Upcoming Events
Friday, November 23, 2018 to Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights a part of their annual holiday tradition. A free event, ZooLights includes live music performances and tasty winter treats. 
Dec. 15 & 22
Four Saturdays only! Get an up-close look at exotic birds as they soar overhead and exhibit natural behaviors in this FREE, limited-run show. Zoo Sleepovers
Come spend the night at the Smithsonian's National Zoo! Spaces are still available for our adults-only overnights featuring the Elephant Community Center, American Trail, Cheetah Conservation... more
Spend a wild night at the Smithsonian's National Zoo this summer!
Past Events
Friday, December 7, 2018 to Sunday, December 9, 2018
GRUMP, the alternative art and crafts holiday show, is coming to ZooLights at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo from Dec. 7 to 9. 
Thursday, November 29, 2018
Friends of the National Zoo's hoppiest holiday event, BrewLights, a ticketed microbrew and craft beer event, will take place during ZooLights, powered by Pepco. 
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
During Power Demo Days, keepers host extra demonstrations and enrichment activities that highlight specific animals. 
Friday, October 26, 2018
Prepare to witness death-defying acts and amazing oddities at Friends of the National Zoo's annual adults-only Halloween party, Night of the Living Zoo, sponsored by Groupon. 
Friday, October 19, 2018 to Sunday, October 21, 2018
With more than 40 treat stations, animal demonstrations, decorated trails and opportunities to learn about some seriously spooky animals, this frightfully fun evening is a magical time for the whole... more 
Saturday, October 13, 2018
The Zoo is hosting Nerd Nite DC for an animal-themed evening of creative presentations and libations! Don't miss the chance to explore the comedic side of science. Nerd Nite is a 21+ event. 
Saturday, October 6, 2018
SOLD OUT!
Attend the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute's annual festival—the one day a year that this unique research facility is open to the public! 
Sunday, September 23, 2018
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at ZooFiesta. This free, family event includes animal feedings, arts and crafts, and musical entertainment. 
Thursday, September 13, 2018
Get ready for the wildest wine tasting in town at Zoo Uncorked on Sept. 13 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. 
Saturday, August 25, 2018
Head to Freedom Plaza for The Fast & the Fierce 5K and fun run. Then, make your way to the Zoo for an after-party on the Great Meadow! 
Saturday, August 25, 2018
Celebrate Enrichment Day at the Smithsonian's National Zoo on Saturday, Aug. 25! Zoo visitors will have the opportunity to participate in training and enrichment activities, attend demonstrations and... more 
Thursday, July 26, 2018
On July 26, attend a free, outdoor concert at the Zoo featuring student musicians from the National Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Music Institute. 
Thursday, July 19, 2018
On July 19, enjoy great times and great brews with animal encounters, live music, fare from popular food trucks and unlimited beer tastings from more than 70 breweries. 
Saturday, June 30, 2018
On Saturday, June 30, visit the Zoo for a day full of themed enrichment (for the animals) and free treats (for our guests). Best of all, it’s open to the public.
Celebrate with Us 
Saturday, June 30, 2018
Friends of the National Zoo members get exclusive access to American Trail and Research Hill during this free annual event. 
Saturday, June 23, 2018
On June 23 the Smithsonian will mark the first Saturday of summer—Solstice Saturday—by staying open late and hosting parties, programs, and performances. In celebration, the Zoo will have extended... more 
Monday, May 21, 2018
Giraffe populations have dwindled rapidly over the past few decades. Join a panel of experts as they discuss the efforts to save this charismatic species. 
Thursday, May 17, 2018
This premier culinary event features more than 100 of Washington, D.C.'s restaurants and vintners — all in the wild setting of the Smithsonian's National Zoo. 
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Spread your wings for bird conservation at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo! The World Migratory Bird Day festival features family friendly activities, games and demonstrations. 
Friday, May 11, 2018
Join leading experts at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute on May 11, 2018, for an in-depth discussion on bird conservation. 
Sunday, May 6, 2018
Celebrate the beauty and importance of family diversity at the Zoo with family-focused activities, from field games with prizes, to special animal enrichment demonstrations and live entertainment. 
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Plan ahead and on Earth Day 2018, make the Smithsonian's National Zoo your go-to place to participate in green-themed activities. 
Sunday, April 15, 2018
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is thrilled to host members of the National Symphony Orchestra for a free, engaging musical performance for all ages on April 15. 
Monday, April 2, 2018
Celebrate Easter Monday at the Smithsonian's National Zoo with family-focused activities, including special animal demonstrations, field games, live entertainment, an egg hunt and a visit from the... more 
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Follow award-winning filmmakers to tell the surprising story of anole lizards—how they spread through Latin America and the Caribbean, conquered every possible habitat and diversified into hundreds... more 
Sunday, March 18, 2018
"Mind of a Giant" explores what it is like to be a modern elephant surviving in a world of poachers, new human settlements and other dangers. 
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Calling all party animals to join fellow Zoo patrons for some Monkey Business, a non-traditional gala to benefit the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in partnership with... more 
Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun
Sept. 7 to Oct. 29
Hooray for Zoo Happy Hour! Weekdays got you down? How about a pick-me-up at the new Zoo Happy Hour. Get wild Thursday to Sunday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Panda Overlook (a short walk from the Zoo's... more Sept. 7 to Oct. 29
Monday, August 21, 2017
Observe the solar eclipse at the Smithsonian's National Zoo through a safe solar telescope and free safe eclipse glasses provided by the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. 
Thursday, February 16, 2017 to Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Join the Zoo for a series of online and on-site celebratory events to bid a fond farewell to giant panda Bao Bao before she begins the next chapter of her life in China. 
Thursday, December 8, 2016
On Thursday, Dec. 8, ZooLights amps up the romance for couples, featuring an exclusive date night giveaway and holiday carolers at the Great Meadow. 
