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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.

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.

VENDOR PARTNERS

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

EVENT details & POLICIES

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

Zoo Lights Events

Private after hours events in November & December

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

Rental Packages include a specific allotment of admission tickets, with additional tickets billed post-event based on attendance.

ZOO LIGHTS PREVIEW NIGHT BUYOUTS

Zoo Lights Preview Night Buyouts are exclusively offered after hours from the first Friday in November through the Sunday before Thanksgiving, between the hours of 5:30 PM and 9:30 PM. Since the 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 peak" 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 exhibit buildings, for your guests to enjoy throughout the evening.

ZOO LIGHTS AFTER HOURS EVENT RENTALS

The remainder of the year, from the Monday before Thanksgiving through the end of December, 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 Event Rentals 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 exhibit 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.

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Zoo Lights Event Venues

Denver Zoo's Zoo Lights After Hours Event Venues include both indoor and indoor/outdoor locations, perfect for groups of all sizes, including: Norgren Hall, The Studios, Gates Education Center Buyout, and Zoo Gardens! You can even rent out the entire zoo during a Zoo Lights Preview Night Buyout! Please see below for photos and further information.

Zoo Lights Buyouts

Offered: The first Friday in November through the Sunday before Thanksgiving

Rental Time: 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM

Capacity: Up to 6,000

Zoo Lights Preview Night Buyouts

Since the 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 peak" 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 exhibit 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!

Zoo Lights Rentals

Offered: The Monday before Thanksgiving through January 15th, 2023

Rental Time: 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Capacity: Up to 500

Grasslands Studio & Tree Tops Studio

If a more intimate event is in order, The Studios (located inside the Gates Education Center) are ideal for a small holiday celebration 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 celebrations, breakout rooms, or hospitality suites.

Seated Capacity: 40 (each room)

Standing Capacity: 65 (each room)

Norgren Hall

Norgren Hall is our largest indoor facility, with large floor-to-ceiling windows boasting a spectacular view of the festive lights outside 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 holiday celebration, private party, special occasion, or any indoor gathering.

Seated Capacity: 175

Standing Capacity: 250

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

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

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.

Please note: We do not have availability until January 2023 (January 2nd - 15th)