Special Events

Adulting is hard, be a kid again at the Virginia Zoo. Visit the Zoo on this exclusive 21+ night. Whether a date night or some dedicated time with friends, leave the kids at home and let your inner child roam free! Food, drink, beer and wine will be available for purchase.

Exhibits will stay open, however some exhibits may be closed including the ZooFarm, World of Reptiles and Australia Walkabout depending on the Zoo’s re-opening phase.

All tickets must be purchased in advanced, no on-site sales.

Friday, July 24, 2020, 5:30 to 8:30 pm*

Friday, August 28, 2020, 5:30 to 8:30 pm*

Friday, October 2, 2020, 5:00 to 7:30 pm*

*Event tickets are currently set up for timed ticketing to reduce capacity and minimize lines. As soon as the Zoo is allowed to have a higher capacity and timed ticketing is no longer needed, we will adjust all event tickets to the start of the event and the tickets will not expire until the end of the event.

Food, drink, beer and wine will be available for purchase.

Please note: This is a 21+ event; IDs will be checked at the gate. 

This event is rain or shine. Sorry no refunds.

Please note that we reserve the right to cancel an event at any time to ensure the safety of our animals, staff and guests.  If this should happen, the event will be rescheduled, or you will receive a refund.

Growler Insulator Sale

The Virginia Zoo would have been hosting our 5th Annual Growl Fest this weekend. Instead, we’re asking you Grin and Bear 2020 with us with an exclusive Growler Insulator. Proceeds still benefit Virginia Zoo events and you will still receive some great beer perks. Thanks to our craft beer sponsor, O’Connor Brewing, you will receive a coupon for 25% off a crowler fill through November 15, 2020 – good only at O’Connor Brewing in Norfolk. There’s a limited quantity and this sale is only available for two weeks!

Dates: September 14 to September 28, 2020. All insulators will be mailed on October 1, 2020.

Cost: $15 + S&H

Size: 11.75" tall. Will fit standard 64oz growler.

Join us for a very special Cocktails and Conservation with the Red Panda Network, a proud partner of the Virginia Zoo. Hear from the Red Panda Network’s Development Manager, Terrance Fleming, about the exciting and crucial work they are doing to save this incredible species from extinction. You’ll also meet Jill Tarrant, the Lead Asia Keeper who cares for the Zoo’s red pandas. Registrants will receive an exclusive “Potent Pandas” cocktail recipe to enjoy at home! This hour-long program will include Q&A from guests and resources on how to make a difference for red pandas around the world. Fifty percent of the ticket sales will be donated directly to the Red Panda Network and the remainder will support the Virginia Zoo’s educational mission.

Location: Zoom, link to be emailed to guests with ticket confirmation

Cost: $5 per household.

Please consider an additional donation when you register. 50 percent of the ticket sales and donations will be donated directly to the Red Panda Network and the remainder will support the Virginia Zoo's educational mission. While COVID-19 continues to take its toll on the Virginia Zoo, its conservation partners feel the effects as well. Donations to the Virginia Zoo and the Red Panda Network are vital to continue the crucial work to save these animals in the wild.

Date/Time

September 25, 2020
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

ZooBoo is Coming!

This Halloween tradition can’t be stopped – but it can look a little different. With visitor safety as our first priority, ZooBoo will provide a socially distanced and safe environment for all ages to enjoy the spirited holiday featuring several activities:

• Pre-packaged candy bags for all children (ages 2-12)  
• Halloween Scene Photo opps
• Virtual Costume Contest with prizes
• Interactive, contactless activities 
• Pop-up animal appearances
• Pumpkin enrichment on exhibit
• Pick-your-own mini pumpkin patch - while supplies last!

• Please note, animal appearances and pumpkin enrichment schedules will not be published this year. No matter the time of your reservation, activities will be taking place consistently throughout the day.

Gift Shop, Restaurant, Beastro open

Train rides, $2 per person

Dates: Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25

Time: 9 am to 5 pm (last entry at 3 pm)

Cost: Members: $6, Non-Members: $18 (under 2 is free)

How we plan to keep you safe:

Advanced reservations and timed ticketing will be required to discourage lines and gatherings. Social distance markers and high contact signage will encourage physical distancing, while masks or face coverings will be required by all guests when entering the Zoo, and within six feet of other groups or Zoo staff. Sanitizing protocols have been increased and include high-touch areas throughout the park.