Events

See what's happening at the Zoo!

Upcoming Events

April 1, 2024

Easter Monday

A Washington Family Tradition

Join us for a wild and egg-citing celebration at the Smithsonian National Zoo's Easter Monday event on April 1! This decades-long tradition is a roaring good time, celebrating families and the vibrant D.C. community. 

From 10 a.m. to noon at Great Meadow, dive into adventure with...

Daily Animal Demos

Get a front row seat to animal keepers working with animals in these daily demonstrations! Throughout the day, you can meet elephants, watch sloth bears slurp ants, see sea lions catch fish and more. 

Animal Demo Schedule

Past Events


Nov. 24 - Dec. 30, 2023

ZooLights

Washington, D.C.’s beloved Smithsonian’s National Zoo holiday tradition is back and brighter than ever!

Now in its 15th year, ZooLights takes thousands of visitors into a winter wonderland. Dozens of dazzling displays and half a million environmentally-friendly LED lights illuminate the Zoo's pathways. Visitors can stroll through immersive lantern displays...

Oct. 20, 21 & 22, 2023

Boo at the Zoo

It’s no trick, only the sweetest treat: Boo at the Zoo, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s beloved family-friendly Halloween event, sponsored by Mars Wrigley Confectionery, is back Oct. 20, 21 and 22 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

Guests can feast their eyes on spellbinding habitats decorated with Jack-O-Lanterns...

Sept. 23-Oct. 1, 2023

Pandapalooza

We are going big because they are going home! To see the giant pandas off in style, the Smithsonian's National Zoo will host Panda Palooza, a nine-day celebration from Sept. 23 to Oct. 1, 2023, intended to engage audiences of all ages in a series of fun, family-friendly and conservation-forward events...

May 26- Sept. 4 | Every day except Tuesday. 
10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Birds in Flight

Get an up-close look at exotic birds soaring overhead in this free, limited-run avian spectacular at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Join renowned bird behaviorist Phung Luu for a dazzling display of natural behaviors by his flock of exotic birds — from owls and falcons to macaws, ravens and cockatoos — performing...

May 7, 2023

International Family Equality Day

Celebrate the beauty and importance of family diversity with the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Visitors will have the chance to attend keeper talks and see animal demonstrations.

This event is free. Entry passes to the Zoo are required.


Host an Event at the Zoo

The wildest events in town start here. Gather your herd and head to the Zoo for your wedding reception, birthday, company picnic and more.

Plan Your Event