Archives: Events

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance se enorgullece de unirse al Mexican Cultural Center y a muchos de sus homólogos del SCFD para la celebración del “Día del Niño: Celebrating All Children”. 
Únase a nosotros para un día bilingüe de demostraciones de animales, una búsqueda del tesoro, una clase de arte, una presentación de mariachis y visitas de Denver Public Library y otras organizaciones locales. 

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is proud to join the Mexican Cultural Center and many of their SCFD counterparts for the celebration of Día del Niño: Celebrating All Children.
Join us for a bilingual day of animal demonstrations, a scavenger hunt, art class, a mariachi band performance and visits from Denver Public Library and other local organizations.

PROGRAMACIÓN
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

10:00 a.m.
Apertura de puertas
Gates open

10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Sendero de Juegos en la Naturaleza
Nature Play Trail

10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Búsqueda del Tesoro
Scavenger hunt

10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Bibliobús de Denver Public Library + organizaciones locales
Denver Public Library Bookmobile + local organizations

10:15 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m.
Demostraciones de Animales
Animal Demonstrations

10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Clase de arte de tejer con el artista local Cal Duran
Weaving art class with local artist Cal Duran

12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Presentación del Programa de Colorado Youth Mariachi Program
Performance by Colorado Youth Mariachi Program

En colaboración con | In partnership with:

Sensory-Friendly Night

Join us for an all-new immersive lantern event, with a tailored experience to ensure an inclusive evening for guests living with sensory processing disorders. This brilliant event features 60 unique scenes made up of over 145 lanterns across our campus. Wander through vibrant, larger-than-life lantern displays while celebrating wildlife and conservation in a whole new light!  Enjoy a variety of accommodations including reduced crowds, low-volume music, quiet rooms and more. 

Produced by:

Waiting to purchase? Save when you buy online!

Enhance your Glowing Wild experience with a culinary journey! Whether you choose a Food Passport, Drink Passport, or a Food + Drink Passport for the best value, you’ll enjoy exclusive tasting bites and sips from five dining locations around the Zoo.

We do not offer refunds or exchanges for any reason, including inclement weather. In case of closure or cancellation due to extreme weather, ticket holders will be contacted with options. All participants, including infants, require a timed ticket.

Adult Nights

Enjoy our all-new immersive lantern experience without the kids! Whether you’re going for a date night or gathering with friends, Glowing Wild Adult Night is just for kids at heart, ages 21 and up. This brilliant and enthralling event features 60 unique scenes made up of over 145 lanterns across our campus. Join us for our latest, evening-only event and wander through vibrant, larger-than-life lantern displays while celebrating wildlife and conservation in a whole new light! 

Due to popular demand, we’re doubling the fun at Glowing Wild with TWO Adult Nights! Tickets for our Adult Nights sell quickly—be ready to grab yours quickly before they’re gone.

Produced by:

In partnership with:

Waiting to purchase? Save when you buy online!

Enhance your Glowing Wild experience with a culinary journey! Whether you choose a Food Passport, Drink Passport, or a Food + Drink Passport for the best value, you’ll enjoy exclusive tasting bites and sips from five dining locations around the Zoo.

We do not offer refunds or exchanges for any reason, including inclement weather. In case of closure or cancellation due to extreme weather, ticket holders will be contacted with options. All participants, including infants, require a timed ticket.

An ALL-NEW Immersive Lantern Experience

Glowing Wild is an all-new, immersive lantern experience lighting up DZCA this spring. This brilliant and enthralling event features 60 unique scenes made up of over 145 lanterns across our campus. These beautiful, gleaming displays feature flora and fauna from across the world—with interactive surprises all along the way!  

Join us for our latest, evening-only event and wander through vibrant, larger-than-life lantern displays while celebrating wildlife and conservation in a whole new light! Immerse yourself in the beauty of Glowing Wild and create unforgettable memories at DZCA. For the best experience, we recommend planning your visit for the darker hours of the evening—the later you visit, the more impressive the glow!

DATES + TIMES

6:00–9:30 p.m.
March 13–31

6:30–9:30 p.m.
April 1–2
April 4–6
April 10–13
April 17–20
April 24–26
May 2–4

Produced by:

Celebrate Wildlife in a 
Whole New Light 

These beautiful, gleaming displays feature flora and fauna from across the world—with interactive surprises all along the way! Dare to walk through a giant crocodile, have a conversation with chirping budgies and marvel at stunning botanical displays, all while learning about our conservation efforts. This awe-inspiring, evening-only event is best enjoyed in the darker hours—the later you visit, the brighter and bolder our lanterns become.

View Event Map

A Delicious Way to Explore

NEW: Food + Drink Passport

Enhance your Glowing Wild experience with a culinary journey! Our newest event also features a brand-new menu and tasting passport options. Whether you choose a Food Passport, Drink Passport, or a Food + Drink Passport for the best value, you’ll enjoy exclusive tasting bites and sips from five dining locations around the Zoo.

Passport Tasting Menu

Waiting to purchase? Save when you buy online!

Enhance your Glowing Wild experience with a culinary journey! Whether you choose a Food Passport, Drink Passport, or a Food + Drink Passport for the best value, you’ll enjoy exclusive tasting bites and sips from five dining locations around the Zoo. Select this add-on at checkout!

Food Passport

Includes five select food tastings of your choice—with savory, sweet, vegetarian, and gluten-free options throughout the menu.

Online: $30
Onsite: $33

Food + Drink Passport

Get the best of both passports! Includes five select food tastings and five select drink tastings of your choice.

Online: $50
Onsite: $55

Drink Passport

Includes five select drink tastings of your choice, with non-alcoholic options or alcoholic beverages for guests ages 21+.

Online: $25
Onsite: $28

Ready for the details?

Here’s everything you need to know to celebrate wildlife in a whole new light, including parking information, event map, Food + Drink Passport instructions and more.

Learn More

Adult Night (Ages 21+) 

April 3, 6:30–9:30 p.m.
May 1, 6:30–9:30 p.m.

$30 with drink included

Learn More

Sensory-Friendly Night 

April 13, 6:30–9:30 p.m.

Join us for an inclusive evening for guests living with sensory processing disorders!

Learn More

We do not offer refunds or exchanges for any reason, including inclement weather. In case of closure or cancellation due to extreme weather, ticket holders will be contacted with options. All participants, including infants, require a timed ticket.

Run to Raise Funds for DZCA

Exercise for you—enrichment for animals!

Join Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance at the 2025 Colfax Marathon and run for a cause! Every contribution will help support animal enrichment, helping ensure our animals stay active and healthy. No matter which race you choose, your participation makes a difference—and as a thank-you for your commitment, you can earn exciting prizes through your fundraising efforts! The more runners we have, the more support we can provide for the animals in our care.

How to Run for DZCA

1. Visit the Colfax Marathon website
   Select Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance as your Charity Partner and follow the prompts. See Registration Process
2. Any race counts!
   Choose any race—5k, 10-Miler, Half or Full Marathon—and make a difference. Already registered? You can still designate DZCA as your charity. Need help? Email support@denverzoo.org.
3. Get wild swag
   Fundraise for Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance or make a direct donation to earn exclusive swag and help our animals thrive!

Get Started

How to Fundraise for DZCA

1. Set up your fundraiser
   Use any platform you like! We recommend Community First Foundation.
2. Spread the word
   Share your fundraiser with friends, family, and colleagues to help support Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance and enrich the lives of our animals!

View Instructions

Make a Direct Donation

Want to support Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance and earn race-day swag? You can now donate any amount directly to support the Zoo’s mission! But if you give $500 upfront, you’ll receive a race bib plus exciting prize inclusions. Your donation helps provide world-class care for 2,500+ animals and supports our critical conservation efforts here in Colorado and across the globe!

Donate Now

FUNDRAISING INCENTIVES

Please note: Images of prizes, including shirts and behind-the-scenes experiences, are for illustrative purposes only. Actual prizes may vary in design, style, or availability.
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance reserves the right to substitute any prize with a comparable alternative based on availability.

Adult Night 

Enjoy a night out at Zoo Lights without the kids! Whether you’re going for a date or gathering with friends, Adult Night is just for kids at heart, ages 21 and up. Tickets include one drink ticket and a whole bunch of holiday fun (just without the little ones!)

In partnership with:

Zoo Lights

Sensory-Friendly Night

Join us for an inclusive evening for guests living with sensory processing disorders! Enjoy a variety of accommodations including reduced crowds, low-volume music, quiet rooms and more, just for those who may feel overwhelmed by typical light experiences.

Sponsored By:

With 80 acres boasting over three million lights, we’re still the one making spirits bright. We’re still your fave for family fun. We’re still the place where tradition stands tall, where romance runs wild—and where our sparkling features spark your brilliant smiles!

November 23–January 5*
Sunday–Thursday 5:00–8:00 p.m.
Friday–Saturday 5:00–9:00 p.m.
Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas

*Select nights: open until 10:00 p.m.
December 22, 23, 24, 26, 29, and 30

Presented By:

Sponsored By:

Make Your Experience Extra Bright
With Unique Enhancements JUST for Zoo Lights! 

Now is your chance to make this one-of-a-kind holiday experience better than ever! Save when you pre-order Zoo Lights treats online, including snacks and beverages, ONLY available during Zoo Lights.

Winter Warmer
Souvenir Cup 

New year, new souvenir. Your choice of hot cocoa or cider + discounted refills. 

$9.99 On Site
$8.99 Online 

Buy Now

Sweet Treats
Package 

Includes a Souvenir Cup of hot cocoa or cider and your choice of a sweet treat.

Up to $19.97 On Site
$15.99 Online 

Buy Now

Sweet ‘n’ Salty
Package 

Includes a Souvenir Cup of hot cocoa or cider and your choice of popcorn.

Up to $17.98 On Site 
$14.99 Online 

Buy Now

Beer Tour
Package 

Includes a souvenir beer cup with your choice of beer and a soft pretzel.  

$19.99 Online

Buy Now

Adopt an Animal  

Bring home a snuggly new friend for the holidays and support our conservation efforts worldwide.

Capybara

Capy Holidays! Adopt your very own, plush “guinea big” or give the gift of snuggles while supporting DZCA.

Buy Now

Hippopotamus

Tiny hippos are all the rage these days! Surprise the pachyderm lovers in your life with a plush pal for the holidays.

Buy Now

Join us for an inclusive evening for guests living with sensory processing disorders! Enjoy a variety of accommodations including reduced crowds, low-volume music, quiet rooms and more.

Don’t miss our most popular Adult Night of the year: Monster Masquerade! Celebrate the Halloween season with creepy-crawly Animal Ambassadors, trivia, cool character photo ops, a costume contest and a live DJ. Get your tail down here!

In partnership with the CO Lottery