International Family Equality Day

Square icons representing the Zoo's animals colored and arranged in a rainbow pattern.

Celebrate the beauty and importance of family diversity with the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. International Family Equality Day activities will take place throughout the Zoo, including animal demonstrations and rainbow-themed enrichment. Visitors will also have the chance to make arts and crafts, enjoy music performances, and play lawn games. Representatives from SMYAL, the DC Center, Rainbow Families, Brave Trails, and the Smithsonian Pride Alliance will be hosted at the event.

All programming is free.  

Event Schedule

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

Scratch Art Craft Station | Great Meadow 

Get creative and design your very own animal mask! Let your imagination run wild and scratch unique, rainbow-colored patterns on the mask of your choice. 

 

10 a.m.

GenOUT Youth Chorus | Great Meadow Stage   

The GenOUT Youth Chorus is the Washington, D.C. area’s only vocal ensemble for LGBTQ+ and allied youth. An outreach ensemble of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C., GenOUT operates to give LGBTQ+ and allied youth a voice through song, and to connect that voice to community.

 

11 a.m. 

Ants on a Log Family Concert | Great Meadow Stage 

Ants on a Log is a Philadelphia-based music trio who plays humorous songs for children and other childlike people.  Join us for this special concert, which features themes of environmental education, climate justice, inclusion, queer identity, and community!

 

12 p.m. 

Community Picnic with SMYAL, the DC Center, and Rainbow Families | Great Meadow 

Grab lunch at one of the various dining options throughout the park and head to the Great Meadow for a community picnic. Meet other families, staff from locally-based LGTBQ+ community organizations, and play lawn games provided by the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. 

 

1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 

Daytime Dance Party with Les the DJ | Great Meadow

Les the DJ, aka Les Talusan, is a DJ whose musical practice immerses audiences in the joy of community-powered discovery. Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Les has been based in Washington, D.C. for over 20 years. Fueled by their own story of resilience, liberation and courage as an immigrant, parent and survivor, Les centers the songs cherished, remembered and celebrated by people of the global diaspora.

8 a.m. 

  • Bird House | Rainbow enrichment and rainbow-colored feeding (throughout the day)

  • Great Ape House | Rainbow enrichment

 

10 a.m.

  • Otters - American Trail | Rainbow enrichment

 

10:30 a.m. 

  • Elephant Community Center | Rainbow enrichment

  • Andean Bear Exhibit  | Rainbow enrichment

 

11 a.m. 

  • Lion-Tiger Hill | Rainbow-colored ice cakes

 

11:30 a.m. 

  • Small Mammal House | Rainbow enrichment

  • Sea lions - American Trail | Rainbow-colored ice cakes (or themed enrichment) 

 

1:15 p.m.

  • Beavers - American Trail | Rainbow-colored ice cakes (or themed enrichment)

 

1:30 p.m. 

  • Kids’ Farm | Rainbow enrichment

 

2:15 p.m.

  • Grey seal - American Trail | Rainbow-colored ice cakes (or themed enrichment)

 

3 p.m. 

  • Elephant Community Center | Rainbow enrichment

 

3:30 p.m.

  • Ravens - American Trail | Rainbow enrichment