Special Events
Events are free with paid admission unless otherwise noted.
SEPTEMBER
Brandywine Festival of the Arts Days at the Zoo
FRIDAY, SEPT. 6, SATURDAY, SEPT. 7 & SUNDAY, SEPT. 8; 10AM-3:30PM
Visit the Brandywine Zoo during the Brandywine Festival of the Arts!
There will be a special zoo admission rate of $5 per person during the festival. Tickets won’t be available online, but you can purchase tickets at the gate.
On 9/7 & 9/8, during the festival, shuttle buses will be available from Incyte located on Augustine Cut Off. September 6-8 the main parking lot will be unavailable. Additional parking available on 18th Street or near the Rose Garden.
Members: Free | Non-members: $5
SIP & STROLL
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 5-7:30PM
FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENT FOR ALL AGES!
Sip & Stroll through the zoo and enjoy a laid-back evening at our Thursday night happy hour series. Craft beer will be available from Bellefonte Brewing, in addition to wine, and hard cider/seltzer. Each Sip will feature a local food vendor, and unique table vendors for browsing. Plus, our concession stand will have snacks and non-alcoholic beverage options.
This family friendly event will have live music, and fun for all ages! Limited number of tickets will be sold. Drink and food purchases sold separately. Drink tickets can be purchased at the ticket window or near snack bar for $6 each.
MEMBERS: Adult $5, Children $3, Children under 3 FREE
NON-MEMBERS: Adults $10, Children $7, Children under 3 FREE
MIGHTY MONARCH DAY
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 10AM-3PM
We’re showcasing monarch butterflies all day! They’ve spent their summer in Delaware and are now fluttering their way to Mexico. Learn about the journey and other interesting facts of this amazing insect. More plans are still underway, but we’re excited to announce the return of Cem Anahuac Cenyelistli, a traditional Mexican dance group that will perform on our amphitheater stage. There will also be monarch themed Storytimes, photo-ops with former Mrs. Delaware Lisa Albright, and you can participate in the Symbolic Migration program by decorating your own paper butterfly that will be sent to children in schools located near the overwintering sites in Mexico!
For more information email: communityengagement@brandywinezoo.org.
Event is included with general admission.
This performance is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com
OCTOBER
Folktale Fun featuring TAHIRA
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 11AM
Join us at the Brandywine Zoo on October 5 at 11 a.m. for an exciting storytelling adventure with nationally acclaimed storyteller TAHIRA! In “Folktale Fun,” clever spiders, mischievous monkeys, and grinning buzzards come to life through engaging animal tales that perfectly complement the zoo setting. This high-energy program not only entertains but also teaches valuable listening skills and inspires a love for reading among elementary school-aged children. Families nationwide have praised TAHIRA’s ability to captivate and inspire audiences with her lively storytelling and music. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of folktales from the 2023 Delaware Division of the Arts Master Fellow in Oral Literature.
Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun, learning, and unforgettable stories! This performance is free with zoo admission.
This performance is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com
Migratory Bird Day
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 10AM-3PM
Fly on over to the zoo to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day 2024! We’re buzzing about this year’s theme “Protect Insects, Protect Birds” by highlighting the importance of insects as essential food sources for migratory birds (and people too!) Enjoy fun themed activities, learn about what you can do to protect birds and insects, and meet exciting partners like Tri-State Bird Rescue, DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, the University of Delaware’s Entomology Club, and Fifth Dimension Cricket Farm!
Members: Free | Non-members: $9/adult, $7/youth; Free for under 3
Boo at the Zoo
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 & SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 10AM-3PM
CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN ZOO-STYLE WITH THIS MERRY, NOT SCARY EVENT.
All are invited to wear costumes while visiting the zoo animals. Plenty of treats and activities. Brandywine Zoo members receive a discount for this event! Tickets available at door and online. Online purchase recommended.
Members: $4 | Non-members: $8 | Children 2 and under: Free
Spirits at the Zoo
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 5:30-8PM
CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN AT THE ZOO FOR AN EVENING OF HOLIDAY REVELRY.
Enjoy spooky cocktails and liquid libations, light nibbles, and bewitching entertainment with live music by Green Eggs and Jam. Wear your costumes to be entered into the costume contest with prizes, or just come and enjoy!
Tickets include admission and entertainment. Drink and food purchases sold separately. Drink tickets are $6. Proceeds from the event benefit the Delaware Zoological Society of the Brandywine Zoo. The event will be held rain or moonshine. Strictly 21+ with valid ID required.
Special thanks to Dogfish Head Beer & Benevolence for their generous donation of beer and canned cocktails!
Members: $5 | Non-members: $10
NOVEMBER
Scout Night
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 4:30-7PM
Enjoy an evening at the zoo for this specially designed event for scouts and their families! There will be activities and learning stations geared toward scout requirements. This program takes place in the zoo so dress for the weather.
FEE: $10/person (scouts, parents, and siblings)
PATCHES: Zoo Fun Patches available for $2 at the Gift Shop
DECEMBER
Santa at the Zoo
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 & SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 10AM-12:30PM
TAKE A PHOTO WITH SANTA AT THIS WINTER WONDERLAND EVENT!
Meet Santa, share your wishes, and get photos (you take with your camera) at this Winter Wonderland tradition at the Brandywine Zoo. Enjoy holiday activities and fun educational tables and vendors. Members MUST register for this event! Tickets available at the door and online. Online purchase recommended.
Members: $4 | Non-members: $8 | Children under 3 are Free
Zoo Year’s Eve
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 10AM-12PM & 12-2PM
CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR ZOO-STYLE!
Celebrate New Year’s Eve early in the day with a group countdown and sparkling apple cider! This year, due to the popularity of this event, there will be two time slots available to reserve: 10am-12pm or 12-2pm. We’ll have one ball drop at 11am (guests can arrive at 10am) and another at 1pm (guests can arrive at 12pm). Program takes place outside in the zoo so dress for the weather! Some animals may not be out because of the cold weather.
TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY! All those planning to attend must register online, members and non-members. We will not be accepting any guest passes or other promotions. Delaware Zoological Society Members will be admitted free but must register online and be prepared to show membership card upon entry.
Members: Free | Non-members: $5 | Children 2 and under: Free
There will be free admission to the zoo after the Zoo Year’s Eve event, from 2-4pm (last admission 3:30pm). All guests (excluding members) arriving before 2pm will be charged event admission.