Skip to content

Events

Dallas Zoo Events

With a wide range of events and activities catered to all ages, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The Dallas Zoo provides unique and memorable experiences, from community-focused events to special animal encounters. 

events for all ages

Dallas Zoo Asha the gorilla

august 13

conservation speaker series: saving gorillas

Join us for an enlightening evening focused on gorilla conservation with Tommi Wolfe, Executive Director of GRACE (Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education). This event offers a unique opportunity to hear about ongoing conservation efforts being done to protect these majestic animals. 

holiday season

Dallas Zoo Lights Presented by Reliant

Light up your holidays at Dallas Zoo Lights Presented by Reliant. Walk through more than a million sparkling lights across the Zoo, experience larger-than-life animals lanterns, and enjoy holiday-themed activities that are perfect for the entire family.

Destination: Dinosaurs Presented by Reliant

Discover dinosaurs in one of the largest immersive dinosaur exhibits in the country. Step into a prehistoric park and wander among colossal creatures from the Cretaceous, Jurassic, and Triassic periods, and prepare to meet their descendants living among us today.

Field Trip Planner at Dallas Zoo

july 18 (sold out) & Aug 6 

Dollar Days

Get ready for the wildest deal of the summer! Dollar Days, this year presented by Whataburger, returns on July 18 and August 6. Admission to the Dallas Zoo is just $1 on these days. This is our way of saying “thank you” to our amazing community that supports us year-round. These days sell out every year, so get your tickets NOW!

winter

Penguin Days

In January and February at the Dallas Zoo, admission prices drop along with the temperature. Guests can bundle up and enjoy a discounted day at the Zoo. 

Over for the 2024 season

Safari Nights

The Dallas Zoo’s annual Safari Nights concerts on summer Saturdays are perfect for the whole family. Enjoy cover bands, extended hours at the Zoo, family-friendly activities, and special animal encounters – all included with your Zoo admission. 

View the solar eclipse at the Dallas Zoo

spring

solar eclipse viewing

Dallas is the largest city in the path of totality for the solar eclipse coming this April. Step right into the excitement at the Dallas Zoo and join us to view the eclipse and observe how our animals respond to this amazing natural phenomenon. 

once a year

Toss the Tusk

We invite guests to visit the Zoo for this “Toss the Tusk” event to surrender illegal products and learn more about this effort. Guest who wish to participate may bring their items to the Zoo’s main entrance. Admission is not necessary to engage in the “Toss the Tusk” event.

Adult-Only events

Attendees must be 21+ to participate. 

Dallas Zoo After Dark

three times a year 

dallas zoo after dark

Looking for a way to experience the Dallas Zoo after hours? Adults 21+ are invited to take over the Zoo and enjoy fun activities, food trucks, animal encounters, adult beverages, music, and more. 

first saturday in november 

Zoo to Do

This one-of-a-kind fundraiser gives guests a chance to explore the magic of the Dallas Zoo! Stroll through the Wilds of Africa while enjoying live entertainment, cocktails and the best dishes in Dallas served by some of the city’s most popular chefs who share your love of the Dallas Zoo. 

member-only events

Become a member and join the next event! Reservations are required for all member events. 

monthly 

Member mornings

All Dallas Zoo members are invited to join us the first full weekend of every month as we highlight different species throughout the year! Members can participate in Keeper Chats, special activities, and exclusive member-only hours at the Zoo. 

dallas zoo calendar events and programs

twice a year

Member festivals

Dallas Zoo members at the Passport level and above can enjoy some of our largest member-only events of the year. Member Festivals include Keeper Chats, face painting, ambassador animal presentations, kid-friendly activities, and seasonal fun.

TWICE A YEAR

Member Happy Hours

Cheers to being a Dallas Zoo member! All members ages 21+ can enjoy a kids-free event at the Zoo, complete with cocktails and activities geared toward adults. 

four times a year

behind-the-scenes events

Dallas Zoo members at the Sponsor level and above can get special access to our animal habitats and operations. These exclusive events include complimentary food and drinks and small-group experiences.

president's circle events

Become a President’s Circle member and join the next event! Reservations are required for all member events. 

three times a year

president's circle parties

All President’s Circle members are invited to exclusive parties to enjoy special animal experiences, Keeper Chats, and family-friendly activities. Valet parking and complimentary food and drinks are included.

four times a year

insider events

Fellow level and above President’s Circle members are invited to participate in exclusive experiences that keep you in the know about happenings at the Zoo. These include first looks at new exhibits, behind-the-scenes access, and new arrival celebrations. Complimentary food, drinks, and activities round out these events. 

once a year

curator's luncheon

Ambassador level and above President’s Circle members are invited to attend an exclusive lunch with our senior level curators and zoologists to learn more about the Zoo in an intimate setting. The luncheon provides an opportunity to ask questions, gain knowledge, and get to know our Zoo staff.