Friday Night lights at the zoo
OCT.10 guest guide
Welcome to Friday Night Lights at the Zoo! Use this guide throughout the evening to view tonight’s schedule, activities, fundraising and animal experiences, live music information, and other important event details.
Tonight at a glance
live music by Frank & Jude
Live music begins at 8:00 PM in the main event area. Enjoy the music while you eat, spend time with friends, and take in the zoo after dark.
Listen for announcements and schedule updates.
Check in at the gift shop at the zoo entrance. Please have your valid photo ID ready.
Pick up your carrot cup and bid paddle at check-in, then stop at the front pavilion for glow sticks, event/game information, and cornhole signup.
Listen for announcements throughout the evening. Times may shift slightly.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• The main event area is in the center of the zoo, near the Rainforest. Dinner, bar service, live music, glow cornhole, and stage announcements take place here.
• Guests are welcome to explore the illuminated trails throughout the evening.
• Need help? Ask a staff member or stop at the gift shop. Call (989)624-6177 to reach the gift shop.
Explore throughout the evening
explore the zoo
Explore the zoo at your own pace as the evening shifts from daylight to dusk. Wander the trails, visit your favorite animals, and take in the zoo after hours before the lights become the main attraction. Once the sun goes down, the pathways stay illuminated so you can keep exploring and see the zoo from a completely different perspective.
FEED THE SNACK LOVERS
Grab your complimentary carrot cup and look for the “I Love Snacks” signs to see which animals you can feed! Explore as daylight fades into dusk, then walk the illuminated trails after dark to see who’s winding down and who’s just getting started. Stop by the gift shop anytime you need more carrots throughout the evening.
the baby barn
Be among the first guests to explore our new petting barn, open tonight from 7–10:30 PM! Discover animal surprises and a brand-new photo area, with staff on hand to guide your visit.
Animal appearances and interactions depend on the animals’ comfort and willingness to participate. Located near the main event area, next to the kangaroo enclosure.
the rainforest
Explore the Rainforest from 7–10:30 PM. Visit our sloths, baby capybara, fruit bats, turacos, armadillo, tortoises, and more in their tropical surroundings after dark. Keepers will be available to answer questions and share fun facts.
Located in the green building near the main event area. Animal interactions depend on each animal’s comfort and willingness to participate.
wild experiences for all!
a live auction, PREDICTIONS, SURPRISES, GAMES & PRIZES- INCLUDED EXPERIENCES & OPTIONAL FUNDRAISING FUN!
MYSTERY PRIZE WALL
Donate $25, $50, or $100 to the lion habitat improvement project and pick a mystery prize from the matching level. Prizes vary between zoo & community experiences. The Mystery Prize Wall is located in the main event area near the cornhole courts. Optional to play, bigger donations lead to bigger prizes!
VIEW COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE DONORS
basketball challenge
Two games, one $5 entry! Try both basketball and football, with a separate high-score winner for each. Start each game with two lives: score 1 point from the near line or 2 from the far line. Miss twice and your turn ends. Beat the current high score to take the lead; ties don’t replace it. Play again as often as you like while the games are open. Each new entry starts a fresh score, with no combining scores or buying extra lives.
basketball challenge
Two games, one $5 entry! Try both basketball and football, with a separate high-score winner for each. Start each game with two lives: score 1 point from the near line or 2 from the far line. Miss twice and your turn ends. Beat the current high score to take the lead; ties don’t replace it. Play again as often as you like while the games are open. Each new entry starts a fresh score, with no combining scores or buying extra lives.
WILD PREDICTIONS
Free to play for all guests! Review the Wild Experiences being auctioned at 9:15 PM. Fill in your winning bid predictions before the auction starts.
If you guessed the best, you will win 1 Premium Wilderness Trails Zoo Membership ($129.99 value).
Wild Prediction game sheets are available at the Mystery Prize Wall or on the tables under the main event area. Turn in completed sheet to the Mystery Wall Attendant or wait until final collection at 9:10 PM
CLICK TO SEE FULL AUCTION DETAILS
WILD experiences auction
Bid on six one-of-a-kind Wilderness Trails Zoo experiences, including behind-the-scenes animal care, private encounters, memberships, and exclusive zoo experiences.
The live auction begins at approximately 9:15 PM in the main event area. Use the bid number you received at check-in to place your bids.
Winning bidders can complete payment during or immediately after the auction. All proceeds support Mick & Leo’s Lion Habitat Improvement Project.
CLICK TO SEE FULL AUCTION DETAILS
Dinner & Bar
DINNER
Served at 8:30 PM
Enjoy a two-entrée buffet by Tom Wood Catering, with a selection of meats, starches, and vegetables/salads. Dinner is included with your ticket and served at the Cold-Blooded Café in the main event area.
For food allergies or dietary questions, please speak with the catering team before selecting your meal.
OPEN BAR
7:30–10:30 PM
Bar service by Tom Wood Catering is included with your ticket and available at the Cold-Blooded Café window.
Please keep guest food and drinks away from the animals. Only feed animals with staff permission and approved animal food.
win wild experiences- exclusive to the friday night lights live auction!
annouNCEMENT: zookeeper for a day is offiCIALLY for two people!! share your dream day with your dream coworker!
9:15 PM • Main Event Area
Bid on 8 unique zoo experiences while supporting Mick & Leo’s Lion Habitat Improvement Project.
Use the numbered paddle you received at check-in. Raise it to bid; the highest bidder wins each item.
Winners should see Kelsie to arrange payment and collect their prize envelope. Check each package’s displayed details for guest limits, age requirements, and booking conditions.
Bidding is optional. Everyone is welcome to watch and cheer on the auction, and of course make your Wild Predictions!
HELP US improve our LION HABITAT
Friday Night Lights is a fundraising series dedicated to helping improve and expand Mick and Leo’s lion habitat.
Every ticket purchased helps move this project forward while giving guests an unforgettable evening of live music, catered food, an open bar, exclusive animal experiences, and an after-hours walk through the illuminated zoo.
Support the project even further by participating in our Wild Experiences Auction and other fundraising activities throughout the evening.
Every ticket purchase helps move Mick & Leo’s habitat improvement project forward.
Event Map
Tonight's sponsors and partners
TOM WOOD CATERING
Tom Wood Catering supports Friday Night Lights with preferred pricing that helps more proceeds go toward Mick and Leo’s habitat improvements. Their flexibility with headcounts and timing, along with their generosity toward our staff, has made a real difference in bringing these fundraisers together.
VISIT THE TOM WOOD CATERING WEBSITE
A YODER AUCTION LLC
Aden Yoder brings energy and enthusiasm to our Wild Experiences Auction, getting guests involved and keeping the bidding going. We’re grateful for his support of Friday Night Lights and his help raising funds for Mick and Leo’s habitat improvements.
VIEW UPCOMING PUBLIC AUCTIONS ON THE A YODER AUCTION WEBSITE
SQUIRES SHUTTER MOMENTS
Our wedding photography partner, Squires Shutter Moments, captures both zoo events and our animals. She also generously donates photography packages for auction at our fundraising events. We could not ask for a better partner to work closely with our brides & grooms and animals.
VISIT SQUIRES SHUTTER MOMENTS WEBSITE
alpine mountain golf
VISIT WEBSITE
GILLIES CONEY ISLAND
VISIT WEBSITE
PITA WAY
VISIT WEBSITE
BAGGER DAVE'S TAVERN
VISIT WEBSITE
BAVARIAN BELLE RIVERBOAT
VISIT WEBSITE
BUFFALO WILD WINGS
VISIT WEBSITE
Stardust Entertainment Center
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THE Station 100
VISIT WEBSITE
Charlin’s Book Nook
VISIT WEBSITE
Ultimate Mirror Maze
VISIT WEBSITE
Hampton Inn Birch Run/ Frankenmuth
VISIT WEBSITE
LINDT CHOCOLATE
VISIT WEBSITE
JACK'S PLACE BOWLING
VISIT WEBSITE
St. Julian Winery
VISIT WEBSITE
Michigan Renaissance Festival
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SAGINAW SPIRIT
VISIT WEBSITE
faq
Is this event for adults only?
Yes. Friday Night Lights is a 21+ event.
What is included with my ticket?
Admission to the after-hours event, catered food, open bar, live entertainment, illuminated zoo pathways, and featured fundraising activities.
Is Friday Night Lights included with regular zoo admission?
No. Friday Night Lights is a separately ticketed, after-hours fundraising event.
Will I see all of the animals?
Every visit is unique! While many animals are active during night events, some may choose to spend time indoors or in off-exhibit areas. Animal welfare always comes first.
What if there is bad weather?
Friday Night Lights is held every other Friday. If severe weather makes it unsafe to hold the event, it will be rescheduled for the following Friday. Guests will be notified as soon as possible, and all purchased tickets will remain valid for the new date.
How do Zoo Member Tickets work?
Zoo members receive discounted admission to Friday Night Lights. Guests purchasing a Zoo Member Ticket must present a valid Wilderness Trails Zoo membership at check-in. If an active membership cannot be verified, the difference between the member and general admission price will be due before entry.
Questions about Friday Night Lights?
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