For Immediate Release: June 5, 2025
Riverbanks Botanical Garden Celebrates 30 Years in Bloom
Columbia, S.C., June 5, 2025 – Riverbanks Botanical Garden will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Saturday, June 7, with a special Earth Day-inspired celebration featuring a variety of family-friendly activities.
Event Details:
Who: Riverbanks Botanical Garden
What: 30th Anniversary Celebration
When: Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Where: Riverbanks Botanical Garden, 1300 Botanical Parkway, West Columbia, SC
The celebration will feature 19 interactive stations and an engaging lineup of activities, including:
- Demonstrations and stories from Riverbanks’ horticulturists and conservation partners, highlighting the Garden’s three decades of growth and conservation efforts
- A Goosechase scavenger hunt with prizes
- Appearances by Riverbanks’ beloved mascots
- Live music from local band Prettier than Matt
- Food trucks Cheezzy Cheezz Steakz & Hoagiez and Synchronicity Sweets offering a variety of savory and sweet treats
This milestone event coincides with Riverbanks Zoo and Garden’s recent recognition as one of the top five best zoos in the nation in the 2025 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards. This honor emphasizes Riverbanks’ commitment to exceptional animal and plant care, innovative guest experiences, and community enrichment. The ranking reflects the dedication of Riverbanks’ staff and the enthusiastic support of its guests.
“Earning a place among the nation’s best zoos is a testament to the passion and expertise of our team, as well as our guests' enthusiasm for the Riverbanks experience,” said Tommy Stringfellow, president and CEO of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “This recognition inspires us to continue creating meaningful connections between people, animals, and nature.”
For more information about upcoming events, planning a visit, or membership opportunities, visit riverbanks.org.
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Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to more than 3,000 magnificent and fascinating animals and one of America’s best public gardens. The Zoo opened on April 25, 1974, and for over five decades, has connected individuals, families and school children with the natural world. Riverbanks is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is recognized as a global leader in animal care and welfare, education, recreation, science and wildlife conservation. It is the mission of the Zoo and Garden to create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places. For more information, visit riverbanks.org.