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:
Saturday, April 25th from 10:00am to 3:00pm
Party for the Planet connects families to nature through volunteer opportunities and events that improve our planet. Join us and other AZA-accredited zoos, aquariums, science centers, and nature centers as we work to improve the condition of our planet, Earth. To celebrate, we’ll have conservation organizations available to learn from, free giveaways, food trucks, volunteer opportunities, earth-day related crafts, and more! No registration is required and this event is free with regular zoo admission.
Saturday, May 2nd
Join us at this fundraising event to learn about the conservation of salamanders! This conservation event is free with regular zoo admission and boasts signature sundae’s from Polly’s, a ‘Salamander Stroll’ opportunitiy, and more!
Saturday, May 9th from 10:00am to 12:00pm
This Mother’s day weekend, grab your mom or child so you can sip, snack, and let your creativity run wild at this memorable event! Together, you’ll create a masterpiece of our current White-handed Gibbon family that you’ll remember forever!
You’ll receive all painting materials and professional instruction from a local, professional artist, along with complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, kid-friendly foods, and zoo admission! Artists are recommended to be above 5 years of age. Instruction starts promptly at 10:00am. One ticket purchased includes both the adult and child’s participation.
Professional artistic instruction by Erin from Painting Wild.
Saturday, May 9th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Can you think of a better place to paint and sip than at the zoo? This adult session includes all painting materials (paint your peacock on a wood pallet) and professional instruction from a local, professional artist, delicious snacks, and alcoholic refreshments. Invite a friend or make new ones while you create a breathtaking peacock masterpiece! Instruction starts promptly at 2:00pm.
Professional artistic instruction by Erin from Painting Wild.
Sunday, May 10th
Utica Zoo welcomes all wonderful mothers, family, and friends to enjoy this day outside on zoo grounds surrounded by wildlife. Take your own family photos by our picturesque watering can garden and pond, jump on the bounce pillow, or enjoy a treat at Polly’s Concessions. Raspberry wine slushies this day only! Admission is free for all mothers!
This day is generously sponsored by High Street Insurance & Financial Services.
Friday, May 15th – Sunday, May 17th
We’re highlighting Endangered Species Day on May 15th with a roaring good line-up all Dino Weekend! All three days, you can expect discounted dinosaur and Jurassic collectibles in our gift shop from 10:00am to 4:30pm.
Friday night, enjoy an outdoor viewing in the middle of the zoo of the 2025 movie; Jurassic Park: Rebirth. Saturday night, plan to view the classic 1988 film, The Land Before Time. Gates open for movie goers both days at 7pm with movie start times at approximately 8pm.
Sunday, May 24th from 10:00am to 12:00pm
One of our iconic Teddy Bear Clinics will be returning! Visit the Utica Zoo Sunday, May 24th between 10:00am and 12:00pm to have your child’s favorite stuffed animal scheduled to see our highly qualified stuffed animal doctors who are ready to give their favorite toy a quick check-up, or even some emergency care! They will leave with a clean bill of health certificate.
Reservations are recommended but not required, as we are accenting walk-in appointments. This event is free with regular paid admission.
Saturday, May 30th at 10:30am
December 17th, 2025, we welcomed a new addition to our White-handed Gibbon family! Artoo is a 4-month old male who has been stealing hearts since his birth! We would like to celebrate his arrival with you at our Gibbon Baby Shower this spring, filled with treats, baby-themed education and games, an enrichment raffle, and more.
Be festive: wear blue for $1 off admission.
Be entered in a raffle to win a free membership when you bring our Gibbon family an enrichment gift!! Any enrichment gifts brought to the family are extremely appreciated. Find options on our wish list below.
The whole family will be let outside to an exhibit decked-out with decor and various types of enrichment at 10:30am! A keeper talk will follow at 11:30am.
Saturday, June 6th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Our 26th annual Wine in the Wilderness will boast samples from various stand-out wineries and breweries. Each ticket provides the holder with a wine glass for the night to sample each vendor, including the delicious local food trucks on grounds. Live music, wildlife, and so much more!
