Celebrate Zoo Year's Eve Countdown to Noon at Audubon Zoo
December 31, 2016. 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Zoo Year's Eve, the kid-friendly annual countdown to noon celebration at Audubon Zoo, will feature a full schedule of activities on the Capital One Performance Pavilion and field, including singing by "The Swing Setters,'' a dance party hosted by Super Star Events, games, prizes, juggling and more.
"The Swing Setters,'' a troupe of professional jazz musicians specializing in interactive performances tailored just for kids, will headline the annual Zoo Year's Eve countdown to noon at Audubon Zoo.
The Zoo Year's Eve celebration will feature a full schedule of activities from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Capital One Performance Pavilion and field, including live music, a dance party hosted by Super Star Events, games, prizes, juggling and more.
Complimentary Zoo Year's Eve party hats and noisemakers will be available while supplies last. At high noon, revelers of all ages can partake of a soft drink courtesy of Pepsi for the countdown and toast.
After leading guests in the traditional rendition of Auld Lange Syne, "The Swing Setters'' will close out the show with a kid-friendly set featuring everything from Disney tunes to New Orleans favorites.
There's no better place than Audubon Zoo for families to have a good time and ring in 2017 a little early.
Also on hand for the festivities will be several costumed characters including a Spidey superhero, a Polynesian heroine, ice princesses, trolls and troopers.
Exhibitors, including Porta Puppet Players, Ponytales, Nola Pixie Dust, Discovery Fest Nola, Kids & Family/Art from the Heart, Debby Dillehay Dancers and Xplore Credit Union will offer a variety of fun activities and games.
Once again this year, holiday "ice'' skating on a rink made from high-tech plastic will be part of the celebration. "Ice'' skating will require an additional ticket that can be purchased only at the Zoo front gate or at the Endangered Species Carousel ticket booth inside the Zoo.
The kid-sized rink will be open near the Capital One stage from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., offering youngsters an opportunity to try skating.Skating tickets are $5 for Audubon members and $7 for non-members and are good for one-time access to the rink. Children under two years of age enjoy complimentary skating. Ticket sales will close at 2:30 p.m.
All skaters will be required to sign a liability waiver prior to entering the rink. Guardians must sign for minors (anyone under the 18 years of age). Special skates will be available at no additional fee. Skaters cannot bring their own skates.
The wait time for skaters will be determined by the number of people in line at any given moment. The rink, which measures 40 feet by 30 feet, has a capacity of about 35 people.
Zoo Year's Eve activities are included with membership or Zoo admission. "Ice'' skating will require an additional ticket.
Audubon Zoo is located at 6500 Magazine Street.
Capital One Performance Pavilion entertainment schedule
10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Super Star Events present music, games and prizes
11:00 a.m. - 11:10 a.m. - "Carl Mack Presents'' fun family entertainment
11:15 a.m. - 11:25 a.m. - Debby Dillehay Dancers
11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. - Super Star Events present music, games and prizes
11:45 a.m. - Noon - Fat City Drum Corps
Noon - Countdown, toast and singing of Auld Lange Syne and other songs by "The Swing Setters''
1 p.m. - Zoo Year's Eve celebration ends
Audubon Nature Institute operates a family of museums, parks and research facilities dedicated to celebrating the wonders of nature. Through innovative live animal exhibits, education programs, and scientific discovery, Audubon makes a meaningful contribution to preserving wildlife for the future. Audubon Nature Institute flagships include Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Entergy Giant Screen Theater, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and Audubon Wilderness Park. Ron Forman is President and CEO of Audubon Nature Institute.