Family Friendly

Member Night – A Look Behind the Scenes

June 25 2026

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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

June 25 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm EDT

At “A Look Behind the Scenes” on June 25th, members of all ages can learn directly from our dedicated staff about how we provide outstanding care for our animals! But this event isn’t just educational – you’ll also get the chance to ride the Virginia Zoo Express for free, enjoy an evening exploration of the Zoo, access free bounce houses, and more!

No advanced reservations are required, but attendees must show their Member ID upon arrival. Gates will open at 5pm and the event ends at 8pm. The event will take place rain or shine.

BECOME A MEMBER

Event Reminders

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 attending, you agree to abide by the Virginia Zoo’s Rules & Policies.

Family Friendly

Pride Night at the Virginia Zoo

June 13 2026

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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

Visit Website

June 13 @ 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm EDT

Are you looking for a wild yet age-inclusive way to celebrate Pride this year? Come show your colors at the Virginia Zoo with your favorite friends, queens and allies! Enjoy after-hours access to exhibits, greet awesome animal ambassadors , shop our Pride-themed market , get to know some incredible local organizations and resources, dance your heart out to a local DJ’s tunes , and enjoy a rainbow of various activities throughout this all-ages event!

**Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs, picnic blankets, etc. to enjoy the live entertainment. Provided seating will be limited.

The Virginia Zoo is a contained, safe environment to celebrate Pride with your community. Additional security and staff will be on site to maintain a comfortable, positive space for all attendees.

To ensure that Pride is a safe and comfortable environment for guests of all ages, the following costume elements are not permitted:

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; we can’t wait to see you express your Pride!

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.

Event

ZooGrooves

May 29 2026

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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

Visit Website

May 29 @ 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm EDT

It’s time to rock and roar with the Virginia Zoo!

EVENT RULES:

No moshing

No crowd surfing
No smoking or vaping

**Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs, picnic blankets, etc. to enjoy the live music. Seating will not be provided.

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

Party for the Planet

May 16 2026

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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

Visit Website

May 16 @ 9:30 am – 2:00 pm EDT

Celebrate Earth Day the WILD way by joining our Party for the Planet! Get inspired to take environmental action not just on Earth Day, but every day. Greet Animal Ambassadors, purchase stunning plants from our horticulture staff, prepare browse enrichment for our animals, hear from community partners about how they make a difference for our planet, and much more!

Party for the Planet is North America’s largest combined Earth Day celebration, with over 120 Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facilities participating in the fun. You won’t want to miss these terra-ific festivities here at the Virginia Zoo!

THIS EVENT IS FREE WITH YOUR GENERAL ZOO ADMISSION AND TAKES PLACE RAIN OR SHINE!

Family Friendly

Bike Night at the Virginia Zoo

May 8 2026

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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

Visit Website

May 8 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm EDT

Tire-d of your same-old cycling route? Put those pedals to the metal and gear up for a wild, after-hours ride at the Virginia Zoo! Cruise through the Zoo on designated paths, listen to our DJ spin dance-worthy tracks, take a break to walk the animal trails, and meet local bike vendors that can help you repair or trick out your ride with wheel-y cool accessories. Electric scooters are not permitted for this event.

*Please note that guests will not be permitted to bike or scooter on exhibit trails due to safety concerns for pedestrians that will be in attendance.

Rules and Safety

No Electric Bicycles Permitted (Unless Hybrids with Motors Removed)
No skateboards of longboards
Helmets must be worn by all attendees under the age of 18.
Bikes must be walked on animal trails — no riding.
Event takes place rain or shine!

Activities

COMING SOON

*Bikes must be walked, not ridden on Animal Trails. Guests cannot bring bikes in the Goat Yard.

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

Tails & Trails: Dog Day at the Zoo

April 26 2026

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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

Visit Website

April 26 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm EDT

Spring has sprung , and it’s time to thaw your pup’s paws! Get ready to join us for our first ever Dog Days event. We’re inviting dog-loving zoo fans and their well-behaved canine companions to explore the Zoo together! Your dogs will be treated to sights, smells, and sounds of animals they’ve never encountered before all while playing a vital role in enriching the lives of the Zoo’s animal residents.

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
- 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

*You will only have one opportunity to upload these documents, please verify before you select submit that all required documentation has been provided.

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.

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

Sensory Friendly Morning

March 29 2026

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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

Visit Website

March 29 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm EDT

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

*A limited number of KultureCity Sensory bags are available for check-out in our Membership Office (first come, first serve).

Food & Drinks ($)

COMING SOON

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

Limited number of tickets available. Advance ticket sales end when sold out (get yours early!). If tickets remain on the day of event you may purchase yours at the gate. 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.

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

Arts and Entertainment

Adult Night

March 21 2026

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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

Visit Website

March 21 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm EDT

Have you been hibernating at home all winter? Well, this is your sign to turn into a social butterfly – Adult Nights at the Zoo are back!

Get your buzz on, sneak a peek at what our animals do after hours, refuel at food trucks, and shop various local vendors. And don’t forget to check out all the fern-tastic activities stationed throughout the Zoo to celebrate springtime!

Event is for ages 21+ and takes place rain or shine.

*Please note that in order to not disrupt our animals’ routines, exhibit trails will close at 7pm, though the event continues until 8pm. The Goat Yard in the ZooFarm will remain open until 7:30pm.

Activities

COMING SOON

Food & Drink ($)

COMING SOON

Ticket Prices

This is a 21+ event only and IDs will be checked prior to entry.

COMING SOON

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

Kiss & Tail

February 8 2026

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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

Visit Website

Tired of the same old up-scale dinner to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Join us at the Virginia Zoo on Sunday, February 8 from 9:30am to 12:30pm for a more casual brunch time celebration with your fellow lovebirds or mates! Sneak in some hugs and hisses while learning fun facts about dating and mating in the animal kingdom, nibble on tasty treats, name a cockroach after your ex , watch Carson the Superb owl choose a Super Bowl winner , and more! Whether you’re in love with love or you think Cupid is stupid , you can bask in the fun of this unfrogettable event for singles and sweethearts 21+!

Purchase your tickets here!

Activities

9:30 – 10am: Animal Ambassador Greeters
11:30am: ZooLive! Stage Show with Carson the Superb Owl
- Join our Eurasian eagle owl, Carson, as he predicts the winner for the 2026 Super Bowl!
World of Reptiles Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Prize wheel station by World of Reptiles Nursery
Engagement activity tables throughout the World of Reptiles
- Biofacts
- Know Your Poop: Test your knowledge on different animal dung at this activity
- Name That Penis!: See if you can guess which appendage belongs to which animal
Give an Animal a Valentine
- During the event attendees will have the opportunity to create their very own valentine for one of our animals. The valentine will be given to the chosen animal on Valentine’s Day!
Name A Cockroach or Rodent After Your Ex
- FREE photo-op

Activities for an additional cost ($)

Virginia Zoo Express train rides*
- *The Virginia Zoo Express Train will not operate if the temperature is below 45 degrees.
Name A Cockroach or Rodent After Your Ex ($)
- Tell that not-so-special someone to bug off by naming a cockroach or rodent after them that will be fed to one of the Virginia Zoo’s reptiles or amphibians!
- You also receive a digital certificate to share the buzz with friends!
- Cost:
  - $10 per roach,
  - $20 per rodent
Valentine’s Day Themed Market

Food & Drink

Food
- Blueberry and strawberry yogurt parfaits w/ granola
- Baked pastries and muffins
- Assorted mini quiches
- Charcuterie board
- Shrimp cocktail platter
- Mini crab cake balls
- Mini Dutch pancakes with fresh berry compote (V)
Alcoholic Drinks
- Mimosa
- Prosecco
- Bloody Mary
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
- Water
- Orange juice
- Coffee

 Ticket Prices

Tickets on sale to Zoo Members starting 1/2/26 and available to the general public starting 1/9/26.

Each ticket includes 2 drinks, brunch bites, and all-day admission to the Zoo.

Member: $31

Non-Member: $50

*This event is for ages 21+ only.

Purchase your tickets here!

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

Member Perk: Wild Wednesday

January 28 2026

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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

Visit Website

Wednesdays are wild in the African Village Restaurant! Zoo members can enjoy a special-priced lunch for just $10, which includes a meal and a 16oz fountain drink, as we test new items on the menu. Please present your valid membership card and photo ID at the time of purchase.

Member Night – A Look Behind the Scenes

June 25 2026

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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