Private Events

The Cincinnati Zoo can host a wide variety of events. We specialize in company picnics, corporate meetings/gathering, after-hour celebrations, holiday parties during Festival of Lights, and even company-wide Zoo Buyouts! Contact [email protected] for more information.

If you would like more information on kid’s birthday parties, please contact [email protected].

Animal appearances can be added on as an additional cost. Animal availability is based on animal cooperation, weather, handler availability, set up of venue and/or location. Animal care staff has the final decision on the animal for the visit.

Animal Appearances Details

Frisch’s Theater, Treetops Meeting Suites, Twiga, Clubhouse, and our Picnic Shelter area are able to be rented during the daytime. All of these venue spaces can also be rented out in the evening time.

No – all events taking place at public areas around the Zoo are not allowed to be closed down for a private event. All events at these locations will need to start no earlier than 6pm (6:30pm for Hippo Cove).

• Frisch’s Theater is our largest indoor meeting space and can seat a maximum of 150 people at one time.
• Africa Deck and Patio is our largest outdoor (partially covered) space and can seat a maximum of 200 people at one time. Evening rental only.
• Jasmine Azalea picnic shelter is our largest indoor/outdoor space and can seat a maximum of 396 people at one time. Picnic table seating (tables do not move). Our other two individual picnic shelters can each seat 196 people at one time.

There is not a minimum number of guests required to host your event at the Cincinnati Zoo. However, our 3^rd party catering team does require a food and beverage minimum to be met.

We require 3 baseline costs: Venue Cost, Admission Tickets, and our Food and Beverage Minimum. The venue rental includes basic set-up of tables, chairs, and food/beverage tables. Any additional set-up needs will accrue additional costs.

All food and beverages are available through our on-site caterer only.

Food and beverage minimums relate to the amount needed to spend on food, beverage, and liquor items only. The minimum does not include venue space, tickets, animals, or other Zoo experiences. Our minimums are below:

Daytime & Evening Events

• Daytime Events – Monday-Thursday: $2,000; Friday-Sunday: $3,000
• Evening Events – Monday-Thursday: $3,000; Friday-Sunday: $4,500

Picnic Events

• Monday-Thursday: $2,800
• Friday-Sunday: $3,200

Weddings

• $10,000

*Ask your Sales Manager about Zoo Buyout minimums*

Yes – you are able to bring in your own decorations, with approval from our Event Coordinator’s. The Zoo does not permit confetti, birdseed, glitter, table sprinkles, bubble or fog machines, drinking straws, disposable cup lids, or balloons of any type. No open flames permitted. Votive candles and hurricane globes are permitted with prior approval.

The earliest an event can start is 7:00am and the latest it can end is 11:00pm. If your event begins prior to normal opening hours (9am or 10am depending on the season), there is a $150 Early Arrival Fee added to the invoice.

In order to book, we require a signed event agreement and a $1,000 deposit. Events booked less than 60 days prior to the date will require a 50% deposit. A Payment Plan and Credit Card Form will be sent at the time of booking.

We do not book events less than 30 days prior to the event. We always recommend 3-4 months-notice for events, so we can make sure all details are squared away in an appropriate amount of time, along with making sure your dates and location needs are met. Picnic Saturday dates go fast, so the earlier the better. Prime picnic season is June-August.

Final guest count is due no later than 15 days prior to the event. At this time, we request tickets to be printed and the Group is responsible for distributing prior to the event.

Payments are due at the time of booking (deposit), 60 days out, 30 days out, and the final payment is due once your final guest count has been received 15 days out. Events must be paid in full prior to the event.

• The Group is responsible for all ticket distribution prior to the event. Tickets are requesting once the final guest count is received 15 days prior. Tickets take a minimum 2 business days to print. Once printed, there are 2 options:
• Zoo Event Coordinator can leave them in Will-Call for one individual from the Group to pick up prior to the event to distribute accordingly.
• Zoo Event Coordinator can send them via USPS for a $12 mailing fee.

We offer discounted venue rental and ticket prices, with proof of non-profit status upon booking. Please reach out to [email protected] for more information.

No – the Zoo does not accept memberships for private events. All guests attending the event will need to be considered in the final guest count for both tickets and catering needs.

Events go rain or shine! Depending on group size and venue availability, there may be an opportunity to be able to move your event inside, but no guarantees. All rain plan decisions will need to be made at least 48 hours prior to the event date.