What to KnowL.A. Zoo After DarkLos Angeles Zoo & Botanical GardensJune 20 is Throwback Night; Salsa Night sways June 27; ’80s Night summons the neon vibes July 24; and July 31 is all about Country Line Dance$30 adult, $20 member, $25 child (ages 2-11)6 to 9 p.m.
The enticing notion of calling upon a location filled with snoozing critters, from big cats to tiny reptiles, seems like it could be the starting point for a summertime cinema blockbuster.
But this opportunity arises in the real world each year when the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Garden sets the (literal) stage for some scintillating events, celebrations that happen after-hours and during the twilight span when the daytime destination is typically closed.
True, the animals are catching some shuteye during this time, for the most part, though hearing the stray chirp or chitter or roar can happen.
What you will experience, however, is live music and the opportunity to shake your stuff where animals typically shake theirs: It’s L.A. Zoo After Dark, a summer series that will pop up over four nights in June and July.
That’s two nights in June and two in July, and tickets are on sale now.
First up is a Throwback Night with Larger Than Life — think stadium anthems and feel-good ditties from years gone by — followed by Salsa Night with Mamboson at the mics.
In July, Flashback Heart Attack will lead the ’80s-flavored fun, while Pulp Vixen will round out the series with a night devoted to country line dancing.
Food trucks will grace the grounds, and there’s a full bar, too, for guests who are 21 and older. Strolling the zoo is part of the adventure, as is taking part in a game or pop-up activity in the Family Fun Area.
And a Silent Disco? That, too, is part of the get-moving, get-grooving scene; there are three channels to choose from, and nifty LED headphones supplied by Invisible Touch Events.
We’ll never witness the flamingos or koalas donning glowing headphones and feeling the flow of a superb song, but we’re content to connect with art, fun, and summertime while the resident beasties wind down for the night a short distance from where we tap our toes and twirl.
For more on the series, what each evening will offer, and purchasing a ticket, line dance over to this page pronto.