel rides and an adult-themed safari cruiser, which is really funny. It’s very much only appropriate for adults. We have several oversized yard games that we play — Django, cornhole. We were doing chicken poop bingo, but we don’t have any chickens right now.”
Another hit is Slinko, based on “The Price is Right’s” Plinko. Breweries change each month, with The Perch Brewery, Catalyst Crafted Ales, Outlaw Distillery, Front Pourch Brewing and Tombstone Brewing Company participating Oct. 1. Ticketholders receive samples and then they can purchase alcohol.
“The majority of the breweries change because we’ve realized lots of people like variety. So, we partner with many breweries in town. We’re excited about the October Roars & Pours because it has a dinosaur theme, relating to our exhibit Dinosaurs in the Desert.”
Guests can walk the Desert Discovery Trail and walk among the “prehistoric giants.”
Held for the third time, Dinosaurs in the Desert opened on Sept. 26 and runs through April 30.
“It’s time to bring Dinosaurs in the Desert back from extinction and to the Phoenix Zoo,” said Hardwick with a laugh. “This year, we have more than 60 dinosaurs as part of the collection. What’s different this year is they’re spread throughout the zoo.
“Normally, we would just put them on our Desert Discovery Trail, which we affectionally call the Dino Trail. We have six dinos that you can ride. Those are our Dino Rides. We have a Dino Rock Band. It’s fun for guests to interact with and see Dinos playing instruments. It’s just a fun way to bring new people to the zoo.”
