Spring Events at Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Listed below are events being held at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo from April through May 2020. 

What:            
Free event: “Earth Optimism on Easter Monday”

When:            
Monday, April 13
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Where:     
Smithsonian’s National Zoo
 3001 Connecticut Ave. N.W. 

Join Smithsonian’s National Zoo Monday, April 13 for Earth Optimism on Easter Monday. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. families are invited to celebrate Easter Monday, a Washington family tradition, with activities and live music, while learning how to save species and protect the planet in the spirit of Earth Optimism. This free event includes hands-on learning opportunities featuring special animal demonstrations, keeper talks and meet and greets with scientists and conservation partners. Through interactive demonstrations, guests can discover how Zoo scientists are working to save species and their habitats and learn more about local organizations that are working to connect communities to nature.

To safely and securely handle the crowds during high visitation periods, the Zoo implements temporary “access controls.” Controlled access means the Zoo will conduct bag checks and other forms of visitor screening, as well as restrict the number of people entering the Zoo. These measures, which may vary by day and event, are similar to procedures employed by Smithsonian museums. This free event will be held rain or shine. For more information, visit the Zoo’s website. 

What:            
Free event: “International Family Equality Day”

When:            
Sunday, May 3
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where:          
Smithsonian’s National Zoo 
3001 Connecticut Ave. N.W.

Smithsonian’s National Zoo celebrates community and diversity at its third annual International Family Equality Day celebration May 3. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors can enjoy live entertainment, participate in field games and watch animals enjoy a variety of rainbow-themed treats and other enrichment items. This free event will be held rain or shine. For more information, visit the Zoo’s website.

What:             
Free Event: Wildlife Migration Day

When:        
Saturday, May 9
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where:          
Smithsonian’s National Zoo
3001 Connecticut Ave. N.W.

Experience the phenomenon of migration at Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s event Wildlife Migration Day May 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free event features fun, hands-on activities for kids of all ages, as well as bird banding demonstrations and opportunities to talk to scientists who study wildlife migration. Learn about the animals that make incredible journeys and some of the challenges they face along the way. This event is free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine. For more information, visit the Zoo’s website.

What: 
Ticketed event: Bite Night: ZooFari, sponsored by GEICO

When: 
Wednesday, May 20
6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Where:          
Smithsonian’s National Zoo 
3001 Connecticut Ave. N.W.

Embark on a culinary safari May 20 at Bite Night: ZooFari, a benefit for wildlife sponsored by GEICO, at Smithsonian’s National Zoo. From 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., patrons can sample gourmet fare from the Washington, D.C. area’s finest restaurants and vintners while supporting the Smithsonian’s work to save endangered species around the world. For those hungry to learn more about the Zoo’s animals, keepers will host talks and demonstrations throughout the event.

This year’s restaurant lineup will be curated by a committee of top D.C. chefs including Tim Ma of American Son and Prather’s on the Alley; Cathal Armstrong of Kaliwa; Erik Bruner-Yang of ABC Pony and Brothers and Sisters; and Tiffany MacIsaac of Buttercream Bakeshop.

A silent auction offers event attendees—and Zoo fans around the world—a chance to bid on exclusive animal experiences, artwork created by the Zoo’s animals, travel packages and much more. Prospective bidders will be able to preview auction items. Pre-bidding begins online May 13. The silent auction takes place at ZooFari and concludes at 9 p.m. May 20.

Early bird tickets are now on sale for Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) members and are $160 ($175 starting March 26). Tickets for non-members go on sale March 26 and are $225. VIP packages include multiple tickets, preferred parking opportunities and access to the VIP Lounge, hosted by Charles Schwab & Co. The VIP Lounge offers private bars, special tastings and an exclusive animal encounter with a penguin. All Bite Night: ZooFari guests must be at least 21 years old and present a valid photo ID upon entering the Zoo. This event will be held rain or shine. For more information, visit the Zoo’s website.

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