Events
The Utica Zoo hosts numerous events throughout the year from large premiere events that happen annually to smaller special events that occur more regularly. If you are interested in hosting your own even here on zoo grounds, feel free to visit our Pavilion Rentals page!
Upcoming Events:
Friday, March 20th
Join us as we celebrate the first day of Spring and the end of the holy month of Ramadan. We invite you to enjoy the fresh air of a new season surrounded by wildlife, friends, and family!
You can expect a frog mascot, vendors, crafts, seed-bomb making, book readings, spring-related keeper talks, and ambassador animal appearances.
Birdsong Cafe food truck will be on grounds at this event, serving up specialty lattes, bubble lemonades, crepes, smoothies and smoothie bowls, and more! See their full menu and what to expect below.
Event Schedule:
- 10:30am Spring-time Story-time in Visitor Center
- 11:30am Educational keeper talk at Bactrian camel exhibit (20% off all camel plush in the gift shop, this day only)!
- 12:00pm Spring-time Story-time in Visitor Center
- 12:30pm Ambassador animal presentation (Og the African bullfrog) by education & conservation staff in visitor center
- 2:30pm Educational keeper talk at turtle exhibit in the Scales & Tails Wildlife Hall
- 3:00pm Spring-time Story-time in Visitor Center
- 3:30pm Ambassador animal presentation (Athena the southern 3-banded armadillo) by education & conservation staff in the Visitor Center
This event is free with regular paid admission and no prior registration is required.
Saturday, March 28th from 1pm to 3pm
Join us for a wild experience of creativity and relaxation at the Utica Zoo! Our Paint & Sip event is the perfect way to unwind, socialize, and create a masterpiece surrounded by nature and wildlife. THIS TIME, the canvas for your masterpiece will be on a real ostrich egg, laid by one of Utica Zoo’s common ostriches!
Your Ticket Includes:
- General Zoo Admission – come early and explore the zoo before the event begins!
- 1 Complimentary Beverage– alcoholic options for those 21+ and other family-friendly refreshments
- Complimentary Snack Tray filled with a variety of delicious bites to enjoy while you paint
- Professional Instruction from a local artist— ‘Painting Wild’ by Erin Horender- who is perfect for beginners and experienced painters alike
- Your Own Take-Home Painting as a keepsake of your zoo adventure!
Grab your friends or kids, sip, snack, and let your creativity run wild at this one-of-a-kind afternoon event!
All ages are welcomed for this activity!
