SF Zoo Sunset Fridays

Friday evenings at the zoo get a little more grown-up during Sunset Fridays, when the San Francisco Zoo stays open later for live music, food and drinks alongside the animals. The setting does most of the work here. You can wander from the Big Cat grotto to the giraffes, then settle in with a drink while the sun goes down and live music plays nearby. The program changes throughout the season, so there is a reason to check the lineup rather than treating it as a one-off event. It is especially appealing if you have not been to the zoo in a while and want an excuse to see it without committing to a full daytime visit. Families can make an evening of it, while adults looking for something more relaxed can focus on the music, food and sunset. Just note that animal exhibits close on their own schedules, so arrive early if they are your priority.