Event Calendar Listing
Find your favorite signature Sacramento Zoo Event!
Or visit the Calendar by Day.

2009 Calendar Listing

IMAX: African Adventure - Safari in the Okavango in 3D    
Thursday, March 5 - 6:30 pm
Join us at the Esquire IMAX Theatre at 12th & K Street for a sneak peak screening of African Adventure: Safari in the Okavango, benefiting the Sacramento Zoo. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for children. Sacramento Zoo Member tickets are half price. Call (916) 808-5888 for details or buy tickets online.

Furlough Fridays: Half Price Admission on Fridays in March
Fridays in March - 9 am to 4 pm
In these tough economic times, the Zoo hopes to stretch your dollar a little further with half price admission for everyone on Fridays in March. With many employees experiencing furloughs during the workweek, the Zoo is a great place to visit on those extra days off at this special price.

Bloomin' Crazy
Saturday, March 7 - 9 am to 4 pm
Leap into Spring at the third annual Bloomin’ Crazy on March 7!  Visit with gardening clubs and plant experts; get inspired to start your spring gardens. The Zoo has a significant plant collection and local plant societies, garden stores, and nurseries will be present to educate visitors about gardening and plants.

Little Peeps Pre-K Classes
Wednesdays, March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
Each Little Peeps preschool class will focus on a different theme and is packed with fun crafts, games, music, and more. Little Peeps will also enjoy a special visit with one of our animal ambassadors.

Recycle Rummage Sale   
Saturday, April 4 - 9 am to 4 pm
Find great bargains on books, housewares, collectables, jewelry and more at our semi-annual rummage sale. Proceeds benefit conservation efforts here and around the world. Located in the Kampala Conference Center inside the Sacramento Zoo. Included with Zoo admission and part of the Earth Fest activities.

Earth Fest - It's a Party for the Planet!
Saturday, April 4 - 9 am to 4 pm
April 4th is Earth Fest at the Sacramento Zoo.  It’s a party for the planet! Learn how to protect and preserve the earth with environmental, wildlife and conservation organizations, a recycle raffle, rummage sale, games, crafts and face painting. During the day, visit Wildlife Wagons to explore animal bio-artifacts; participate in storytelling and activities in the Discovery Room; come face-to-face with the outreach animals; or listen as keepers present enrichment talks in the afternoon.

Financial Planning in Troubled Times
Saturday, April 11 - 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Join us for an informative session on financial planning in uncertain times. Hear from the experts as they help guide you in strategies to secure your family’s future, decrease your taxes and provide for your favorite charity. A special investment professional will give a market update and focus on the challenging year ahead. Seminar is free but seating is limited. Please RSVP by April 8 at (916) 808-3713 to reserve your seat or for more information. All participants will receive a 20% discount for the day on purchases in the Zoo’s gift shop. Sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank.

ZooZoom
Sunday, April 19 - 7 am to Noon
Join the stampede as thousands of runners raise funds to benefit the Zoo. Are you as fast as a hare or as slow as a tortoise? Find out on Sunday, April 19 at the 29th annual ZooZoom. There are options for everyone from a 5K to a 10K to the Saucony ‘Run for Good’, Kid’s Fun Runs.

California Celebration
Saturday, May 2 - 9 am to 4 pm - CANCELED DUE TO RAIN
   UPDATE: California Celebration is canceled due to consistant rain today. We apologize for any inconvience. The Zoo is still open but performaces and vendors are canceled.
Saturday, May 2nd is a fun-filled day all about the rich cultural diversity in California.  Animal talks, cultural groups, live performances and activity stations will fill the Zoo! 

Swingin' Safari Golf Tournament at Teal Bend
Thursday, May 21 - Noon
Come out swinging for the Zoo at the Eighth Annual Golf Tournament at Teal Bend. Think you are a pretty good golfer? Join us for a swinging-good time for golf, food, prizes and the wildest putting contest in the Sacramento area! All proceeds benefit the Zoo.

Twilight Tuesdays in June - Extended Hours
Tuesday, June 16 - Open till 7 pm
Tuesday, June 23 - Open till 7 pm
Tuesday, June 30 - Open till 7 pm
Enjoy those warm summer nights at the Zoo with extended hours on Twilight Tuesdays. The Zoo is open from 9 am to 7 pm for your whole family to enjoy. Dinner specials, live music and activities start at 5 pm. Regular daily admission rates apply.

Family Overnight Safaris
Saturday, June 13 – 5:30 pm – 9:00 am
Friday, June 19 – 5:30 pm – 9:00 am
During the summer months of June, July and August, we offer Family Overnight Safaris. This fun-filled educational evening will guide you through all that our nighttime Zoo has to offer. These camp-outs are designed for small groups and families of 2 or more people. This is a perfect opportunity to see animal behaviors you may not have seen before. Dinner and breakfast are provided!

Zoo Parent Picnic
Saturday, June 20 - 5:30 to 8:30 pm
Are you a Zoo Parent? Your Zoo Parent benefits may include an invitation to a picnic dinner and an evening of keeper talks, animal encounters and a fun-filled auction! Find out more and RSVP at the Zoo Parent Picnic page. Want to get in on the fun? Become a Zoo Parent today! 

King of Feasts
Saturday, June 27 - 5:30 to 8:30 pm
You’ll enjoy this unique gourmet food and wine celebration featuring foods from dozens of the finest Sacramento area restaurants and bakeries. Sample premium California wines and beers in the relaxed and lush setting of the Sacramento Zoo along with a silent auction and live music. Zoo closes early at 1:30 pm.

Got milk? Drink Well, Live Well Tour
Monday, June 29 -  11 am to 2 pm
Join us for health assessments from a registered dietician, ice cream sampling, homemade smoothie samples, five-minute chair massages, souvenir milk mustache photos and complimentary gifts for kids while supplies last.

Twilight Tuesdays in July - Extended Hours
Tuesday, July 7 - Open till 7 pm
Tuesday, July 14 - Open till 7 pm
Tuesday, July 21 - Open till 7 pm
Tuesday, July 28 - Open till 7 pm
Enjoy those warm summer nights at the Zoo with extended hours on Twilight Tuesdays. The Zoo is open from 9 am to 7 pm for your whole family to enjoy. Dinner specials, live music and activities start at 5 pm. Regular daily admission rates apply.

Family Overnight Safaris
Friday, July 10 – 5:30 pm – 9:00 am
Saturday, July 18 – 5:30 pm – 9:00 am
Friday, July 24 – 5:30 pm – 9:00 am
During the summer months of June, July and August, we offer Family Overnight Safaris. This fun-filled educational evening will guide you through all that our nighttime Zoo has to offer. These camp-outs are designed for small groups and families of 2 or more people. This is a perfect opportunity to see animal behaviors you may not have seen before. Dinner and breakfast are provided!

Ice Cream Safari
Saturday, July 25 - 4 pm to 8 pm
The entire family can enjoy all-you-can-eat Baskin Robbins Ice Cream and Coca-Cola beverages at the 25th Annual Ice Cream Safari at the Sacramento Zoo. It's a brain-freezing good time from 4 to 8 pm. Zoo closed early at 1:30 pm.

Family Overnight Safaris
Saturday, August 1 – 5:30 pm – 9:00 am
Friday, August 7 – 5:30 pm – 9:00 am
Friday, August 14– 5:30 pm – 9:00 am
During the summer months of June, July and August, we offer Family Overnight Safaris. This fun-filled educational evening will guide you through all that our nighttime Zoo has to offer. These camp-outs are designed for small groups and families of 2 or more people. This is a perfect opportunity to see animal behaviors you may not have seen before. Dinner and breakfast are provided!

Member's Evening
Saturday, August 8 - 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Visit the Zoo after everyone else has gone home. Bring your own dinner or stop by Kampala Cafe, we’ll also have unique activities and lots of fun.

Spider-Man at the Sacramento Zoo
Saturday, September 12 - Live Show 11 am & 1:30 pm
Sunday, September 13 - Live Show 11 am & 1:30 pm
Bring the kids to the Sacramento Zoo for a special apperance by the web-slinging, wall-climbing superhero himself - Spider-Man! Live show will be on the Reptile House Lawn.

Senior Tea & Tours
Mondays, September 14, 21, October 19 - 9:30 to Noon
Have a pleasant cup of tea and a guided tour of the Sacramento Zoo! Designed especially for seniors ages 55 and over, your group will be met by Docents (volunteer educators) and will tour part of the zoo. During the tea break you'll be served lemonade, tea, coffee, finger sandwiches, breads and cookies.

Deaf Awareness Day
Saturday, September 19 - 9 am to 4 pm
Join us for a special day for our deaf and hard of hearing community sponsored by NorCal Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The Zoo will have ASL interpreters on site for the day. For the safety of your service animal and the safety of others, no pets or service animals are allowed.

Little Peeps Pre-K Classes
Tuesdays, September 22, 29, October 6, 13, 20 and 27 - 9:30 to 11:30 am
Each Little Peeps preschool class will focus on a different theme and is packed with fun crafts, games, music, and more. Little Peeps will also enjoy a special visit with one of our animal ambassadors.

Wild Affair
Saturday, October 3 - 5 pm to 10 pm
The Wild Affair annual fundraiser offers guests the chance to spend an enchanted evening behind the scenes at the Sacramento Zoo. This annual Gala event includes a delicious full-course gourmet dinner, followed by a silent and live auction with plenty of wine, spirits and endless hors d'oeuvres.

Safari in Estate Planning
Tuesday, October 20 - 2 pm to 3:30 pm
This informative seminar will navigate through a jungle of planned giving topics as experts help guide you in strategies to secure your family's future, decrease your taxes and provide for your favorite charity. Seating is free but limited so please RSVP at (916) 808-3713. Sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank.

Boo at the Zoo
Friday & Saturday, October 30 & 31 - 4:30 pm to 8 pm
Bring the family to the Zoo for a spook-tacular good time.  Play some ghoulish games, make some creepy crafts and of course, trick or treat around the lake.  It’s a safe and fun Halloween at the Sacramento Zoo.  Zoo closes early at 1:30 pm.

November Canned Food Drive
Daily in November - 10 am to 4 pm
Bring a canned food item or other non-perishable item when you visit the Zoo and recieve $1 off your Zoo admission! Donations benefit the Sacramento Food Bank and families in need. The Food Bank especially needs items such as canned soups and fruits, tuna, peanut butter, mac and cheese, ramen and baby formula and cereals.

Reception with Betty White
Thursday, November 5 - 4:30 to 7:30 pm
Get a sneak preview of the Tall Wonders giraffe habitat on the view deck from 4:30 to 5:30 pm. Followed by presentation by television and film star Betty White with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails in the lawn pavillion. Reservations can be made for this experience with a $100 contribution to Tall Wonders, the Giraffe exhibit renovation and expansion project. On sale October 7th.

ThankZoo: Target Free Admission Day
Friday, November 27 - 10 am to 4 pm
Bring the whole family out for Target Free Admission Day! Yes, everyone gets into the Zoo for free all day thanks to Target! ThankZoo also marks the end of our canned food drive benefiting the Sacramento Food Bank and families in need. Please consider bringing a canned food item when you visit the Zoo. The Food Bank especially needs items such as canned soups and fruits, tuna, peanut butter, mac and cheese, ramen and baby formula and cereals. The Marines will also be on-site to kick off our Toys For Tots program where anyone donating a new unwrapped gift receives a free child’s admission ticket to the Sacramento Zoo to use at their convenience.
Sponsored by

Holiday Magic: Target Free Admission Day
Saturday, December 12 - 10 am to 4 pm
Why should only humans receive gifts during the holidays?  It’s time for Holiday Magic—watch as the animals unwrap their holiday goodies and enjoy free Zoo admission thanks to Target! Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots, and receive a free child’s admission ticket to the Sacramento Zoo to use at your convenience.
Sponsored by