Humboldt Made Invites Community to ‘Dinner at the Zoo After Hours’ on June 11

This is a press release from Humboldt Made:

For one evening, Sequoia Park Zoo will stay open after the gates normally close, transforming into a celebration of Humboldt’s food, farms, makers, and community.

On Thursday, June 11th, Humboldt Made will host Dinner at the Zoo After Hours, a first-of-its-kind event that invites guests to experience the zoo in a completely different way. Attendees will sip local libations while wandering the zoo grounds, take in sunset views from the Redwood Sky Walk, enjoy live music beneath the redwoods, and gather for a dinner built almost entirely from ingredients grown, raised, crafted, and produced in Humboldt County.

More than a dinner, the evening is a showcase of the people and businesses that make Humboldt unique.

Guests will begin the night exploring the zoo with a drink in hand before settling in for a locally sourced meal featuring ingredients from Humboldt farms and products from Humboldt Made member businesses. The VIP cocktail hour includes appetizers from Cassaro’s Catering, followed by a dinner prepared by Lost Coast Catering and a Foggy Bottom Boys ice cream bar for dessert. Local beer, wine, spirits, and handcrafted cocktails will be available throughout the evening.

The soundtrack for the night will be equally local, with Banjo Makes 3 performing during the VIP reception and Claire Bent and her jazz ensemble providing music throughout dinner and the evening program.

“There are so many incredible things being grown, raised, brewed, baked, crafted, and created here in Humboldt, and this evening brings all of them together in one place,” said Rosa Dixon, Executive Director of Humboldt Made. “When people think about Humboldt, they often think about the redwoods first. We want them to also think about the farmers, chefs, makers, brewers, artists, and entrepreneurs who make this place special. Dinner at the Zoo is a chance to celebrate all of it.”

The event is the public highlight of Humboldt Made’s inaugural Buyer’s Tour, a three-day experience bringing grocery buyers, distributors, chefs, and industry leaders from across Northern California to discover Humboldt-made products and businesses. While much of the tour is invitation-only, Dinner at the Zoo After Hours opens the celebration to the entire community.

“One of the things I love most about Humboldt is that there are talented, passionate people creating incredible things around every corner, whether it’s food, art, music, beer, wine, or experiences,” said Meredith Maier, Humboldt Made Board Member and Executive Director of the Arcata Chamber of Commerce. “This event brings all of those pieces together in one place. It’s a chance to celebrate our community, support local businesses, and enjoy a truly unforgettable evening.” 

Event Schedule

5:00 PM – VIP Cocktail Hour
Enjoy appetizers from Cassaro’s Catering, local beverages, live music from Banjo Makes 3, and exclusive early access to the zoo and Redwood Sky Walk.

6:00 PM – General Admission
Guests are welcomed into the zoo for drinks, exploration, and after-hours access to the Redwood Sky Walk.

6:30 PM – Dinner Service
A locally sourced dinner prepared by Lost Coast Catering.

7:30 PM – Dessert & Live Jazz
Foggy Bottom Boys ice cream bar and live music from Claire Bent and her jazz ensemble.

Tickets

Tickets are available now at Wildberries Marketplace and online at humboldtmade.com/zoo-dinner.

General Admission: $100

Humboldt Made Member Ticket: $60

VIP Table: $1,000

• Reserved seating for 8 guests
• One-hour early entry
• Eight complimentary drink tickets

Sponsors

Dinner at the Zoo After Hours is made possible through partnerships with the City of Eureka, Sequoia Park Zoo, Wildberries Marketplace, Bear River Casino Resort, local farms, caterers, and Humboldt Made member businesses.

About Humboldt Made

Humboldt Made is a member-based organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the makers, growers, and producers of Humboldt County. Through marketing, advocacy, retail partnerships, and community events, Humboldt Made helps local businesses grow while sharing the story of what is made on California’s Redwood Coast.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit humboldtmade.com/zoo-dinner, stop by Wildberries Marketplace, or email [email protected].