Events Search and Views Navigation
September 2019
International Red Panda Day
Join us in celebrating one of our most beloved animals here at the zoo... the red panda! International Red Panda Day (IRPD) 2019 is happening on Saturday, September 21 as we join with an expected 100,000 visitors, at more than 80 zoos worldwide! The fun includes a red panda enrichment demonstration, keeper chats, storytime, training session, and lots of red panda-themed activities. Find out how kids of all ages can help by becoming Red Panda Rangers!
Find out more »
Run Wild!
Come on out to the zoo to Run Wild on Sunday, September 29, 2019! This year is all about you: our community! Tell us who you are running for - is it your kids so that they can have polar bears in their future, or your grandparents who listened to lions roaring here when they were kids? Or is it your favorite zoo animal? From 10K and 5K distances to our Wild Child Fun Run, there is a way for…
Find out more »October 2019
African Penguin Awareness Day
Love penguins? Come celebrate African Penguin Awareness Day with presentations by our penguin keeper and a live penguin painting session by our 'Penguin Picasso.' Sign up for an exclusive penguin Meet and Greet - limited availability, $25 tickets are available in advance by clicking here. Other events include penguin-themed games and activities throughout the zoo. All proceeds benefit African penguin conservation in the wild.
Find out more »
BOO! at the Zoo
Join us for a free, family-friendly Halloween event! Enjoy 15 candy stations throughout the zoo. Face-painting available 9:30am - 3:30pm. Costume parade at noon from the Education Pavilion. Who will have the best costume? And of course - animals with pumpkins!
Find out more »November 2019
Paintings for Penguins
Stroll around the zoo after hours and view art created by zoo residents and Madison artists.
Find out more »
Zoo Lights
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with one of Madison's most unique events!
Find out more »December 2019
BREW LIGHTS 2019
Join us for our annual 21+ beer tasting event! Sample beers from local and regional breweries as you marvel at the spectacle of over 800,000 lights throughout the zoo! Tickets: VIP Tickets ($85) Enjoy early access to the zoo for an exclusive polar bear encounter, plus all the benefits of General Admission! General Admission ($45 in advance/$60 at the gate) Fill your commemorative glass with unlimited tastings from breweries, enjoy a live DJ, unlimited carousel rides, and a photo booth…
Find out more »February 2020
International Polar Bear Day
Join our polar bears, Nuniq and Berit, and learn about ways you can take action to protect their habitat in the wild! Activities happening in the Discovery Center from 11am-3pm, including games and crafts. 11am - Keeper Chat - Bear Exhibit Noon - Story time - Discovery Center 1pm - Story time - Discovery Center 2pm - Keeper Chat - Bear Exhibit
Find out more »April 2020
POSTPONED – Party for the Planet
Note: This event has been postponed. Please check back soon for further information. Click here for: Español or Hmoob We are throwing a Party for the Planet, and you’re invited! You can participate in activities and actions to make a positive impact on the many challenges facing our planet, starting right here in the Zoo’s local watershed. Over one billion people around the globe are expected to step up to make the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day an inspiring…
Find out more »September 2020
RUN WILD 2020
We have made the decision to hold our RUN WILD 5/10k race virtually this year. RUN WILD is one of our most successful events of the year and we always look forward to seeing everyone come out to support the Zoo, and we hope that you will consider racing with us virtually this year! Sign up for the 5k or 10k distance and run your course any time between September 20 and October 4. Run near your home or on…
Find out more »