Events

Step into an enchanted evening at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden during Zoofari Knights—An Evening of Tails and Scales, presented by Western & Southern Financial Group and Fort Washington Investment Advisors, on September 18, 2026.

As the grand feast with a noble cause, Zoofari welcomes more than 2,500 honored guests and stands as the largest fundraising celebration at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. This illustrious gathering provides vital support for the care and stewardship of nearly 400 animal species and 3,000 plant species, while championing bold conservation quests and educational endeavors that safeguard the natural realm.

Zoofari Knights will summon the untamed spirit of jungle plants and animals, evoking the legendary wilds of medieval lore. Inspired by the boundless diversity and majesty of these verdant realms—home to creatures of fur, feather, tail, and scale—the evening celebrates our noble charge to protect jungles, preserve biodiversity, restore balance to the world’s climate, and defend the vital ecosystems upon which countless species depend.

Your nocturnal experience within the Zoo includes:

• Lively cocktail hour in Vine Street Village
• Centralized party location in the lower portion of the Zoo
• Food samplings from renowned local restaurants
• A variety of signature cocktails and libations
• Exclusive animal experiences
• And so much more!

What to Wear

Zoofari Knights Style Guide by Ivy Costa

Zoofari Pintrest Guide

Preferred Men’s Formal Wear Partner of Zoofari:

Mention Zoofari for an exclusive discount.

Entertainment

TOP TIER
Live Music at the Highest Level

Top Tier is a Nashville-based, high-energy, variety band that has multiple lead vocalists and a 3-piece horn section to offer a diverse repertoire that spans 8 decades of music.

The band members have shared the stage with a diverse group of artists, such as Rick Springfield, The Cars, Craig Morgan, Ambrosia, and John Ford Coley. Collectively they have performed everywhere from casinos to arenas to headlining major outdoor concerts. Members of the band have also written and recorded music with members of Sawyer Brown, Thompson Square, Winger, Giant, and Steve Perry’s band. Music that they have written and produced has been used in major motion pictures, TV, advertising, and recorded by several artists.

Top Tier has won the Wedding Wire Couple’s Choice Award every year since forming 2009, along with winning The Knot’s “Best of Weddings”award annually as well. There are over 400 5 star reviews of Top Tier that have been posted online. So when you want live music at the highest level, look no further than Top Tier!

Victoria Lekson

Harpist Victoria Lekson crafts atmospheric, ethereal soundscapes with her original compositions and arrangements of instrumental song covers. Lekson’s approach to the harp blends classical techniques with modern perspectives and technology to create her world of sound. Her recorded work can be found on streaming services under “Victoria Lekson”. Connect with Victoria on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok @harpbyvictoria and website www.harpbyvictoria.com

Silent Disco with DJ Chill

Dance to your choice of 3 different channels of curated mixes through wireless headphones! Not So Loud Silent Party has been Ohio’s largest silent disco company for more than 10 years. Specializing in Weddings and Corporate Events, DJ Chill travels throughout Ohio and the US to play the soundtrack for events of all kinds.

This is a Zero Waste Event. Net Zero Waste Partner Sponsored By: