Host your event at the wildest place in town! Celebrate in a truly unique setting that blends nature, wildlife, and immersive experiences. From corporate gatherings and social celebrations to private exhibit tours and birthday parties, we provide extraordinary event spaces tailored to every occasion. Explore our venue options, discover key details, and fill out an inquiry form to start planning your one-of-a-kind event today!
Type of events
Corporate Events
The Louisville Zoo is the perfect venue for company picnics, team-building, meetings, dinners, cocktail parties, and more. Give your attendees an experience they’ll talk about for years!
Social Events
From proms to family reunions to anniversaries and more, the Louisville Zoo provides a fun venue for your special occasion.
Birthday Parties
Pricing is $32 per person, with a 25-person minimum, and reservations must be made at least 30 days in advance. The package includes a two-hour outdoor party space, admission, parking, box lunches, and all service fees and taxes. Enhance your event with add-ons like unlimited carousel rides and food and beverage upgrades. Please note that streamers, confetti, and balloons are not permitted on Zoo grounds.
Make your birthday celebration truly wild! Our complete party package includes event space, Zoo admission, parking, and box lunches.
Private Event
Planning something unique? Tell us what you need, and we’ll work with you to make it unforgettable!
Event locations
African Outpost & Wrap Around Deck
A tasteful and highly themed facility. The African Outpost accommodates up to 175 guests and features luxurious landscaping, authentic African art, and a scenic wrap-around patio.
Gheens Room
Our largest indoor space! Located in the lush Islands Exhibit, this room accommodates up to 130 guests and features a private view of our tropical forest aviary. Perfect for a banquet, meeting, party, or other indoor gathering.
Glacier Run Classroom
A fun and exciting environment to host any type of event. This classroom can seat up to 45 guests for anything from a small banquet to a business meeting. Your guests will have the full Arctic experience, witnessing our polar bears up close and personal!
Hillside Gazebo
This open-air picnic facility provides a gorgeous view overlooking Waterfowl Lake. Accommodating up to 80 guests, this facility is ideal for a secluded picnic in a relaxing natural setting.
Oasis Tent & Field
One of the area’s largest open-air tents can accommodate 450 seated guests and thousands for a private picnic. The field area around the tent is four acres. It is perfect for a variety of field games, tents, festivals, and trade shows. In addition to the field, there is a band shell.
Snow Leopard Classroom
This classroom is perfect for a younger crowd, with capacity for 30 guests. Enjoy a special birthday celebration with an up-close and personal view of our snow leopards!
Treetops Room
This indoor space, located in the lush Islands Exhibit, accommodates up to 25 guests and features a private view of our dayroom. Perfect for a small meeting or birthday party.
Zoo Vision
Located closer to the front of the Zoo, this newly-remodeled space is the perfect room to have a private corporate meeting or cocktail reception.
Zoo Buy-Outs
Create an unforgettable experience by hosting your event at the Zoo after closing hours. Whether you need a full or half Zoo buy-out, we’ll keep portions—or all—of the Zoo open exclusively for your guests!
FAQ
How do we get to the Zoo?
Guests should enter at 1100 Trevilian Way. Delivery directions can be provided based on event location.
Is parking included?
Yes, parking is covered in the daytime facility fee and the evening event parking is free for guests. Valet service is not provided.
Is on-site transportation available for guests with mobility challenges?
Yes, transportation is available for handicapable attendees. Additional fees may apply if transportation is requested for all guests.
Can we explore the Zoo during our event?
- Daytime events include full access to all exhibits.
- Evening events allow access to one exhibit during cocktail hour (dependent on sundown).
- Full Zoo buyouts provide multiple or all exhibits based on guest count and sunset timing.
What are the event time options?
- Daytime Events (Approx. 2 hours) – Held during normal Zoo operating hours.
- Evening Events (2–4 hours) – Access to select Zoo areas.
- March–October: Start no earlier than 6 p.m., end by 9 p.m.
- November–February: Start no earlier than 4 p.m., end by 8 p.m.
What’s included in my rental?
Your rental includes in-house tables, chairs, disposable dinnerware, and flatware. Additional rentals—such as china, glassware, flatware, linens, and Audio/Visual equipment—are available at an extra cost.
How can I view available rental spaces?
Contact us at (502) 238-5348, email louisvillezooevents@thessagroup.com, or submit an event inquiry form.
Is AV equipment available?
The Zoo offers limited AV equipment on a first-come, first-serve basis. We can assist with additional rental needs.
Is catering available?
Yes, The SSA Group provides exclusive catering for all private events. Outside food and beverages are not permitted.
Can alcohol be served?
Yes, The SSA Group is the only licensed entity allowed to serve alcohol on-site.
Are any items prohibited?
Yes, the following are not allowed: balloons, confetti, glitter, bouncy houses, tiki torches, balls, bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, outside animals (except service animals), scooters, straws, and glass bottles.
Do you require event insurance?
Yes, a Certificate of Insurance covering general liability is required. If deliveries involve a vehicle, auto liability coverage must be included. Otherwise, deliveries must be carried in from the parking lot.
What happens if there’s bad weather?
Events proceed rain or shine. In extreme cases (blizzards, hurricanes, tornadoes), rescheduling arrangements can be made.