CATERING

Our event specialists treat you as the “mane” attraction and cater to your needs by offering amazing experiences, distinctive menus and a beautiful atmosphere, making every event remarkable.

SEE 2022 CATERING MENU

EVENT ENHANCEMENTS

Looking for exciting enhancements to take your event to the next level? Denver Zoo offers several options to enrich your event from popular Animal Ambassador Meet-and-Greets to rides on the Conservation Carousel.

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VENDOR PARTNERS

We recommend using our preferred Denver Zoo partners for private events.

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EVENT DETAILS & POLICIES

Everything you need to know about hosting your event at the Denver Zoo.

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After Hours Events

Private events after we close to the public

Looking for event venues in Denver that will delight guests of all ages? Regardless of why your flock is gathering—corporate meeting, team or client appreciation event, celebrating a company milestone or just to shake your tail feathers—we're proud to be the wildest, most vibrant event venue in Denver. Our dedicated event specialists will work closely with you to create an event that exceeds your expectations.

AFTER HOURS EVENT RENTALS & BUYOUTS

After Hours Event Rentals and Buyouts take place after we close to the public from January through the first Thursday in November, between the hours of 5:30 PM and 9:00 PM. After Hours Event Rentals include limited access to view the outdoor animal exhibits located between the Main Entrance and your event rental location. After Hours Event Buyouts include private, full zoo access to our entire 80-acre campus, including indoor animal exhibit buildings, for your guests to enjoy throughout the evening.

Please submit an inquiry form using the button below to talk to an event coordinator that can design a personal and unique experience just for your group.

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After Hours Event Venues

Denver Zoo's After Hours Event Venues include both indoor and outdoor locations, perfect for groups of all sizes, including: Norgren Hall, Wildlife Plaza, The Studios, Zoo Gardens, Pahali Ya Simba, and many more! You can even rent out the entire zoo during an After Hours Event Buyout! Please see below for photos and further information.

Giraffe Meadows

Impress your guests with a private event in picturesque Giraffe Meadows, the lush area bordering Denver Zoo’s Giraffe House! This area boasts plenty of shade trees, a large seasonal tent, and grassy meadow located on the east side of the Zoo, just a few minutes walk from the Main Entrance. This outdoor venue is available seasonally, June through August.

Seated Capacity: 100 under tent, or 500 total

Standing Capacity: 600

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Grasslands Studio & Tree Tops Studio

If a more intimate meeting is in order, The Studios (located inside the Gates Education Center) are ideal for a small meeting or get together. Grasslands and Tree Tops Studios are available individually utilizing a removable air wall, or can be combined for hosting a larger occasion. Private entrances are available in each room. These event spaces are ideal for small meetings, breakout rooms, or hospitality suites.

Seated Capacity: 40 (each room)

Standing Capacity: 65 (each room)

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Norgren Hall

Norgren Hall is our largest indoor facility, with large floor-to-ceiling windows and a spectacular view of Benson Predator Ridge and the gerenuk habitat. Two air walls within the banquet hall can be used to create smaller spaces perfect for breakout rooms. This spacious event venue is ideal for a unique corporate meeting, private party, special occasion, or any indoor gathering.

Seated Capacity: 175

Standing Capacity: 250

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Gates Education Center Buyout

The Gates Education Center Buyout includes rental of Norgren Hall, Grasslands Studio, and Tree Tops Studio, along with the atrium and hallway that runs between them, all of which are located on the 1st floor of the Gates Education Center Building. This venue is located at the front of the zoo near the Main Entrance, which makes it easily accessible for guests. This rental space is perfect for large groups wanting an indoor venue with options to use the separate Studios as breakout session rooms or meeting spaces.

Seated Capacity: 250

Standing Capacity: 400

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Wildlife Plaza

This open-air event venue gives your guests access to the vibrant area opposite our state-of-the-art Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Animal Hospital. Enjoy a private, shaded plaza where your guests can mingle and eat while enjoying spectacular views of wild dogs, cape buffalo, and our black rhino, Rudy, as they explore and play. If a more casual event is at hand, Wildlife Plaza is just the place for you. This outdoor venue is available seasonally, April through October.

Seated Capacity: 100 (includes 32)

Standing Capacity: 200

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Pahali Ya Simba

Pahali Ya Simba (place of the lions) is an indoor event venue that allows you to be mere inches away from the fascinating predator species of Africa's Samburu region—including African lions and spotted hyenas. This venue is ideal for smaller groups looking to have a unique Denver Zoo experience of dining alongside some of our most popular residents!

Seated Capacity: 40

Standing Capacity: 65

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Zoo Gardens Pavilion & Plaza

The largest event venue at the Denver Zoo, Zoo Gardens Pavilion and Plaza, can accommodate guests any time of year underneath the expansive, heated pavilion and adjoining outdoor patio plaza. This indoor/outdoor venue is perfect for large groups looking to have a wild night of cocktails, dining, entertainment, a corporate presentation, or even a visit from our Animal Ambassadors!

Seated Capacity: 250 under pavilion, or 375 in pavilion & plaza

Standing Capacity: 300 under pavilion, or 500 in pavilion & plaza

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After Hours Event Buyouts

With an After Hours Event Buyout, you can make Denver Zoo your group's private playground! Whether you're hosting your company's black tie gala, a casual staff appreciation party, or an epic family reunion, you and your guests will have exclusive after hours access to one of Denver’s most beloved event venues, for an incredibly unique experience you won't soon forget! Compared to regular After Hours Event Rentals, full zoo Buyouts allow your guests much more access to our 80-acre campus, including indoor and outdoor animal viewing, as well as opportunities for additional event experiences and enhancements, such as large animal demonstrations and keeper talks with elephants, sea lions, lions, and hyenas. After Hours Event Buyouts take place after we close to the public from January through the first Thursday in November, between the hours of 5:30 PM and 9:00 PM.

Capacity: Up to 6,000

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Contact the Sales and Hospitality Team

Your event deserves the most enchanting Denver event venue available—and they're ALL right here at Denver Zoo. For additional information on our venues, please click below to submit an inquiry.

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