Special events are hosted throughout the year by the National Zoo and Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ), the Zoo’s nonprofit partner. Here's the calendar of events:

African-American Family Celebration
Easter Monday, April 6, 2015. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more than 100 years, families from Washington's African-American community have visited the National Zoo on Easter Monday to socialize and celebrate the holiday with a variety of activities and entertainment.

The event is free and all are welcome. (202) 633-3040.

Earth Day Celebration
April 22, 2015, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The Zoo and FONZ will commemorate Earth Day with a clean up of Rock Creek. Learn about the many green achievements and continued efforts across the National Zoo. Group tours of the green features of American Trail leave from the Carousel at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

National ZooFari
May 14, 2015, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
FONZ's annual fundraising event, a casual, exciting evening of gourmet foods, fine wines, and fabulous entertainment. Live music, animal encounters, a sweepstakes, and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit a variety of programs at the National Zoo, including conservation and science projects, exhibit development and construction, and the Zoo's revitalization project. (202) 633-4470.

Brew at the Zoo
July 23, 2015
Join more than 2,000 young professionals from the D.C. area and enjoy handcrafted beers brewed by more than 20 local and European breweries, as well as live music and hors d'oeuvres.

(202) 633-3026.

ZooFiesta
September 21, 2015, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A celebration of the diversity and richness of Latin American culture and wildlife. Enjoy a variety of family-oriented cultural activities, live music and dance performances, special keeper talks about animals native to Latin American countries, and a Latin American food court. (202)633-3040.

Autumn Conservation Festival
October 3-4, 2015
The one time every year that Smithsonian Biology Conservation Institute, Front Royal is open to the public! Come get a behind-the-scenes look at our world-renowned science, research, and animal care.

Boo at the Zoo
October 23-25, 2015, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
This popular event regularly sells out weeks in advance, and is a fun and safe way for kids and families to celebrate Halloween by trick-or-treating throughout the Zoo. Children also enjoy hands-on activities and interpretive talks about some of the Zoo's creepiest creatures and watch as the Zoo's elephants, lions, and tigers smash and stomp some pumpkins at the Elephant House and Great Cats exhibit. (202) 633-4470.

ZooLights
November 27, 2015 - January 1, 2016. Closed Dec. 24, 25, 5-9 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season at the National Zoo and see larger-than-life displays featuring many of the Zoo’s most popular animals, plus fun activities and live entertainment.

For more information and to purchase event tickets, visit the FONZ website or call (202) 633-3040.