Fri., July 11
VIP: $169 | 5 – 11 pm
General Admission: $110 | 7 – 11 pm
21+
Spend an Evening in Paradise on the North Shore during the National Aviary’s blockbuster 21+ party: Night in the Tropics Presented by UPMC Health Plan.
Get Tickets:
Back on Friday by popular demand, guests can take in a glowing sunset while eating, drinking, and dancing their way around what feels like a colorful, lantern-lit Indo-Malayan night market!
Let the twinkling lights and scents of hibiscus transport you to the islands of Southeast Asia, with show-stopping live entertainment, a spread of delicious drinks, unlimited mouthwatering bites from more than a dozen local restaurants, and more – all included with your ticket!
Upgrade for a first-class VIP experience, including early party access, FREE valet parking, exclusive Ambassador Animals and National Aviary experiences, full bar services with premium spirits, and more!
All guests will experience one-of-a-kind meet-and-greets with Animal Ambassadors and after-hours access to the National Aviary’s lush habitats, where our experts will point out Indo-Malayan species like the Bali Myna and the Malayan Flying Fox.
Stay tuned for up-to-the-minute details on live entertainment, Silent Auction and raffle prizes, and delectable restaurant additions for this top-shelf event!
This event supports the National Aviary’s avian care and conservation!
Let Us Entertain You:
It’s going to be a spectacular night! Enjoy the ultimate Evening in Paradise with entertainment that will blow your mind.
- Headliner: Radio Tokyo
- Steel Dragon
- Belly Dancing by Joanna Abel
- Elias Khouri
- Live Painting by Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria’s Idea’s (mariasideas.com)
More entertainment coming soon!
Drink, Dine, and Unwind:
All guests will enjoy delectable food, signature cocktails, wine, and beer.
- Atria’s Specialty Catering
- Atria’s 1930
- Betsy Ann Chocolate
- Bistro To Go
- Braddock’s Rebellion
- BreadWorks
- Eat’n Park
- El Burro
- Gianna Via’s Restaurant and Bar
- Il Pizzaiolo
- Industry Public House
- Juniper Grill
- Moe’s Southwest Grill
- My Favorite Sweet Shoppe
- Nothing Bundt Cake
- Piada Italian Street Food
- Pittsburgh Barbecue Company
- Potomac Bakery
- Press House Coffee
- Raising Cane’s
- Rita’s Italian Ice
- Sarris Candies
- Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill
- Two Ugly Mugs
- Wise County Biscuits & Cafe
Yuengling, Southern Tier Brewery, Allagash Brewing Company, and Athletic Brewing Company specialty beers provided by Frank Fuhrer Wholesale Co.
Drink Passport
This year’s signature cocktails are not only tasty; they’re your flight path around this 21+ party, courtesy of Peoples!
Tropical destinations require a passport! At every Night in the Tropics bar, you’ll find a signature cocktail, each with its own tropical inspiration.
- Jungle Bird – A sweet Malaysian tiki cocktail featuring Lucky Sign Spirits rum and pineapple juice.
- Paloma – Spanish for “dove,” this paradise-inspired tequila drink will have your tastebuds flying!
- Transfusion – A rejuvenating blend of Lucky Sign Spirits vodka, ginger ale, grape juice, and a hint of lime!
Drink Passport Drawing
All guests who turn in their completed passports at our designated passport location near the Silent Auction in The Garden Room Lobby will be entered for a chance to win a special prize*. Prize details coming soon.
Not interested in sampling a signature cocktail, but want to enter the drawing? No worries! Simply travel to each bar and ask the bartender to stamp your passport.
*Completed drink passports must be turned in during the event by 8:45 pm EST. Winners must be 21 years of age or older.
Night in the Tropics Drink Passport Sponsored by:
Photos with a Penguin:
For just $5*, you can snag the most adorable photo (and video) opportunity ever! YES, you read that right! A National Aviary staff member will take a photo of you next to one of our African Penguins – in front of a photo backdrop – on your phone or camera for your use!
*Please bring cash night of. Proceeds from Photo with a Penguin help support the daily care for our flock.
Remember: Upgrade to VIP for More Amazing Perks:
- Early access to the party (TWO HOURS!)
- Full bar service with premium spirits
- Up-close experiences with National Aviary Ambassador Animals (including our brand-new Striped Skunk!)
- FREE valet parking
Pro tip: Bring cash to purchase raffle tickets to win a trip for two to Maui, sponsored by AAA Travel! Tickets are one for $10 or three for $25; learn more below!
Silent Auction:
Get a chance to win amazing auction items while you’re at the party or from the comfort of your home during the Night in the Tropics Silent Auction. Enjoy the convenience of bidding on your favorite items by texting tropics2025 to 843-606-5995. You may bid while you’re getting ready for our Evening in Paradise…or from the couch as you relax!
NEW THIS YEAR: The Chance to Name a Duckling!
Our Spotted Whistling-Ducklings need names…and you have the chance to pick ONE! For every $10 donation you provide to THIS LINK ONLY, you’ll be entered into a drawing for the opportunity to name one of them.
One lucky donor will enjoy several Name-A-Bird benefits, including a naming certificate, a photograph of the duckling along with a fact sheet, a special tour that includes a visit with the duck’s care staff, and more.
Additional Items and Packages Include:
- An exclusive, private on-site habitat training demonstration with Director of Animal Programs & Experiences, Cathy Schlott!
- “Flights & Thrills” with a National Aviary Falcon Encounter and TWO $100 off certificates for a tandem jump at Skydive PA
- Blast to the ultimate Yinzer-past with items, including a pickle hat AND a Pittsburghese dictionary, from the Heinz History Center.
- Art collection pieces by Johno Prascak, Maria DeSimone Prascak, and Diego Byrnes.
Don’t worry about having to stay near the prize(s) you’ve been coveting: Event.Gives will send you a text if you’ve been outbid. Bidding ends Friday, July 11, at 9 pm EST; winners need not be present.
Raffle:
Enjoy an Evening in Paradise with a trip for two to Maui, sponsored by AAA Travel! The prize includes round-trip economy airfare from any United States city to Maui, Hawaii, and six nights of hotel accommodations. Purchase tickets at the National Aviary! Call 412-258-9465 or email [email protected] with any questions.
Attire:
Dress in your best tropical attire for this indoor/outdoor party! Bright colors are encouraged; leave your black tie outfits at home! Let loose with your best beachy sundress or paradise-inspired ensemble. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Parking:
VIP guests will arrive in style with FREE valet parking! Head to VIP check-in located at the National Aviary entrance at 700 Arch Street.
For General Admission ticket holders who like to walk, convenient parking is available at Nova Place for $15 per vehicle. Nova Place is located at 100 South Commons, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Please enter the garage through Gate 3 or Gate 4 – or look for our signage!
ADA-accessible drop-off will be available at the entrance of the National Aviary. Signage will be placed around the Aviary to help point you in the right direction!
Need a Ride?
Consider contacting the following local rideshare services:
Please drink responsibly.
Proceeds from this 21+ event benefit the National Aviary’s work to save birds and protect their habitats.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor
Diamond Sponsor
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Federated Investors Foundation, Inc.
Silver Sponsors
Bistro To Go
Bognar & Company
BranchPattern
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC
C&G Strategies
Cintas
CJL Engineering
Fairfield Landscaping
Faros Properties
FHLBank Pittsburgh
First National Bank
The Gateway Engineers, Inc.
Greenhouse RSI
Harmelin Media
Koppers Inc.
Maher Duessel
McKamish, Inc.
Oxford Development Company
Perfido Weiskopf Wagstaff + Goettel
Piatt Companies
Priory Hospitality Group
Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care
S&T Bank
Trust-Franklin Press Co.
Vitro Architectural Glass
Wesbanco
Raffle Sponsor
Beer Supplier
Frank Fuhrer Wholesale Co.
By purchasing Night in the Tropics tickets, you are giving the National Aviary permission to send you emails.
Birds-Eye-View of Night in the Tropics!
As the National Aviary’s largest annual fundraiser, Night in the Tropics is a full-scale production that transforms our entire facility in the blink of an eye! Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look into the making of 2024’s Night in the Tropics: Island Oasis Presented by UPMC Health Plan!