Friday, November 29, 2019 to Wednesday, January 1, 2020
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.
Have you heard the buzz? The Zoo now allows social events, including wedding receptions, birthday parties, corporate events, company picnics and networking receptions. Check out the Host an Event page to learn more.
Upcoming Events
Postponed
Coming soon. American Treasures: 2020 Gala hosted by the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
Zoo Sleepovers
Bring your troop for a wild night they won't soon forget! Where else can you fall asleep to the sounds of the wolves howling or awaken to the barks of the sea lions at play?
Come spend the night at the Zoo! Snore & Roar overnights are available from June to September.
Spend a wild night at the Zoo this summer! Snore & Roar sleepovers are available from June to September.
Past Events
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Friends of the National Zoo's hoppiest holiday event, BrewLights, is back for another year of craft beer and microbrew tastings during ZooLights, powered by Pepco!
Friday, December 6, 2019 to Sunday, December 8, 2019
GRUMP, the alternative art and crafts holiday show, is coming to ZooLights on Dec. 6, 7 and 8 from 5-9 p.m.
Dec. 4
Animal Discovery Days include special demonstrations, activities and opportunities to learn about wildlife conservation. Celebrate International Cheetah Day on Dec. 4.
Saturday, November 9, 2019 to Monday, November 18, 2019
Bid a fond farewell to giant panda Bei Bei before he begins the next chapter of his life in China.
Friday, October 25, 2019
A dark carnival is approaching … and will arrive for Friends of the National Zoo's annual adults-only Halloween party, Night of the Living Zoo.
Friday, October 18, 2019 to Sunday, October 20, 2019
Kids can go trick-or-treating at the wildest spot in town during Boo at the Zoo. Celebrate Halloween early with more than 40 treat stations, animal demonstrations, a dance party and kids’ karaoke.
Saturday, October 5, 2019
Attend the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute's annual festival — the one day a year that part of this unique research facility is open to the public!
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at ZooFiesta. This free, family event includes animal feedings, arts and crafts, and live music.
Sept. 7, 8 and 14, 15
Get an up-close look at exotic birds as they soar overhead and exhibit natural behaviors in this FREE, limited-run show.
Saturday, September 14, 2019
Join us at Freedom Plaza on Saturday, Sept. 14, for Friends of the National Zoo’s second annual The Fast & the Fierce 5K, sponsored by Aegis Project Controls!
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Get ready for the wildest wine tasting in town at Zoo Uncorked, sponsored by Total Wine & More, on Sept. 12 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
Saturday, September 7, 2019
Celebrate Wildlife Migration Day at the Zoo on Saturday, Sept. 7. This free event features games, education stations, live music, bird banding demos and more.
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