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Sunset Safari Is a Sensational Night of Food, Fun and Fundraising at the Nashville Zoo
Patrons were encouraged to dust off their boots for the Nashville Zoo's Sunset Safari: Rhinestones & Rhinos presented by Middle Tennessee Honda Dealers which took place Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 (6:30 to 10:30 pm). Sunset Safari is the Zoo's signature fundraising event featuring culinary delicacies from some of Nashville's best eateries along with a fine selection of adult beverages and decadent desserts.
The Sunset Safari was a smashing success at the Nashville Zoo in 2025. As guests strolled the pathways at the Zoo they were offered an eclectic and often ethnic sample of foods and drinks from more than 50 vendors that included a selection of the most highly-rated restaurants in the region. There was also flavorful entertainment provided by The Voice contestant Dani Stacy and singer-songwriter Gabriel Broussard. Aligning with this year's theme, attendees had the opportunity to line-dance, ride a mechanical bull and enjoy songs from a Dolly Parton impersonator (Yankee Girl Entertainment). A number of animal ambassadors were out including the largest white bunny rabbit we have ever seen but the main attraction on Friday was food. A number of well-known restaurants such as Jeff Ruby's, Jimmy Kelly's and Oak Steakhouse were on site thus there was a succulent selection of meats and seafood for folks to sample. Cledis Burger & Beer was able to put a different spin on their award-winning classic hamburger . Gus's Fried Chicken, Hattie B's and others had plenty of different takes on poultry. Taj Indian Restaurant along with a number of Italian places represented some other flavors and Amerigo's tortellini was one of our favorites.
Up-close zoo encounters, great music and fine food were the order of the day at Sunset Safari. We found out that Tee Line not only has fine food but is a recently opened spot owned by former NFL quarterback Marc Bulger where people can try their hand at the sport of curling. Other popular local cafes at the Zoo were Deacon’s, Frothy Monkey and Puckett’s among many more. Torchy’s Tacos (loved their chips & queso) Mesero, Pancho & Lefty’s and more had Mexican food covered and HOWDY kept us happy with their THC infused drinks which were quite refreshing. Tipsy Scoop located at 512 Lea Avenue was one of our favorite desserts serving up liquor infused ice cream. The Elliston Place Soda Shop presented tasty mini pies and Cookies By Joelle were first class among a lot of tasty treats. Opry Mills Mall sent over Aquarium, Bavarian Bierhaus and the Rainforest Cafe to remind folks of the options available at the Music Valley side of town.
Sweet cookies, THC bevs and alcohol samples and shaved prime rib offered a taste of heaven in the 615. The Sunset Safari gave patrons plenty of opportunities to check out cuisines from a multitude of places that are located in Music City and hopefully folks will visit these establishments in the future - which means this gathering is a win-win for businesses, guests and the Zoo. Plus, premium activities such as the Zoo's historic carousel and exhilarating zip-line are free to patrons with the price of admission to The Sunset Safari giving guests a well-needed break from the feast that lasted four full hours on the Grassmere green and beyond.
We learned all about Kayne Prime, a Dolly impersonator, and new curling themed bar and restaurant and more on our Sunset Safari just off of the Nolensville Pike. The Sunset Safari is one of a number of fun fund-raising events that takes place during the year. Next up is the Hispanic Heritage Festival on September 27, 2025. On October 16th the Zoo is hosting BOOze at the Zoo. Adults are encouraged to wear costumes and enjoy Booze samples, a DJ, scary good vendors and more. For the kids, Boo at the Zoo (October 17 - November 01, 2025) will feature fall themed activities. Last but certainly not lest is the return of the spectacular Zoolumination (November 13th, 2025 - February 8th 2026) which is a dazzling display of Chinese lanterns along with a North Pole Village through December 24th, so please check out the Nashville Zoo's website and plan to attend one or all of these gatherings that supports this great organization. Per their website the Nashville Zoo is a nonprofit organization and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, exemplifying the highest standards of animal care and husbandry. The Zoo is actively engaged in conservation research, habitat protection, breeding programs, and education initiatives in our backyard as well as around the world. With support from the Nashville community, donors, and sponsors, the Zoo is ranked the number one tourist attraction in Middle Tennessee and welcomes more than 1.4 million guests annually. Nashville Zoo is located at 3777 Nolensville Pike, just six miles south of downtown.
Great food and succulent desserts had us going back for seconds and thirds at the Sunset Safari. Related Links: For more information on the NASHVILLE ZOO and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Nashville Zoo | The 615 Goes Loco For Leopards at New Zoo Exhibit Opening in Nashville | Zoolumination Celebrates the Year of the Dragon at the Nashville Zoo | Sunset Safari at the Nashville Zoo Is a Feast For the Senses and One Wild Party, Too!
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