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, June 20th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm
Join us for a magical evening of music, memories, and making a difference at the Utica Zoo’s Cubs Cotillion! This special parent‑and‑child dance invites families to dress up, dance together, and support an incredible cause.
Young guests will enjoy an elegant but fun atmosphere filled with music by Amos Donnell Productions, a light buffet with desserts, ambassador animal presentations, and even some royal guests!
Prior to the evening, children are invited to participate in a friendly fundraising effort to support our accredited zoo and our mission of wildlife conservation. Once registered, you will receive a downloadable fundraising sheet and digital donation page customized to your child, as well as social media graphics to share to help your child raise money for wildlife conservation! The downloadable fundraising form is below.
The boy and girl who fundraise the most for wildlife conservation by 4:00pm on June 20th will be crowned ‘King of the Jungle’ and ‘Queen Bee’ of Utica Zoo for 2026! Winners will also receive a free family membership. Runner-ups will win day passes to visit the zoo again!
Whether you’re twirling on the dance floor, cheering for your little cub, or simply soaking in the joy of a night out together, this event is designed to create lasting family memories while giving back to your local AZA-accredited zoo.
*This special parent-and-child dance is rain or shine, as it will be inside our decked-out Visitor Center. Individuals are encouraged to fundraise, but by no means have to in order to attend this magical event. This dance is recommended for children ages 3-12 years and their guardians, but all are welcome!
Tickets to this magical night are $35 per child and $10 per adult. See button below for more information and to purchase your tickets!
Saturday, July 11th ALL DAY
Join us for some festive family fun on Saturday, July 11th on zoo grounds as we bring back the holiday cheer! Enjoy a decorated zoo under sunny blue skies along with:
- Holiday crafts for children
- Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus
- Festive specials at Polly’s Concessions
- Holiday-themed merchandise in our gift shop
- An ENRICHMENT DRIVE
Like that of a toy drive, we will be accepting donations to our ENRICHMENT DRIVE. Enrichment is a very valuable tool accredited zoos and aquariums across the nation utilize to help provide animals under human care with mental stimulation and encourages their natural behaviors. Enrichment can come in many forms, but our team has created a wishlist of desired items that would benefit our animals and can be found by clicking the button below. If you contribute to our enrichment drive by donating from Friday, July 10th through Sunday, July 12th, we’ll enter your name into a raffle to win a free Utica Zoo family membership!
Are you registered to run in the annual Boilermaker Road race here in Utica on July 12th? Show your bib at our ticket window to get $1 off admission from Friday, July 10th to Sunday, July 12th.
This event is free with regular zoo admission and rain or shine.
MESTA FIESTA at Utica Zoo is Sunday, July 19th from 12:00pm to 3:00pm
Join the party of the summer celebrating the vibrant Latino community of Mohawk Valley!
Guests can enjoy:
- Authentic Mexican food by Deli Tacos and Ecuamex
- Childrens’ face painting and parade around zoo they can participate in
- Performances by the MVLA Caribbean Dance Crew
- Live Mariachi music by Trio Los Claveles
- Door prizes for all children (that include 2 day passes to UZ)!
- Keeper talks highlighting animals from Central America such as the Mexican Spider MOnkey an dthe Mexican Beaded Lizard
- Miniature donkey walkabouts on zoo grounds
Get $1 off each admission ticket if purchased online in advance by July 12th! See button below to secure your tickets now and SAVE!
This event is generously sponsored by Mohawk Valley Latino Community, CNY Latino, Faith Multi Services, News Channel 2 WKTV, Mohawk Valley Granite, and Mastrovito Used Car Supercenter.
