Looking for event venues in Denver that will delight guests of all ages? Regardless of why your flock is gathering—a corporate holiday party, client appreciation event 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 while also aligning with state and local regulations regarding group gatherings. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance offers 15% discounts for non-profit and government agencies, as well as 15% off for Denver Zoo members.
Rental packages include a specific allotment of admission tickets, with additional tickets billed post-event based on attendance.
ZOO LIGHTS AFTER HOURS EVENTS
The remainder of the year, from the Monday, November 24 through Sunday, January 4, offers Zoo Lights After Hours Event Rentals, which take place between the hours of 5:30 PM and 9:00 PM. These seasonal after-hours events take place during Zoo Lights when we are also open to the public. In addition to your group’s private space access, full Zoo access is included for your guests to view the incredible Zoo Lights displays and indoor animal habitat buildings with other general public guests 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.
CATERING
EVENT DETAILS & POLICIES
Zoo Lights Event Venues
Zoo Lights after-hours event venues include both indoor and indoor/outdoor locations and are perfect for groups of all sizes. You can even rent out the entire Zoo during a Zoo Lights Preview Night! Please see below for photos and additional information.
Rental Time: 5:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Animal Hospital (Schlessman Family Foundation Visitor and Education Center)
Come host your next intimate event here with us at the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Animal Hospital in the Schlessman Family Foundation Visitor and Education Center. This venue is ideal for smaller groups looking to have a unique Denver Zoo experience of dining in our world-class veterinary hospital while looking into two of our animal treatment rooms.
- Seated Capacity: 30
- Standing Capacity: 45
- Venue includes 30 admission tickets after hours.
Gates Education Center Buyout
Gates Education Center is perfect for large groups wanting an indoor venue with options to use the separate studios as breakout session rooms. Located at the front of the Zoo near the Main Entrance, it’s easily accessible for guests. Venue includes rental of Norgren Hall, Grasslands and Treetops Studios, all of which are located on the 1st floor.
- Seated Capacity: 255
- Standing Capacity: 300
- Venue includes 150 admission tickets after hours.
Norgren Hall
Norgren Hall is our largest indoor facility, with large floor-to-ceiling windows boasting a spectacular view of the festive lights outside 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 holiday celebration, private party, special occasion or any indoor gathering.
- Seated Capacity: 175
- Standing Capacity: 250
- Venue includes 100 admission tickets after hours.
Grasslands/Tree Tops Studios
Our studios (located inside the Gates Education Center) are ideal for small meetings or can be used as breakout rooms. Grasslands and Treetops 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.
- Seated Capacity: 40 (each room)
- Standing Capacity: 65 (each room)
- Venue includes 25 admission tickets during public hours and after hours.
Zoo Gardens Pavilion & Plaza
Our largest event venue, Zoo Gardens Pavilion and Plaza can accommodate guests at any time of year underneath the expansive, heated pavilion and adjoining outdoor patio plaza. This indoor/outdoor venue is perfect for large groups, offering options for cocktails, dining, entertainment, presentations 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
- Venue includes 200 admission tickets during public hours and after hours.
Zoo Lights Buyouts
Rental Time: 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Capacity: Up to 6,000
Zoo Lights Preview Night buyouts are exclusively offered after hours from November 7 through November 23
, between 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Since Zoo Lights Preview Night buyouts are offered on dates before Zoo Lights opens to the public, these unique, seasonal buyouts allow your group a private “sneak peek” of the incredible spectacle that is Zoo Lights. Zoo Lights Preview Night buyouts include private, full zoo access to our entire 80-acre campus, including indoor animal habitat buildings for your guests to enjoy throughout the evening. Be sure to book your event far in advance, as these exclusive dates always sell out fast!
