Michigan City Zoological Society

06/24/2026

🇺🇸 Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary in style! 🦅

This year's Running Wild for the Zoo 5K shirt is one you'll want to add to your collection. Designed to celebrate our nation's 250th birthday, it's the perfect way to show your patriotic spirit while supporting the animals at Washington Park Zoo!

👕 Want one of these awesome shirts? There's still time to register for the race! 🏃 Your registration includes:
• Official 2026 race shirt
• Timed 5K through beautiful Washington Park
• The unique beach finish
• Free parking & zoo admission
• Splash Pad access after the race
• Beer Garden access after the race
• And the chance to support the animals at Washington Park Zoo!

👉 Register today: https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/MichiganCity/RunningWild5K

⭐ Want to see your name on the back of this year's shirt?
Become a 𝟓𝐊 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫!! Sponsorships are open to 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚. Businesses, organizations, families, and individuals are all welcome to show their support.

⏰ Sponsorship deadline is just 𝟒 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲!

Message us here or email [email protected] to become a sponsor and help make this year's race another great success.

Let's celebrate 250 years of America while making a difference for the animals! 🇺🇸🦁

06/23/2026

🦅 Ready to Run Wild?

This Friday is the FINAL day to guarantee your race shirt size for the 2026 Running Wild for the Zoo 5K! You can still register after Friday (and even on race day), but shirts and sizes will be available while supplies last.

This isn’t your typical 5K….

Challenge yourself on one of the area’s most unique race courses, finishing with an unforgettable final stretch right along the shores of Lake Michigan. It’s fun, it’s challenging, and it’s an experience you won’t forget!

Your registration includes:
🦁 Official race t-shirt (if registered by Friday, your size is guaranteed!)
🎟️ Free admission to the Washington Park Zoo
🚗 Free parking
💦 Splash Pad access after the race
🍺 Beer Garden access after you finish (+21)
❤️ The chance to support the amazing animals and programs at Washington Park Zoo

Whether you’re running for a new PR, walking with family and friends, or just looking for a fun summer event, every registration helps provide care and enrichment for the animals at the zoo. 🐾

Don’t miss your chance to guarantee your shirt size. Register by Friday and get ready to Run Wild! 🏃🏻‍♀️🐆🏃🏻‍♂️🦓

06/23/2026

🐾 Every step our runners take is made possible by the incredible support of our sponsors!

A huge 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝐘𝐎𝐔 to everyone who has already signed on to sponsor the 2026 Running Wild for the Zoo 5K. Your support helps make this event possible while directly benefiting the animals and programs at Washington Park Zoo. We truly couldn't do it without you!

There's still time to join this amazing group of supporters. Sponsorships are just $𝟭𝟬𝟬 and include:
🦅 Your name or logo on the official race shirt
📣 Recognition on our social media
❤️ The opportunity to support wildlife conservation and education right here in Michigan City

The sponsorship deadline is 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗬, 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟮𝟴!

Download the sponsorship form here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ziLipIMUk1z-1YO5Cnsw8MTSHW_pVEvR/view?usp=sharing

Or email us at [email protected] to get started.

Whether you're a business, organization, family, or individual, we'd love to have you as part of this year's Running Wild for the Zoo 5K!

06/20/2026

🏃🦅 Put Your Business on the Move!

Become a sponsor of the 𝐑𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐙𝐨𝐨 𝟓𝐊 and show your support for the animals at Washington Park Zoo while getting your name in front of hundreds of participants and spectators.

Sponsorship is just $100 and includes:
✅ Your name, family, organization, or business on the official race shirt
✅ Social media shout-outs leading up to race day
✅ Support for one of the Michigan City Zoological Society biggest annual fundraisers

Whether you're a local business, a family, an individual, or simply someone who loves the zoo, we'd love to have your support! 💚

📅 2026 Running Wild for the Zoo 5K
🗓️ Sunday, July 12, 2026
📍 Washington Park Zoo, Michigan City

⏰ Hurry! Race shirts will be printed soon, so sponsorships are only available for a limited time.

To become a sponsor, send us a message or email [email protected]. Every sponsorship helps us continue supporting the animals and programs at Washington Park Zoo.

06/16/2026

🏃‍♂️🌿 𝐑𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝟓𝐊 𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐙𝐨𝐨 🌿🏃‍♀️

Get ready to run for a cause at the annual 2026 Running Wild for the Zoo 5K, supporting the animals at the Washington Park Zoo!

📍 When & Where
Sunday | July 12th
Washington Park, Michigan City, IN

💲Registration
$30 per participant
$35 day-of registration (if spots remain)

🎁 What’s Included
• Official event t-shirt
• Free parking
• Access to Washington Park Zoo
• Post-race splash pad access
• Beer garden celebration after the race (+21 participants)
• A fun, family-friendly course supporting a great cause

👕 Shirt Size Guarantee
Register by June 26, 2026 to guarantee your preferred shirt size

Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, this is one of the most fun ways to support the zoo animals all year.

Sign up early and help us run wild for wildlife 🐾

https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/MichiganCity/RunningWildfortheZoo5K

06/09/2026

📸 Some more pics of our 2026 Brew At The Zoo event this past weekend. Thank you again to everyone who helps make this event possible!

And an extra big thank you to our local breweries/wineries who came out and poured some deliciousness. 🍻🍷🐝
Burn 'Em Brewing
Misbeehavin' Meads
Shady Creek Winery
Shoreline Brewery
Trip Fermentations
Zorn Brew Works Co.

Can’t wait to see yall next year!!

🐻 Have some pics of the event 🤳 Tag our page!

06/09/2026

Thank you again to everyone who came out this past weekend and helped support our 2026 Brew At The Zoo event and the animals at the Washington Park Zoo 🐾

After a tumultuous week, Michigan City zookeepers describe a close relationship with the animals during the Zoological Society’s annual “Brew at the Zoo” event. ⤵️ Find a link to the story in the comments.

06/07/2026

What an incredible day! 🍻🦁

Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, sponsored, volunteered, poured samples, and helped make 2026 Brew At The Zoo such a tremendous success! Events like this are only possible because of a community that believes in the importance of our zoo and the animals that call it home.

A special thank you goes to our dedicated Society Board members and volunteers who spent countless hours planning, organizing, setting up, and ensuring everything ran smoothly. Your passion and commitment never go unnoticed.

We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to the amazing staff at the Washington Park Zoo and the Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department. Caring for animals, maintaining the grounds, educating visitors, and supporting events like this is a year-round effort that requires dedication far beyond what most people see. Your hard work and partnership help make experiences like Brew at the Zoo possible.

Most importantly, every ticket purchased, every sample enjoyed, and every dollar raised helps support our mission of enhancing the zoo, supporting animal care, promoting conservation, and creating educational opportunities for our community.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping us create another unforgettable Brew at the Zoo. We are grateful for this amazing community and look forward to seeing you again next year! ❤️🐾🍻

06/06/2026

🍻 Today’s the Day! 2026 Brew At The Zoo Is Here! 🦁🍺

If you’ve been waiting, now’s the time to grab your tickets! We only have a limited number left and while we may be able to sell a few at the door, why take the chance?

Your ticket includes FREE parking starting at 3 PM. Check your email from Eventbrite for your ParkMobile discount code and parking instructions.

With 20+ brew/, wine, mead, and beverage vendors, there’s truly something for everyone. We’re proud to showcase local favorites like Shoreline Brewery, Zorn Brew Works Co., Trip Fermentations, Burn 'Em Brewing, Shady Creek Winery, and Misbeehavin' Meads, alongside tried-and-true classics like Miller and PBR. 🍻🤘🏼

Unlimited samples, free hotdogs, live entertainment by Chicken Dolphin, and an unforgettable evening supporting the animals and programs of Washington Park Zoo. We can’t wait to see you there!

🎟 Get your tickets before they’re gone!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-brew-at-the-zoo-tickets-1986991665560?

06/06/2026

Getting ready for Brew At The Zoo today! 🍻

A few of our board members dropped off donuts and refreshments to the staff at the Washington Park Zoo this morning. 🍩

Their work doesn’t stop when the gates close. Caring for the animals is a 24/7 commitment, and their dedication, hard work, and willingness to go above and beyond help make events like Brew At The Zoo possible while ensuring exceptional care for the animals every day. We’re grateful for everything they do! ❤️🐾