Archives: Events

Member Night

Member Night

We’re celebrating our 130th anniversary, all summer long! On June 6, join us for an exclusive night filled with members-only perks, animal experiences, entertainment and giveaways. The entire Zoo will be open, just for you.

DATE + TIME

June 6, 2026

5:00–9:00 p.m.

ADMISSION

DZCA Members:
FREE

Restrictions:
Exclusive to DZCA members

Members must RSVP by June 5 to secure a spot

RSVP Now
Zoo Pride RSVP

Not a member? Join today!

DETAILS

• 130th member swag
• Animal Demonstrations
• Live music
• Photo ops
• Free Stingray Cove™ admission
• Denver Zoo Railroad, Conservation Carousel, Wildlife Trek VR, Lorikeet Feeding (tickets sold separately)
• Food + drinks available for purchase at all dining locations 

Evening Schedule

Animal Experiences

• 5:00–7:00 p.m. Animal Ambassador Welcome, Main Entrance
• 5:30 p.m. Predator Ridge Demonstration
• 5:30 p.m. Zoo Pride-Exclusive Animal Demonstration
• 5:45 p.m. Flamingo Walk
• 6:00 p.m. Zoo Pride-Exclusive Animal Demonstration
• 6:15 p.m. Tiger Demonstration
• 6:45 p.m. Elephant Bridge Crossing
• 7:00 p.m. Toyota Elephant Passage Demonstration

Musical Entertainment

5:00–9:00 p.m.

• Robby Peoples, Primate Panorama
• Taylor Frederick, Toyota Elephant Passage
• Matt Flaherty, Giraffe Meadows
• Silent Disco with DJ Jared Chagolla, Café Costa

130th Member Swag

Don’t forget your gifts! We’re giving out special swag and commemorative keepsakes as a thank-you during Member Night. 

• 2026 member-exclusive button
• Member-exclusive car magnet
• 130th Celebration bandana
• Conservation sticker

Zoo Pride Lounge

5:00–7:00 p.m.

As we celebrate 130 wild and wonderful years, we’re honoring Zoo Pride members whose generosity has helped make it all possible. Stop by to enjoy a special lounge experience with Animal Ambassadors, Zoo Pride-exclusive giveaways, a popcorn bar, raffles and more! 

Not a Zoo Pride member? Learn more about our most passionate donor community.

Join Now

130th Summer Celebration

Can’t make it? Don’t worry! We’re celebrating all summer with member-exclusives, entertainment and new ways to join in the fun, all season long.

Learn More

Winter at DZCA

Kids Free December

We’re filled with the spirit of the season at DZCA! This December, enjoy FREE daytime admission for children ages 3–15. Plan your day and bring the kiddos for free, all month long! Online ticket reservations are required for entry.

Plan Your Visit

Visit Tropical Discovery

Discover a balmy world of biodiversity, including a fascinating bat cave, a brilliant array of reef-dwelling fish, co-habituating capybaras and howler monkeys, the tiniest tree frogs, and large reptiles like Komodo dragons.

You’ll also encounter our sloth tree, featuring sloth mom Charlotte and baby Chewie—who is growing more curious and confident every day. Try to spot Chewie in the Tropical Discovery tree on your next visit, we promise he’ll steal your heart, slowly but surely.

Holiday Adoption Kits Are Here!

Holiday adoption kits include your choice of a plush rhino or capybara—plus a limited-edition DZCA ornament. ‘Tis the season…to start gifting!

Adopt Now

Don’t miss our other events this season:

Zoo Lights

Prepare to be dazzled once again—the holiday tradition of Zoo Lights returns select nights Nov 24–Jan 4! Each glowing scene is part of a larger tal…
Get Tickets

Zoo Lights Sensory Friendly Night

Join us New Year’s Eve for an inclusive evening for guests living with sensory processing disorders. Enjoy a variety of accommodations including re…
Get Tickets

Zoo Lights Adult Nights (21+)

Enjoy THREE nights out at Zoo Lights without the kids! Tickets include one drink ticket and a whole bunch of holiday fun (just without the little o…
Get Tickets

Member Appreciation Week

Member Appreciation Week 

September 13–21

Join us for a week of celebrating you, our wonderful members!

Calling all DZCA members—this one is for you! Your support makes everything we do possible, from providing world-class animal care to facilitating our wildlife conservation efforts around the world. We are grateful to all of you, and we want to spend a week showing it!  

Visit DZCA September 13–21 to enjoy exclusive members-only perks, animal experiences, giveaways and more as a token of our appreciation. Plus, we’re giving you 20% off all food and beverage purchases and an additional guest pass so you can share it all with a loved one.  

Member Lounge 

Available daily for members from 9:00–11:00 a.m. 

Every morning during Member Appreciation Week, we welcome you to kick back and take in the perks of supporting DZCA in our exclusive Member Lounge! Just present your membership QR code to enter and explore.

Lounge Activities

Get creative or play with coloring stations, lawn games, and enrichment-crafting, where you can create fun enrichment items for our animals to play with and stay active and healthy! 

Chat with DZCA Staff 

For those curious about how the Zoo works, staff from all DZCA departments will be around to chat about their daily work, from Animal Care to Executives and more.

Membership 101 Concierge

Learn everything there is to know about your DZCA membership so you can take advantage of all the great perks available to you. 

Animal Ambassadors

It wouldn’t be a proper DZCA lounge without a few animals! Catch a meet and greet with one of our Animal Ambassadors. 

Member Events

FREE Members-Only Breakfasts 

Enjoy free coffee, juice and pastries!

Saturday, September 13 

Time: 9–11 a.m. 

Location: Members Lounge, Zoo Gardens 

Wednesday, September 17 

Time: 9–11 a.m. 

Location: Members Lounge, Zoo Gardens 

No RSVP required. 

While supplies last for the first 500 members per breakfast.

FREE Member Appreciation Night* 

Friday, September 19 

5–9 p.m. 

Enjoy the whole Zoo, just for members! PLUS, enjoy live music, animal demos and FREE giraffe feedings (while they’re still hungry). All attractions will be open for ticket purchase or voucher use.

5:30 p.m. Flamingo Walk
6:30 p.m. Elephant Demonstration
7:00 p.m. Predator Ridge Demonstration

Get yourself a beer and enjoy a free pretzel with your bevvy or partake in a toasty s’more for purchase at Zoo Gardens. 

RSVP Now

*Event is free to members only, but RSVP is required. Members may use guest passes for this event, but additional tickets will not be available. Please note that Lorikeet Adventure and Wallaby Way will be closed for the evening.

Giveaways

Daily Giveaways


For every day of Member Appreciation Week, three visiting members will randomly be selected to win one of these amazing prizes. Just show your membership QR code at the gate like you always do, and winners will be contacted the very next day.

One-Year Membership Extension

Winners will receive a one-year extension of their current membership for free!

BOO AT THE ZOO PRIZE PACK

Winners will receive four tickets to any night of Boo at the Zoo this fall, plus a Halloween-themed gift package full of tricks and treats!

ZOO LIGHTS PRIZE PACK

Winners will receive four tickets to any night of Zoo Lights, plus a holiday-themed package with souvenir cups, hot chocolate vouchers, and glow necklaces.

One Time Giveaways

Win Earlier Early Access to Summer Safari Camps*

Four member families that visit during Member Appreciation Week will receive one guaranteed spot for any Summer Safari camp of their choosing. Meaning you officially get first dibs on our coveted camp spots, featuring animal experiences, zoo expeditions and hands-on, camper-driven exploration.  

Each of the four winners will be notified the following week via email.  

*This is not a complimentary camp. Early access benefit is limited to one family per spot and cannot be shared.

One-Time Giveaway DZCA Behind the Scenes Tour

Ever want to see all the stuff that happens behind closed doors? One lucky member will win exactly that—an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of DZCA! And all you have to do is spend a day at the zoo while enjoying the perks of Member Appreciation Week.  

The winner will be notified the following week via email.

Don’t Miss Out on a Week of Celebration, Just for YOU! 

Member Sea Lion Habitat Preview Event 

Member Sea Lion Habitat Preview Event

Let’s welcome summer, and our sea lions, with a splash!

As a valuable part of DZCA’s membership family, you are invited to be among the first to welcome back our sea lions, experience their new home, and view the progress on our soon-to-open underground viewing area. Our five beloved sea lions have been away from DZCA since the fall of 2023 while we’ve been hard at work building an incredible new habitat for our flippered friends.

This members-only event kicks off extended summer Zoo hours before they begin for the general public on June 20.
Learn more about all the ways we are celebrating Summer at DZCA here!

SCHEDULE

Event Dates:

June 13, 5-8 p.m.
June 14, 5-8 p.m.

ADMISSION

DZCA Members:
FREE

Restrictions:
Exclusive to DZCA members, and members must RSVP to secure a spot

RSVP Now

DETAILS

• Scavenger hunt and coloring books for family-friendly fun!
• Sea lion-themed photo op
• Animal demonstrations at 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. across campus
• Live music around the Zoo
• NEW summer food + beverage menus
• Splash pads and misting tents 

Exclusive Giveaways


But wait, there’s more—this event also includes giveaways for members! Any member who attends will automatically be given the chance to win prizes including sea lion-themed merchandise, Family Plus gift memberships, attractions vouchers, and more!

Winners will be notified via email on Monday June 16.

About Our Sea Lions’ Shiny New Digs

Originally built in 1987, our sea lion habitat had a long legacy of care, and we’re delighted that this space has been enhanced with new features that promote even greater enrichment and wellness for our sea lions. This includes a new saltwater filtration system, larger sunbathing docks, advanced animal care facilities, and major underwater viewing improvements, all with water conservation in mind. 

Can’t Make The Preview Event?

DZCA members are invited to enjoy exclusive daytime access to preview our stunning new habitat before it opens to the public. Stop by anytime between June 15–18 to get a first look—just one more way we’re saying thank you for being a valuable part of our member community. Member buttons can be picked up in the Boettcher Welcome Center while supplies last.

P.S. Nick has been having SUCH a good time in D.C. that he will be making his big return this fall.

130th Summer Celebration

130th SUMMER CELEBRATION

May 25–September 7

You’re invited to join us for a summer-long celebration with exciting surprises, fun activities, and all-new experiences in honor of our 130th anniversary. With animal birthday parties, extended Zoo hours, member exclusives, special events and more, there’s something new to discover, all season long. One visit won’t be enough!

Plan Your Visit

THE CELEBRATION IS ON—DAILY

Celebration Squad 

Catch the Celebration Squad roaming the Zoo daily with games, dance parties, and hourly chances to win memberships, attraction passes, snacks + more!

Musical Entertainment

Live performances take the stage daily with rotating artists performing at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m. in Wildlife Plaza throughout the summer. 

Wild Welcome + Wild Goodbye

Start or end your visit with an Animal Ambassador greeting near the Main Entrance from 8:00–9:30 a.m. and 2:30–4:00 p.m.

Photo Moments

Capture the moment with new photo opportunities throughout the Zoo. Life‑size frames offer an easy way to commemorate your visit.

Colorado Conservation

Discover Colorado wildlife and conservation through interactive trail stations and a scavenger hunt designed for curious explorers of all ages.

Colorado Lounge

Celebrate Colorado’s 150th with a lounge inspired by our beautiful state, complete with a bar, local brews, photo moments and local artists in Wildlife Plaza.

Plan Your Visit

ANIMAL BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Happy Hatch Day
Flamingos
June 13

Join us for a flock-worthy hatch day celebration filled with feathery birthday fun.

Happy Birthday
Harley
July 17

Come celebrate Harley, our Vietnamese pot-belly pig alongside his Animal Ambassador friends.

Happy Birthday
Lion Cubs
August 13

Help us wish our lion cubs Alpine Lily, Guion, Olive and Poppy a happy first birthday and join in on the big cat fun.

Unlimited Summer Fun for Members

Become a member to unlock unlimited FREE admission this summer and enjoy exclusive perks—one visit won’t be enough!

Join Today

STAY LATE THIS SUMMER

Open until 9:00 p.m. on Fridays + Saturdays
June 12–August 1

Skip the hottest hours of the day and enjoy the Zoo in the evening! With extended hours until 9:00 p.m. every Friday and Saturday, you can beat the heat and the crowds.

• Live music in three locations 5:00–9:00 p.m.
• Silent disco 5:00–9:00 p.m.
• Animal Ambassadors 5:30–6:30 p.m. in Gates Amphitheater
• Animal demonstrations at 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. each evening—featuring a rotating lineup of amazing species all summer long
• Become a member to visit anytime, no reservations required!

Plan Your Visit

Summer Adult Nights

6/4, 7/2, 8/6

Celebrate 130 years with Adult Nights—a 21+ summer series featuring three uniquely themed nights: Pride Prom, Americana, and Celebrate Colorado. Each night offers its own mix of live entertainment, drinks, and after‑hours Zoo fun.

Get Tickets

130 Years of Connection and Conservation

For more than a century, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance has been bringing Colorado a little closer to wildlife. Join us as we celebrate 130 unforgettable years of wonder, connection and conservation.

Don’t Miss These Extras!

Stingray Cove™
Denver Zoo Railroad
Conservation Carousel

Summer Stampede

Summer Stampede

Join The Herd for Summer Stampede

Saturday, June 6, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Zoo Gardens Pavilion + Plaza

DZCA and The Herd invite you and your family to join us at our annual Summer Stampede, an exclusive summer brunch event! Get an educational, inside look at our Animal Ambassador Program and enjoy live music, a silent auction, Exploration Station tours, and animal meet-and-greets.

Summer Stampede is a family-friendly event. All are welcome to join and learn more about wildlife conservation and the importance of our mission, Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations. Children under the age of 16 are free to attend with a complimentary kids event ticket. All other guests must have either a complimentary Herd member event ticket or purchase a guest event ticket for entry. 

ADMISSION

All attendees must have a reserved ticket for entry.

Herd Members: FREE
Guest Adults: $60
Kids (Ages 0–15): FREE
Get Tickets

RSVP by May 29!

DETAILS

• Gourmet boozy brunch
• Specialty cocktails provided by Spirit Hound
• Live entertainment
• Animal experiences
• Exploration Station behind-the-scenes tours
• Silent auction
• Networking opportunities

About The Herd 

The Herd is DZCA’s collaborative cohort of like-minded young people* who want to engage the next generation in support of wildlife conservation, animal care and welfare. Now is the perfect time to join The Herd! Summer Stampede admission is FREE for members!

*Herd memberships are available to anyone between the ages of 21 to 45 years old.

Learn More

Summer Adult Nights

Summer Adult Nights

Celebrate 130 years with Adult Nights—a 21+ summer series featuring three uniquely themed nights: Pride Prom, Americana, and Celebrate Colorado. Each night offers its own mix of live entertainment, drinks, and after‑hours Zoo fun.

Get Tickets

DATE + TIME

June 4: Pride Prom
July 2: Americana
August 6: Celebrate Colorado

5:30–9:00 p.m.






ADMISSION

Ticket Price:
One Night: $34.95
Three-Night Bundle: $94.38

Members Save 10%!
One Night: $31.50
Three-Night Bundle: $85.05

Restrictions:
Ages 21+ Only

Get Tickets

DETAILS

• Admission includes one
complimentary canned
alcoholic drink
(non-alcoholic and GF options available)
• FREE carousel karaoke
• Live music
• Themed trivia
• Silent disco
• Animal demonstrations

Additional experiences vary by theme night.

Three Nights. Three Themes.
One Wild Summer.

Pride Prom
June 4

Strut your stuff with a prom-inspired night that celebrates Pride, community, wild fashion + more! 

• Drag Queens as your hosts for the night
• Pride Prom runway (dress to impress!)
• Complimentary Pride Prom photo

Get Tickets
Americana
July 2

Come for a 21+ night out with Americana flair, summer vibes and after-hours Zoo fun.

• Taylor Frederick Band performance in Giraffe Meadows
• Food trucks

Get Tickets
Celebrate Colorado
August 6

Celebrate 150 years of Colorado with a night out inspired by the wildlife, places and local spirit of Colorado.

• Local comedian Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald
• A Colorado Lounge featuring a full bar, local brews, murals by local artists and more

Get Tickets

Limited-Time Offer

Three-Night Bundle Ticket

One ticket. Three nights. More savings. Our Three‑Night Bundle gets you into every 21+ Adult Night—plus a limited‑edition DZCA shot glass at our final Adult Night on August 6!

Members save an extra 10%! 

Get Bundle Ticket

130th Summer Celebration

Can’t make it? Don’t worry! We’re celebrating all summer with member-exclusives, entertainment and new ways to join in the fun, all season long.

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.

Día Del Niño

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 clase de arte, actuaciones en vivo, 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, art class, live performances, and visits from Denver Public Library and other local organizations.

Get Tickets | Compre Sus Boletos

Fecha + Hora
date + time

3 de Mayo 
9:00–4:00 p.m.

May 3
9:00–4:00 p.m.

EDADES
ages

¡Todas las edades son bienvenidas!
Compre un boleto de adulto y reciba un boleto de niño gratis.

All ages welcome!
Buy one adult, get one child’s ticket free.

PRECIO
PRICING

Adultos + Tercera Edad: $26.00  
Jóvenes: $19.00  
Menores de 2 años: Gratis 

Adults + Seniors: $26.00
Youth: $19.00
Youth 2 and Under: Free

PROGRAMACIÓN
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

ACTUACIONES
PERFORMANCES

9:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m.
Los Chinelos

10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.,1:30 p.m.
Qhaswa

10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m.
Folklórico Sangre de Mexico






ACTIVIDADES
ACTIVITIES

10:00–1:00 p.m.
Clase de tejido con el artista Cal Duran
Weaving art class with artist Cal Duran

9:00–4:00 p.m.
Bibliobús de Denver Public Library + organizaciones locales
Denver Public Library Bookmobile + local organizations



DEMOSTRACIONES DE ANIMALES
ANIMAL DEMONSTRATIONS

11:15 a.m.
Desfile de flamenco
Flamingo Parade

10:15 a.m., 3:15 p.m.
Demostración* de pengüino
Penguin Demonstration

11:00 a.m., 1:45 p.m.
Demostración* de elefante
Elephant Demonstration

9:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m.
Demostración* de Gato de Geoffroy
Geoffrey’s Cat Demonstration

*Disponible en español e inglés
Available in English and Spanish

En colaboración con | In partnership with:

Glowing Wild Sensory-Friendly Night

Sensory-Friendly Night

When the sun goes down, the adventure begins—Glowing Wild is back! DZCA invites you to wander the world in a single evening, traveling from lush forests to radiant reefs. This limited-time, after-dark event takes you on a glowing journey inspired by wildlife and conservation. Enjoy a variety of accommodations including reduced crowds, low-volume music, quiet rooms and more.

Tickets On Sale Now

Get Tickets

SCHEDULE

Event Date:

April 12
6:30–10:00 p.m.





ADMISSION

Ticket Price:
Adults + Seniors: $24.95
Youth: $17.95
Youth 2 and Under: Free

Members Save 10%!
Member Adults + Seniors: $22.45
Member Youth: $16.15

DETAILS

Accommodations Include:

• Reduced crowds
• No strobing effects and increased light around campus 
• Low-volume music (including the Conservation Carousel and Denver Zoo Railroad)
• No live music performances 
• Available quiet rooms 
• Available sensory kits

Prepare for Your Visit with Our Social Story + Sensory Guide

To make the most of your visit, we’ve created a Glowing Wild Sensory Guide and Social Story to help our guests understand the various sensory stimuli that can be expected during this event.

Download Guide

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 alligator, 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.

Food + Drink Passport

$54.95 Onsite | $49.95 Online

Looking to make the most of your evening? Get more bang for your buck with the Food + Drink Passport, which gets you three food items and three drinks (NA options available) to redeem at Samburu Grille, Scratch, and Café Costa. Plus, save even more when you buy online ahead of time—simply add a Food + Drink Passport at ticket checkout.

Don’t miss our other events this season:

Glowing Wild

This limited-time, after-dark event takes you on a glowing journey inspired by wildlife and conservation.
Learn More

Glowing Wild Adult Nights (21+)

Get all the glow without the kids! Glowing Wild now has TWO of our popular Adult Nights. Tickets include one drink ticket too!
Learn More

Glowing Wild Scout Nights

Gather your group and join us for an exclusive educational experience—including early entry to Glowing Wild.
Learn More


In partnership with:

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.

Glowing Wild Adult Nights

Adult Nights

When the sun goes down, the adventure begins—Glowing Wild is back! Whether you’re going for a date night or gathering with friends, Adult Night is just for kids at heart, ages 21 and up. This limited-time, after-dark event takes you on a glowing journey inspired by wildlife and conservation. Due to popular demand, we’re doubling the fun with TWO Adult Nights!

Tickets On Sale Now

Get Tickets

SCHEDULE

Event Dates:
April 2, 6:30–10:00 p.m.
May 7, 6:30–10:00 p.m.




ADMISSION

Ticket Price:
$34.95

Members Save 10%!
$34.95 $31.50

Restrictions:
Ages 21+ Only

DETAILS

• Admission includes one complimentary canned alcoholic drink (non-alcoholic and GF options available)
• Live entertainment and Silent Disco
• Carousel Karaoke
• Animal Demonstrations
• Photo Ops

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 alligator, 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.

Food + Drink Passport

$54.95 Onsite | $49.95 Online

Looking to make the most of your evening? Get more bang for your buck with the Food + Drink Passport, which gets you three food items and three drinks (NA options available) to redeem at Samburu Grille, Scratch, and Café Costa. Plus, save even more when you buy online ahead of time—simply add a Food + Drink Passport at ticket checkout.

Don’t miss our other events this season:

Glowing Wild

This limited-time, after-dark event takes you on a glowing journey inspired by wildlife and conservation.
Learn More

Glowing Wild Sensory-Friendly Night

Join us for an inclusive evening for guests living with sensory processing disorders, featuring a variety of accommodations.
Learn More

Glowing Wild Scout Nights

Gather your group and join us for an exclusive educational experience—including early entry to Glowing Wild.
Learn More


In partnership with:

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.

2300 Steele St.
Denver, CO 80205
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