Special Event Calendar for the National Zoo

Special events are hosted throughout the year by the National Zoo and Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ), the Zoo’s nonprofit partner. Here's the calendar of events for 2011:

Woo at the Zoo
February 11, 2012
The Zoo's Valentine’s Day event for singles and sweethearts is a light-hearted exploration into the sexual behaviors of animals. Hosted by the Zoo's most charismatic animal experts, the event presents an opportunity to learn about animal mating, dating and reproductive habits in an honest and humorous forum.

African-American Family Celebration
Easter Monday, April 9, 2012. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more than 100 years, families from Washington's African-American community have visited the National Zoo on Easter Monday to socialize and celebrate the holiday with a variety of activities and entertainment. The event is free and all are welcome. (202) 633-3040.

Earth Day Celebration
April 22, 2012, 9 to 11 a.m.
The Zoo and FONZ will commemorate Earth Day with a clean up of Rock Creek. Volunteers will assist staff of the Zoo, FONZ, and Friends of Rock Creek’s Environment as they collect trash along the banks of Rock Creek near Amazonia and the spectacled bear exhibit at the lower end of the Zoo. Help beautify this important waterway and provide a cleaner habitat for local wildlife. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

Guppy Gala
May 11, 2012, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
The benefit for public education programs at the zoo features family-oriented activities, educational and informational booths, and a variety of foods. Enjoy strolling musicians, jugglers, dancers, costumed characters, a mock construction site, rock-climbing wall, moonbounces, and an obstacle course. (202) 633-4470.

National ZooFari
May 17, 2012, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
FONZ's annual fundraising event, a casual, exciting evening of gourmet foods, fine wines, and fabulous entertainment. Live music, animal encounters, a sweepstakes, and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit a variety of programs at the National Zoo, including conservation and science projects, exhibit development and construction, and the Zoo's revitalization project. (202) 633-4470.

Brew at the Zoo - Young Professionals Beer-Tasting Event
July 12, 2012
Join more than 2,000 young professionals from the D.C. area and enjoy handcrafted beers brewed by more than 20 local and European breweries, as well as live music and hors d'oeuvres. (202) 633-3026.

Fiesta Musical
September 16, 2012, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A celebration of the diversity and richness of Latin American culture and wildlife. Enjoy a variety of family-oriented cultural activities, live music and dance performances, special keeper talks about animals native to Latin American countries, and a Latin American food court. (202)633-3040.

Grapes with the Apes
September 20, 2012, 6 to 9 p.m.
Sample wines from Virginia and Maryland wineries and hors d’oeuvres from area restaurants, and enjoy live music, wine seminars with a local expert, and exclusive access to the Zoo’s Great Ape House. Ticket price includes all wine samples, food, entertainment, and a commemorative glass. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Zoo’s Asian Elephant Conservation Fund. You must be 21 to attend this event. Tickets are $40 for FONZ YP members and $55 for nonmembers.

Autumn Conservation Festival
October 6-7, 2012
The one time every year that SCBI Front Royal is open to the public! Come get a behind-the-scenes look at our world-renowned science, research, and animal care.

Boo at the Zoo
October 26-28, 2012, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
This popular event regularly sells out weeks in advance, and is a fun and safe way for kids and families to celebrate Halloween by trick-or-treating throughout the Zoo. Children also enjoy hands-on activities and interpretive talks about some of the Zoo's creepiest creatures and watch as the Zoo's elephants, lions, and tigers smash and stomp some pumpkins at the Elephant House and Great Cats exhibit. (202) 633-4470.

ZooLights
December 1-31, 2012, 5-9 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season at the National Zoo and see larger-than-life displays featuring many of the Zoo’s most popular animals, plus fun activities and live entertainment.

For more information and to purchase event tickets, visit the FONZ website or call (202) 633-3040.