Honorary Chairpersons
Rachel and CL Werner
Chairpersons
Nicole and Derek Leathers
Plan Your Night
Friday, September 12
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE
5:30 PM - Gates Open
Wander, nibble, sip and explore through themed party zones featuring gourmet food, cocktails, live music, silent disco, auction, photo ops, entertainers and more!
9:30 PM - Look up!
A dazzling drone show lights up the night’s sky.
10:00 PM – Event Concludes
Still need tickets? Purchase here.
Want to upgrade to a VIP ticket? Contact megan@omahazoofoundation.org.
An Evening to Explore
This after-hours walking adventure will take you across the Zoo for gourmet bites, specialty drinks, live entertainment and unique animal encounters — all in support of animal care, conservation and education.
Check-In
Enter through the Zoo’s Main Entrance and head to Check-In, just inside the main redemption gates. Make sure your phone is charged for maps, photos and mobile bidding.
Attire: Sneaker Chic
Think cocktail style paired with comfortable sneakers so you can make the most of the evening’s walking adventure. We encourage you to embrace festive, fashion-forward looks while keeping comfort in mind. The event is rain or shine, so please, dress for the weather.Need attire inspiration, click here.
Parking
Parking will be available in the Zoo’s main lots, just steps from the event entrance, making arrival easy and convenient. If you’ve purchased a VIP-level ticket, valet is available to you. Simply show your event confirmation email.
Constellation Cocktails
Each zone allows you to sip under the wild stars at one of many complimentary, full-service bars scattered throughout the event footprint, offering cocktails and classic favorites. For a quick refresh, visit our express stations, designed to keep your night flowing smoothly wherever you roam.
Photo Moments
Snap, smile and share! Look for creative backdrops, vibrant décor and lively entertainment in every zone, perfect for capturing your night under wild stars.
Event Map
EVENT ZONES
See what awaits during your evening’s journey!
Main Entrance
-
Take your taste buds on an adventure at the Safari Tacos stand, where bold flavors are packed into a portable bamboo boat. Choose from tender barbacoa beef, juicy shredded chicken or flavorful jackfruit, all topped with crisp cabbage, house-made pico de gallo, sharp cheddar and tangy lime crema. For a sweet finale, enjoy warm, cinnamon-dusted churros served with rich caramel sauce, the perfect ending to your walk on the wild side.
Sea Turtle Cafe — VIP Zone
-
Smooth melodies and lively rhythms from our jazz quartet set the perfect tone for an evening of mingling and magic in this VIP zone.
-
Treat your palate to a bold variety of flavors and textures. The Bloody Mary Shrimp Spheres feature jumbo shrimp paired with zesty “cocktail sauce,” a crisp cucumber spear and a briny stuffed olive. Savor the delicate Smoked Salmon in Black Sesame Cones, accented with dill cream and capers. Enjoy the fresh crunch of Vegetarian Spring Rolls, served in a convenient grab-and-go cup with fragrant lemongrass and ginger sauce. For a rich and indulgent bite, try the Beef Tenderloin Lollipops, topped with creamy gorgonzola crumbles.
Want to upgrade to a VIP ticket? Contact megan@omahazoofoundation.org.Skyfari — VIP Zone
-
Take to the skies and enjoy the best views in the Zoo with roundtrip rides to the Wildlife Management Headquarters! Hop on, soar above and travel in style — just one more perk of being a Zoofari VIP!
Available 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM VIP wristband required.
-
Dance, mingle and let the beats guide your night as our DJ keeps the vibe high and the energy flowing in this VIP Zone.
-
Indulge in savory Grilled Lamb Chops drizzled with a fragrant mustard-thyme sauce, or savor tender Dry Rub Pork Ribs glazed with our AC Secret Recipe BBQ Sauce. Brighten your plate with the fresh and vibrant Jennifer Aniston Salad, a delightful mix of quinoa, chickpeas, English cucumbers, parsley, mint, feta, toasted pistachios and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. End on a sweet and playful note with Animal Print Cake Pops, a whimsical dessert as bold as the evening itself.
Want to upgrade to a VIP ticket? Contact megan@omahazoofoundation.org.African Grasslands
-
For a crisp and refreshing option, enjoy Fruit and Veggie Cups, a colorful assortment of fresh, seasonal produce paired with a house-made dipping sauce. Munch on Safari Snack Mix Cups, a playful blend of popcorn, pretzels, toasted cereals, nuts and candied chocolate pieces, perfect for grazing as you explore. Stay hydrated at the Cucumber Water Station, where cool, crisp flavors offer a revitalizing pause in your evening adventure.
African Lodge
-
Let the energy of Africa set the rhythm for your night as talented drummers and dancers bring the grounds to life. The deep, pulsing beats of the drums create an irresistible heartbeat, while the dancers’ vibrant movements and colorful attire turn the space into a living celebration. Together, they weave tradition, artistry and joy into a performance that invites you to stop, watch and feel the night come alive under wild stars.
-
Savor the rich, spiced flavors of North Africa with Kofta Meatballs in a velvety African tomato-peanut sauce. Choose from two hearty Mini Meals: Ras El Hanout Roasted Eggplant Chutney over chickpea, couscous and preserved lemon salad, or Merguez Pork Sausage Ragu over the same vibrant base. Round out your plate with tender Moroccan Chicken Strips draped in a silky apricot-almond cream sauce.
-
Watch a stunning work of art come to life before your eyes as our live muralist transforms a blank canvas into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece throughout the evening. Guests can bid for the chance to take the finished piece home, making it both a captivating performance and an exclusive opportunity to own a unique keepsake from Zoofari: Under Wild Stars.
-
Indulge in a decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cupcake, topped with caramelized banana compote, peanut butter buttercream and a chocolate drizzle. Brighten your palate with a fresh and tangy Lemon Raspberry Cookie. Complete the experience with a smooth and comforting Cinnamon Vanilla Horchata mocktail.
Garden of the Senses
-
A nighttime dance experience where guests use wireless headphones to tune in to live DJ channels. Signage ensures smooth headphone checkout and return, reducing end-of-night confusion.
-
Savor the bold taste of Stout-Marinated & Grilled Pork Tenderloin Skewers, glazed with a tangy apricot-horseradish BBQ. Enjoy the warm spices of African Spiced Falafel, paired with fragrant curry-cilantro chutney, a gluten-free, vegetarian delight. For a taste of South Africa, bite into Mini Bobotie Hand Pies filled with berbere-spiced ground beef and topped with a refreshing mint yogurt.
-
Step up to our lush boxwood wall and ring the bell for a sparkling surprise. You’ll receive a glass of bubbly, light-up “bling” and a raffle entry for the chance to win a dazzling diamond bracelet, the perfect mix of sip, sparkle and celebration under wild stars.
-
Get ready to dance as the Party Crashers band bring their high-energy performance to the stage. With a setlist spanning chart-toppers, throwback hits and irresistible dance tunes, they’ll keep the party going all night long under wild stars.
-
As the night winds down, look to the sky for a spectacular finale. Hundreds of illuminated drones will dance above the Zoo, painting the night with dazzling patterns and colors — a breathtaking celebration to close out Zoofari: Under Wild Stars.
-
Take a break from exploring to enjoy some playful competition at our yard games from bean bag toss to giant Connect Four, it’s the perfect way to mix, mingle and have fun. Then, head over to the sticker mural wall and add your own piece to the growing artwork. By night’s end, hundreds of guest contributions will come together to reveal a vibrant mural, a colorful snapshot of our Zoofari community under wild stars.
-
A playful twist on comfort favorites awaits at our stationed hors d’oeuvres. Savor juicy Mini Hamburger Bites, indulge in the cheesy goodness of a Mozzarella Street Dog, and pile your plate high at the Idaho Nacho Station, where crispy potatoes meet bold toppings. Save room for something sweet at the Cookie Sandwich Station, where freshly baked cookies hug creamy, dreamy fillings, the perfect ending to a stroll under wild stars.
Harper Event Center
