Join us in the evening on August 30th, 2026 for our annual supporter appreciation event!
This unique evening event will be exclusively for ticket holders, who will have an opportunity to explore some of the ways our keepers work to enrich the lives of the GWDC residents; see the animals of the GWDC in a unique setting while enjoying drinks and hors d' oeuvres. All proceeds from ticket sales and silent auction items will support animal care and educational programs.
Doors open for the event at 4:00 PM, and the festivities will continue until 7:30 PM.
Adult tickets include: non-alcoholic and alcoholic (beer and wine) beverages, hors d'oeuvres, party gift, and unlimited entry to the GWDC from August 29th-August 31th.
Members please check your email for Members-only rates.
If you are planning to join us from out of town, a few hotels are offering discounted rates to our guests. Please contact Oly Watt at [email protected] for more information.
Please bring your confirmation email with the QR code when you arrive to check-in for the event. You may also use the confirmation email as entry to the GWDC for a regular visit from August 29th-August 31st.
ONLINE TICKET SALES END ON SATURDAY AUGUST 29TH AT 7PM. LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR ON SUNDAY AUGUST 30TH STARTING AT 4PM.
Event tickets are not tax-deductible and not refundable

If you would like to become a sponsor for the "ROAR & EXPLORE" event, please contact [email protected] or process your donation online. Please add 'Event Sponsorship' under 'Special notes'Donate
Event Itinerary
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4:00pm-5:15pm
Arrival of guests
Please check-in at the Admission's desk and present your QR code
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4:45pm-6:00pm
Special Enrichment in the bear habitat
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5:15pm-5:25pm
Remarks from the Executive Director John Heine
In front of the bear habitat
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5:45pm
Live fish enrichment for the otters
At the Riparian Building
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5:45pm-6:15pm
Live music
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6:15pm-7:30pm
Cooler demonstration in the bear habitat
Observe the bears in their habitat as they attempt to break into coolers, and learn about our bear-resistant testing process.
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9:00am-7:00pm
Silent Auction
Items are viewable in the Museum, and all bidding will take place online
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7:30pm
Closing - Thank you for coming!
Ongoing: Grizzly bears, wolves, birds of prey, North American river otters, native fish, reptiles and amphibians are available for viewing throughout the event. The Uinta ground squirrels, while still present, might not be viewable as it is the start of their hibernation. The Center's Gift Shop will stay open during the event.
As you enjoy the lively atmosphere, don't miss the chance to bid on incredible treasures at our silent auction, offering unique items and experiences.
This year we will once again be using an online platform for bids - that way you can still enjoy all the festivities while keeping track of any item of interest. The silent auction items will still be set up in the museum, but bidding will be done online through Auctria - GGT Silent Auction.
Feel free to register before the event, but bidding will open at 9:00 AM on Sunday, August 30th. Items will continue to be added as they come in, leading up to the Grizzly Get-Together. To register, we just need your name, email, and phone number if you would like to be contacted that way about items won. No need for a credit card, we will process all payments on site.
If you would like something other than your name displayed while bidding on items, you can go to "My Account" after registering and edit/add a "nickname".
Not attending in-person? You can still participate in the silent auction! When bidding ends at 7 PM, we will contact winners for payment and shipping charges if items are being shipped.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
SILVERTIP SPONSORS
Justine Woosnam - Drawn To Nature
BRUIN SPONSORS
Cheryl Henderson
Sally & Jon Niess
URSID SPONSORS

Brent & Peggy Bucholz

Auction supporters:
Nature's Mirror Photography
Tender Corporation

FAQs
How do I check-in for the event?
Present QR code, which you received via email when you purchased your ticket(s).
How long does the event last?
Doors open for the event at 4:00 PM, and the festivities will continue until 7:30 PM.
What does my event ticket include?
Adult tickets include: non-alcoholic and alcoholic (beer and wine) beverages, hors d'oeuvres, party gift, and unlimited entry to the GWDC from August 29th-August 31th.
Do members receive a discount on event tickets?
Yes, current GWDC members receive a 25% discount on event tickets. Please contact [email protected] to receive the promo code
Is there a dress code for the Grizzly Get-Together?
There is not a strict dress code for the event, dress nice and casual.
Is my event ticket refundable or tax deductible?
Event tickets are not tax-deductible and not refundable
May I buy event tickets at the door?
Event tickets are available for purchase online until 7pm on Saturday August 29th. Limited number of tickets will be available at the door on Sunday August 30th starting at 4pm.
May I participate in the silent auction if I don’t attend the event?
Yes, you can participate in the silent auction online by registering with your name, email, and phone number on the Auctria website. If you aren't present at the event, you will be contacted by phone if you won an item. If you won, the item can be collected from the GWDC at a later time or shipped to you for an additional charge.
When does the bidding open for the silent auction?
The bidding will open at 9:00 AM on Sunday, August 30th
How do I pay for a silent auction item if I win?
When bidding ends at 7 PM, we will contact off-site winners for payment (cash, check, credit card) and shipping charges if items are being shipped. If you are still present, we can collect payment as you exit.
I have an auction item I'd like to donate. Who do I contact?
Thank you! Please email Oly Watt [email protected]
Can I make a donation if I can't attend?
Yes! Your generosity makes a big difference. Donations can be made online. CLICK HERE
Who do I contact with questions?
Our Event Committee would be happy to help. Please call (406)646-7001 ext. 111, or email Oly Watt [email protected] or Leanne Schuh [email protected]
To see more of what's happening that weekend in West Yellowstone, visit Destination Yellowstone's calender of events.


