Oct. 20 to 22: Boo at the Zoo
Special Events
Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun
Sept. 7 to Oct. 29
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
Friday, October 20, 2017 to Sunday, October 22, 2017
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... more
Friday, October 27, 2017
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.
Friday, November 24, 2017 to Monday, January 1, 2018
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.
Thursday, November 30, 2017
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.
Past Events
Friday, October 13, 2017
Join leading experts at the Smithsonian's National Zoo on Oct. 13 for an in-depth discussion on Asian elephant conservation and welfare efforts.
Saturday, October 7, 2017
Attend the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute's annual festival—the one day a year that this unique research facility is open to the public!
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... more
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at ZooFiesta. This free, family event includes animal feedings, arts and crafts, and musical entertainment.
Saturday, September 16, 2017
Celebrate Enrichment Day at the Smithsonian's National Zoo on Saturday, Sept. 16! Zoo visitors will have the opportunity to participate in training and enrichment activities, attend demonstrations... more
Thursday, September 7, 2017
Get ready for the wildest wine tasting in town at Zoo Uncorked (formerly Grapes with the Apes) on Sept. 7 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
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, July 20, 2017
On July 20, 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. Tickets on sale now!
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Join FONZ at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo on Saturday, June 24 for the June Member Celebration where members and their families get special access to exclusive animal demonstrations and a behind... more
Thursday, May 18, 2017
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. Tickets on sale now!
Saturday, May 6, 2017
Spread your wings for bird conservation at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo! The International Migratory Bird Day festival features family-friendly activities, games and demonstrations — all in the... more
Saturday, April 22, 2017
Plan ahead and on Earth Day 2017, make the Smithsonian's National Zoo your go-to place to participate in green-themed activities.
Monday, April 17, 2017
Celebrate Easter Monday on April 17 at the Smithsonian's National Zoo with family-focused activities, including special animal demonstrations, field games, live entertainment, an egg hunt and a... more
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.
Come celebrate the birthdays of giant pandas Bao Bao, Bei Bei, and Tian Tian. Visitors can watch as the giant pandas devour frozen birthday "cakes" and see animal demonstrations.
Zoo Sleepovers
Imagine falling asleep to the sounds of the howling wolves or being awakened by the bark of the sea lions at play. Come spend the night at the Smithsonian's National Zoo!
Imagine falling asleep to the sound of howling wolves or being awakened by the bark of sea lions at play. Book an American Trail, Small Mammal House or Reptile Discovery Center sleepover today!
