National Zoological Park (United States) - Special Programs and Events

Special Programs and Events

In partnership with Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ), a non-profit organization, the zoo holds annual fund raisers (ZooFari, Guppy Gala, and Boo at the Zoo) and free events (Sunset Serenades, Fiesta Musical). Proceeds support animal care, conservation science, education and sustainability at the National Zoo.

• Woo at the Zoo - A Valentine's Day talk by some of the Zoo's animal experts discussing the fascinating, and often quirky, world of animal dating, mating, and reproductive habits. All proceeds benefit the Zoo's animal care program.
• Earth Day: Party for the Planet - Celebrating Earth Day at the National Zoo. Guests can find out about simple daily actions they can take to enjoy a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
• Easter Monday - Easter Monday has been a Washington-area multicultural tradition for many years. There is a variety of family activities, entertainment and special opportunities to learn more about the animals. Admission is free, and this event traditionally welcomes thousands of area families. The celebration began in response to the inability of African Americans to participate in the annual Easter Egg Roll held at the White House, until the Dwight Eisenhower presidency.
• Guppy Gala - This annual family-friendly event offers guests animal encounters, food and a variety of activities. This event is ticketed and open to FONZ Members only. All proceeds benefit the Zoo's animal care program.
• Zoofari - A casual evening of gourmet foods, fine wines, entertainment and dancing under the stars. Each year, thousands of attendees enjoy delicacies prepared by master chefs from 100 of the D.C. area's finest restaurants. All proceeds benefit the Zoo's animal care program.
• Snore and Roar - A FONZ program that allows individuals and families to spend the night at the zoo, in sleeping bags inside of tents. A late-night flashlight tour of the zoo and a two-hour exploration of an animal house or exhibit area led by a zoo keeper are part of the experience. Snore and Roar dates are offered between June and September each year.
• Brew at the Zoo - Guests can sample beer from a variety of microbreweries at the Zoo. All proceeds benefit the Zoo's animal care program.
• Fiesta Musical - FONZ celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with an annual fiesta at the National Zoo. Animal demonstrations, Hispanic and Latino music, costumed dancers, traditional crafts and Latin American foods are offered.
• Grapes with the Apes - Visitors toast to wildlife conservation and learn about great apes at the Zoo's wine tasting event. All proceeds benefit the Zoo's animal care program.
• Autumn Conservation Festival at Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute(SCBI) - Visitors talk with scientists one on one and learn about their research that spans the globe. Scientists are also on hand to help visitors explore the tools and technology they use to understand animals and their environments. Guests can get behind-the-scenes looks at some of the SCBI's endangered animals.
• Boo at the Zoo - Families with children ages two to 12 trick-or-treat in a safe environment and receive special treats from more than 40 treat stations. There are animal encounters, keeper talks and festive decorations. All proceeds benefit the Zoo's animal care program.
• Zoolights - The National Zoo's annual winter celebration. Guests can walk through the Zoo when it is covered with thousands of sparkling environmentally-friendly lights and animated exhibits, attend special keeper talks and enjoy live entertainment.