Search

Thanks to our generous sponsors:

Big Bus Tours

Capital One Bank

Coca-Cola

Comcast

Geico

Jaguar

Rosenthal Jaguar/Land Rover

LivingSocial

MIX 107.3

NBC4

Washingtonian

Widmer

630 WMAL

Special thanks to Willow Run Greenhouse Corp. for providing all of our plants at ZooFari

Zoo Fari

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013, 6:30-9:30 P.M.

ZooFari 2013 will feature more than 100 of the area’s finest restaurants. Top chefs like Todd Gray from Equinox, Michel Richard from Central, and Top Chef contestant Mike Isabella from Kapnos will participate in the festivities. Add the fine wines, fabulous entertainment, animal demonstrations, and a great silent auction, all in the wild setting of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, and you have the recipe for an exotically delicious evening.

See what ZooFari is all about

Tickets are no longer for sale online. They may still be purchased at the gate.

food

TICKETS

ZOOFARI TICKETS

FONZ members get the best price!
$150 member (the non-deductable portion of your ticket is $50)
$200 nonmember (he non-deductable portion of your ticket is $50)
Tickets include everything you’ve come to love about ZooFari—the great food, the fun, a silent auction, and of course, the wine. Plus, there’s no shortage of live entertainment, from music to cooking demonstrations.

food

HIGHLIGHTS

AUCTION

Bid on exclusive Zoo tours, animal-themed art, one-of-a-kind gifts, memorable activities, top dining experiences, and more!

The ZooFari Silent Auction is located by the Great Cats Store.

SWEET EATS CHALLENGE BY CAPITAL ONE BANK

Pastry Demonstrations Judging, 9:15 p.m.
Celebrity Chefs and other prestigious judges will host as teams of pastry artists create zoo-themed cakes. Ongoing at the Great Meadow, with judging at 9:15 p.m.

CELEBRITY CHEFS

Top chefs like Todd Gray, Bart Vandaele, Mike Isabella, and more will be joining the festivities throughout the night.

Chef bios

SWEEPSTAKES

Enter to win special animal encounters, private keeper-led tours, event tickets, and gift baskets! Plus, you could win a grand prize: A behind-the-scenes visit with the Asian elephants at our new state-of-the-art Elephant Community Center!

FARM-TO-TABLE TALK WITH BLOOMERY PLANTATION

Participate in a presentation by Bloomery Plantation at the ZooFari VIP cocktail reception. Representatives will discuss their handcrafted, artisan fruit SweetShine. Along with providing tastings of their homegrown cordials, like Lemon SweetShine and Dark Chocolate Raspberry, they’ll also introduce guests to their unique farm-to-table approach.

FUTURE HARVEST

Future Harvest Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture (CASA) is a non-profit network of farmers and others who practice and promote sustainable food and farming systems. Visit Future Harvest CASA's farm-to-table display in the VIP pre-party reception to see how "locavore" eating is not only delicious but has a positive environmental and economic impact for local farmers and communities.

food

AMENITIES

RESTAURANTS

More than 100 of the area's finest restaurants including Graffiato, Citronelle, and Equinox will offer some of their finest cuisine.

See full list of confirmed restaurants.

WINE

ZooFari is the perfect opportunity to enjoy wine from local and international vineyards. Featured vintners include:

  • Barefoot Wine & Bubbly
  • Barrel Oak Winery
  • Boxwood Estate Winery
  • Constellation Brands
  • Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits
  • DiVinoDirect.com
  • Early Mountain Vineyards
  • Francis Ford Coppola Winery
  • Freixenet USA
  • Hope Family Wines
  • Ingleside Vineyards
  • J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
  • Natura
  • Oyster Bay Wines
  • The Seeker
  • Ste Michelle Wine Estates

BarS

Three mega-bars located throughout the event will offer complimentary beer, soft drinks, and water.

Entertainment

Dance under the stars to a variety of musical performers! Schedule of events and performances will be posted closer to event date.

PARKING

A limited number of parking passes are available when purchasing ZooFari tickets. These passes will be required for parking at the Zoo during the ZooFari.

METRO Shuttle

Catch a ride to and from the Woodley Park/Zoo Metro Station, courtesy of Open Top Sightseeing. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes throughout the night.

GENERAL EVENT INFORMATION

ZooFari goes on rain or shine. Please note that ZooFari is a non-smoking event. To be served alcohol, you must present a valid photo ID. Due to space limitations, no strollers are permitted.

General questions about ZooFari 2013?
Email LaShawn Harris or call 202.633.3034 for more information.

Interested in sponsoring ZooFari 2013?
Email Jackie Vinick or call 202.633.3046 for more information.

Restaurants interested in participating in ZooFari 2013, please email Pam Bucklinger or call 202.633.3026 for more information.

Share