Wine in the Wild

Wine in the WildJoin us for the 19th annual Wine in the Wild on June 6th, 2026. Stroll the Zoo's trails, sample various wines and light hors d'oeuvres, enjoy live music and the Zoo's wild animal residents. The Friends of Sunset Zoo hosts this Sunset Zoo fundraiser.

Schedule & Ticket Levels

  • VIP Reception: $100 
    • 5:30 pm to 7:00pm

The VIP reception begins at 5:30 pm inside the Nature Exploration Center left of the Sunset Zoo's entryway. Guests will enjoy seated premium wine tasting and gourmet food selections exclusive to the reception. The ticket includes a single commemorative wine glass and access to the General Admission event from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Limited tickets available to accommodate for a more exclusive VIP reception. VIP entry begins at 5:30 pm, wine tasting presentation begins at 6:15 pm.

  • General Admission: $65
    • 7:00pm to 9:00pm

General Admission begins at 7 pm throughout the Zoo with wine stations, hors d'oeuvre tables, and live music at Chautauqua Amphitheater. Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed with a sparkling wine pour a commemorative wine glass with last pour at 8:45 pm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get the insider's scoop as you make plans to attend the event.

Wine in the Wild is a Friends of Sunset Zoo fundraising event and is held rain or shine. All attendees must be 21 years or older with valid ID (driver's license, passport, real ID) required for entry. Infants, children, and others 21 years or under are not permitted to this event.

Wine in the Wild 2025 Sponsors:

  • Addair LawPresenting Sponsor: Addair Law
  • Beverage Sponsors: Liquid Art Winery, Nespor's Wine and Spirits, 456 Winery, Oz Winery
  • Media Sponsor: Eagle Communications, Manhattan Broadcasting Company
  • Photography Sponsor: We Chase the Light
  • Supporter Sponsors: Community First National Bank, Kohlmeier Orthodontics, McCownGordon, WTC, Anderson Knight Architects 
  • Partner Sponsors: Capitol Federal, The Trust Company
  • In-Kind Sponsors: CatCans, Wing Productions, Woolly Bee Farm, SuperCub, Hy-Vee, N'ICE, Heartland of Coca-Cola
  • Food Sponsor: Family Eye Care