Arts and Entertainment

Visit with Santa

December 5 2026

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The MacArthur Memorial Visitors Center 198 Bank Street Norfolk, VA 23510, Price: Free

Santa returns for another year of Christmas cheer!

Santa returns for another year of Christmas cheer! Come take your own photo with Santa with participating in free family friendly holiday activities!

Arts and Entertainment

Howl-o-ween: Dog Day at the Zoo

October 30 2026

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The Virginia Zoo 3500 Granby St Norfolk, VA 23504, (757) 441-2374 Price: Price may vary

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Enjoy pawsitively spooky fun this Barktober with your favorite pup-kins at Howl-o-ween: Dog Day at the Zoo! Dog lovers and their well-behaved canine companions are invited to have a ball while exploring the Zoo together. Pups will enjoy new sights, smells, and sounds while playing an important role in enriching the lives of the Zoo’s animals. Guests are encouraged to dress their beasts in their most enchanting costumes and compete in our dog costume contest for a chance to win some pawsome prizes!

To ensure that this event is safe for everyone, your fur babies MUST be well-trained and vaccinated. Dogs behaving in an unruly or aggressive manner (i.e. excessive barking, growling, lunging, biting, etc.) will be required to leave without a refund.

How to Join Us:

Reserve a ticket for yourself AND your dog. Each adult ticket may only reserve a spot for ONE dog. Note: Our ticket form will not complete transactions that do not have a 1:1 ratio of adult humans to dogs.
Submit a signed waiver (this link will be provided in your ticket confirmation email).
Upload your dog’s veterinary records*. Medical records must be received no later than 2 weeks after ticket purchase OR 4pm on October 23 (deadline extended from October 16).
- Medical requirements:
  - Up-to-date vaccination for: Rabies
  - Up-to-date vaccination for: Distemper virus, Adenovirus (also called canine Hepatitis) and Parvo virus
  - Up-to-date vaccination for: Bordetella
  - Proof of negative heartworm test within the past year AND proof of purchase for heartworm preventative

Entry will not be permitted if your medical records have not been received by the Virginia Zoo, or if our veterinary staff determines that your dog’s records are insufficient.

Arts and Entertainment

Wild Tykes at The Virginia Zoo

September 24 2026

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The Virginia Zoo 3500 Granby St Norfolk, VA 23504, (757) 441-2374 Price: Price may vary

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Wild Tykes is a drop-in program recommended for kids aged 3-5 and their favorite adults! Each program features a new theme with age-appropriate nature and science activities that focus on these core areas: sensory, movement, free play, art, and problem-solving. We won’t be afraid to get a little dirty as we explore and play together! See signs posted in the Zoo’s Fountain Plaza to find out the location of activities on the day of your visit. Free with General Admission.

Theme: Backyard Habitats

Arts and Entertainment

Fall Fest at The Virginia Zoo

September 26 2026

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The Virginia Zoo 3500 Granby St Norfolk, VA 23504, Price: Price may vary

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September 26 @ 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm EDT

It’s time to fall in love with autumn at the Virginia Zoo’s newest event, Fall Fest on Saturday, September 20 from 5 – 8:30pm! This cozy, small-town inspired evening offers something for everyone, from nostalgic games to elevated tastings, all while soaking in the crisp evening air and golden-hour views.

Families will love the old-fashioned sack races, classic carnival games , and the charm of a curated fall market featuring handmade goods and seasonal finds. Local food trucks will serve up fall flavors , while live music sets the tone for a festive evening.

For guests 21+, enjoy bourbon and craft beer tastings from local favorites Tarnished Truth Distillery and Elation Brewing, included with your ticket.

Whether you’re with family or friends, this event is a celebration of unforgettable fall fun!

Please note, prices may increase as the event date nears, so don’t wait — early birds get the best deal!

Event Reminders

Limited number of tickets available. Advance ticket sales end when sold out (get yours early!). If tickets remain on the day of the event, gate sales may be limited to credit card transactions only.
Tickets are non-refundable. All sales are final. Should a ticket holder be unable to attend the event, the purchase will be considered a donation.
As an outdoor venue, events are rain or shine unless otherwise indicated. If any changes are made, an announcement via an email to our members and/or ticket holders and on the Virginia Zoo social media channels will be issued prior the event.
The Zoo is a smoke-free facility; no smoking is allowed inside the Zoo. This also includes e-cigarettes and vaping. Inability to follow this rule will result in dismissal from Zoo grounds without a refund.
By purchasing an event ticket, you agree to abide by the Virginia Zoo’s Rules & Policies.

Arts and Entertainment

ZooGrooves

September 11 2026

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The Virginia Zoo 3500 Granby St Norfolk, VA 23504, Price: Price may vary

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September 11 @ 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm EDT

Events are held rain or shine! Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets to relax in the Event Field while listening to top hits.

Event Reminders

Limited number of tickets available. Advance ticket sales end when sold out (get yours early!). If tickets remain on the day of the event, gate sales may be limited to credit card transactions only.
Tickets are non-refundable. All sales are final. Should a ticket holder be unable to attend the event, the purchase will be considered a donation.
As an outdoor venue, events are rain or shine unless otherwise indicated. If any changes are made, an announcement via an email to our members and/or ticket holders and on the Virginia Zoo social media channels will be issued prior the event.
The Zoo is a smoke-free facility; no smoking is allowed inside the Zoo. This also includes e-cigarettes and vaping. Inability to follow this rule will result in dismissal from Zoo grounds without a refund.
By purchasing an event ticket, you agree to abide by the Virginia Zoo’s Rules & Policies.

Family Friendly

Wild Babies at Virginia Zoo

November 10 2026

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The Virginia Zoo 3500 Granby St Norfolk, VA 23504, (757) 441-2374 Price: Free with general admission.

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Calling all “Wild Babies” to the zoo! Join us for a NEW program offering for our youngest zoo visitors. We will be exploring age appropriate sensory and educational activities in a small up-close setting. This program is geared for 0-2 year olds and their guardians although older children will be welcome. Wild Babies will involve elements of nature and social development including but not limited to story time, short “hikes,” and an animal encounter.

These programs will be located in one of our classrooms. Please check signs in Fountain Plaza on the day of the event.

Theme: Fall Frenzy

Arts and Entertainment

ZooBoo

October 18 2026

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The Virginia Zoo 3500 Granby St Norfolk, VA 23504, (757) 441-2374 Price: Price may vary

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October 18 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm EDT

Carve out some time this October to attend the pick of the patch Halloween event you won’t want to miss – ZooBoo! Hosted on October 18th and 19th from 9am – 4pm, this family-friendly celebration is packed with eerie-sistible fun for all ages. Guests can watch animals enjoy pumpkin enrichment, trick-or-treat at candy stations throughout the Zoo , meet Animal Ambassadors , compete in costume contests to win fang-tastic prizes and more. You and your boo crew will be in for a spooktacular treat!

For the wellbeing of our goats, the Goat Yard will be closed to guests during the event.

Food & Drinks ($)

10am – 4pm: African Village Restaurant open
10am – 3:30pm: Beastro open
10am – 3:30pm: Mini Melts open

Dietary Needs? Check out the candy ingredient lists here for all of the candy that will be available for trick-or-treating so you can plan!

Due to this event being a special event fundraiser for the Zoo, we do not offer our normal ADA admission. We apologize for any inconvenience!


For the safety of you, our guests, animals, staff, and facilities, the following items are not permitted as part of your costume:

Full face coverings/masks
Live animals (with the exception of service animals)
Projectiles of any kind
Flames, pyrotechnics or explosives
Weapons, whether real or fake
Bare feet
Nudity, or any illusion to it, including overly revealing costumes

Thank you for your understanding and we can’t wait to see all of your spooktacular costumes!

Event Reminders

Limited number of tickets available. Advance ticket sales end when sold out (get yours early!). If tickets remain on the day of the event, gate sales may be limited to credit card transactions only.
Tickets are non-refundable. All sales are final. Should a ticket holder be unable to attend the event, the purchase will be considered a donation.
As an outdoor venue, events are rain or shine unless otherwise indicated. If any changes are made, an announcement via an email to our members and/or ticket holders and on the Virginia Zoo social media channels will be issued prior the event.
The Zoo is a smoke-free facility; no smoking is allowed inside the Zoo. This also includes e-cigarettes and vaping. Inability to follow this rule will result in dismissal from Zoo grounds without a refund.
By purchasing an event ticket, you agree to abide by the Virginia Zoo’s Rules & Policies.

Arts and Entertainment

The Monarch Mile at Virginia Zoo

September 13 2026

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The Virginia Zoo 3500 Granby St Norfolk, VA 23504, (757) 441-2374 Price: Price may vary

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September 13 @ 8:00 am – 9:30 am EDT

Can YOU go the distance for monarch butterfly conservation ? Every spring, monarch butterflies east of the Rocky Mountains migrate from Mexico to their summer breeding grounds in the United States and Canada. In the fall, they journey nearly 3,000 miles back down south to weather the winter. This migration is becoming increasingly difficult due to habitat loss in their breeding and overwintering grounds, increased pesticide use, climate change, and other factors.

Join the Virginia Zoo and the Tidewater Striders in supporting monarch butterflies by running, walking, or fluttering through the Zoo on Sunday, September 28 before opening! All ticket sale proceeds will go directly towards monarch butterfly conservation. Your ticket also includes the chance to enjoy the Zoo trails all day after your run!

Event Reminders

By purchasing an event ticket, you agree to abide by the Virginia Zoo’s Rules & Policies.

Limited number of tickets available. Advance ticket sales end when sold out (get yours early!). If tickets remain on the day of the event, gate sales may be limited to credit card transactions only.
Tickets are non-refundable. All sales are final. Should a ticket holder be unable to attend the event, the purchase will be considered a donation.
As an outdoor venue, events are rain or shine unless otherwise indicated. If any changes are made, an announcement via an email to our members and/or ticket holders and on the Virginia Zoo social media channels will be issued prior the event.
The Zoo is a smoke-free facility; no smoking is allowed inside the Zoo. This also includes e-cigarettes and vaping. Inability to follow this rule will result in dismissal from Zoo grounds without a refund.
By purchasing an event ticket, you agree to abide by the Virginia Zoo’s Rules & Policies.

Family Friendly

Sensory Friendly Morning at Virginia Zoo

November 8 2026

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The Virginia Zoo 3500 Granby St Norfolk, VA 23504, (757) 441-2374 Price: Price may vary

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Join us as we partner with Autism Society Tidewater Virginia, Complete the Puzzle, and Destination Family Services to provide guests of all abilities and needs, along with their families, the opportunity to visit the Virginia Zoo in a less overwhelming environment. On this special date and time we will provide stress-free activities for your Zoo visit through adapted programs and a reduced number of visitors. With access to animal ambassadors, activity carts, Run Wild! Discovery Zone nature play, and more the whole family can enjoy this sensory-friendly morning at the Zoo.

Activities

COMING SOON

All activities are being conducted as they would during standard operations with some modifications to create a calmer environment with reduced lights, sounds, and crowds.

Food & Drinks ($)

African Village Restaurant
- Chicken tenders, burgers, pizza, fries, snack items
- Soda, juice, water, beer, wine, Waters Edge Serpentine Sangria

Tickets

Due to limited capacity, timed tickets will be required for entry to the Zoo for this time and date. Individuals with an ADA-Recognized Disability and One Companion can receive free admission upon request. ADA Admission is only redeemable at the ticket booth. All additional family and friends attending are required to purchase & reserve your tickets ahead of time.

Member Adult (18+): Free

Member Child (2-17): Free

Non-Member Adult (12+): $20

Non-Member Senior (62+): $18

Non-Member Child (2-11): $17

Children under 2 are free but require a reserved ticket

Event Reminders

Tickets are non-refundable. All sales are final. Should a ticket holder be unable to attend the event, the purchase will be considered a donation.
As an outdoor venue, events are rain or shine unless otherwise indicated. If any changes are made, an announcement via an email to our members and/or ticket holders and on the Virginia Zoo social media channels will be issued prior the event.
The Zoo is a smoke-free facility; no smoking is allowed inside the Zoo. This also includes e-cigarettes and vaping. Inability to follow this rule will result in dismissal from Zoo grounds without a refund.
By purchasing an event ticket, you agree to abide by the Virginia Zoo’s Rules & Policies.

Questions regarding this event? Please email info@virginiazoo.org or call (757) 441-2374.

Family Friendly

Little Zoo

November 8 2026

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The Virginia Zoo 3500 Granby St Norfolk, VA 23504, (757) 441-2374 Price: Free with general admission.

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Come join us as educators and volunteers offer themed animal interactions inside one of the Zoo’s classroom spaces. Our Little Zoo program offers our guests an intimate look at our animal ambassadors with station-based learning. This program is open to all who want to experience and grow in our Little Zoo. See signs posted in the Zoo’s Fountain Plaza to find out the location of Little Zoo on the day of your visit. Free with general admission.

Visit with Santa

December 5 2026

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

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September 26 2026

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October 18 2026

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

For the wellbeing of our goats, the Goat Yard will be closed to guests during the event.

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September 13 2026

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November 8 2026

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November 8 2026

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