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:
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.
Your Ticket Includes:
- General Zoo Admission – come early and explore the zoo before the event begins
- 1 Complimentary Alcoholic Beverage with water and soda available
- Personal Charcuterie Plate filled with delicious bites to enjoy while you paint
- Professional Instruction from a local artist—perfect for beginners and experienced painters alike
- Your Own Take-Home Painting as a keepsake of your zoo adventure
Details:
- Saturday, January 31st from 1-4pm
- Zebra painting on canvas
Grab your friends, sip, snack, and let your creativity run wild at this one-of-a-kind evening event!
Back by popular demand, the Utica Zoo has returned with another ‘Meet Your Mate’ speed dating event, this time extending sequences for even more opportunities for everyone to thaw their hearts out during this cold season!
Here’s the scoop for our ‘Thaw Your Heart Out’ series: singles will rotate through a series of quick and lively mini-dates within a romantic, wintery atmosphere. You’ll have just a few minutes to chat, laugh, and see if there’s chemistry before moving on to your next potential match. At the end, mark down your favorites using the materials we provide—if the feeling’s mutual, we’ll help you connect after the event!
Event Highlights:
🐾 Organized, fast-paced “mini-dates” to keep the night fun and lively
🐾 Complimentary refreshments and snacks to keep your energy up
🐾 A chance to find your purr-fect match in a truly wild setting
🐾 New opportunity for the LGBTQ+ community looking for love
Details:
📅 Date: February 7th & February 15th
The Great Backyard Bird Count has returned for its 29th annual event, and you could participate at the Utica Zoo!
Every February, individuals come together to tally as many bird species as possible over four days. These results help create a more transparent picture of how birds are faring—whether individual species are declining, increasing, or holding steady in the face of habitat loss, climate change, and other threats.
You can contribute to this conservation effort on February 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th from 10am to 1pm on Utica Zoo grounds!
Registration and counting is free with regular paid zoo admission.
For more information, check out 🔗www.birdcount.org
