ZOO EVENT CALENDAR 2013

June

Zoo Brew

Saturday, June 1
3:00 - 6:00 p.m. (2:00 p.m. early entry for VIP ticketholders) 

The Zoo’s fourth annual Zoo Brew fundraiser features tastings from more than 20 breweries from throughout the region and beyond. Includes commemorative four-ounce tasting glass, unlimited brew samples, and special animal encounters. VIP tickets allow for early entrance & complimentary pub-fare appetizers. A special Zoo Brew menu and merchandise available for sale as well. Check out the Zoo Brew page for more info! 

Early ticket purchase encouraged as Zoo Brew usually sells out in advance. Ages 21 & over only.

This event is SOLD OUT.

World Oceans Day

Saturday, June 8
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Join in the planet’s biggest celebration of the ocean with activities at the Zoo for both kids and adults. Information about how to shop for sustainable seafood will also be available. More details to be announced. 

Cost: free with Zoo admission. 

Father's Day

Sunday, June 16
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Dads are in the spotlight at the Zoo on Father’s Day. More details to be announced. 

Cost: free with Zoo admission.

Summer Zoo Camp

June 17 - August 23
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. regular day, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. extended day

Voted “best summer camp” by both Independent and Santa Barbara News-Press readers’ polls, Zoo Camp introduces kids ages 3 to 12 to the wild world of animals and science. Age-appropriate themed programs include games, teacher-led workshops, behind-the-scenes visits, up-close animal introductions, hands-on science, and crafts. Registration required; register online or contact the Conservation Education Department by phone (805) 679-8500 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Visit our summer camp info page for more details.

Cost: $225/week/Non-members, $185/week/SB Zoo Members. Additional fee for extended day.

August

Dignatarios

Thursday, August 1
5:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Presented jointly by Old Spanish Days and the Zoo, this fundraiser honors Santa Barbara’s elected officials and features live entertainment, dancing, mariachis, margaritas, and tempting treats from over 20 local restaurants. It’s Fiesta’s wildest party!

Early Closure: General admission ticket sales end at 2:30 p.m., Membership admission ends at 3:00 p.m., Zoo closes at 3:30 p.m.

Cost: $85 in advance, $100 at the door. 

 presents Zoofari Ball XXVIII: Rock & Roar 

Celebrating the Zoo's Golden Anniversary

Saturday, August 24
5:30 - 11:00 p.m.

For one night only, the Santa Barbara Zoo will transform into the most exclusive club on the American Riviera as Union Bank presents Zoofari Ball XXVIII: Rock & Roar.  Step past the red velvet rope; your name is on the guest list alongside Honorary Chairs Gerd and Pete Jordano.  A swank, suave, sophisticated, and sassy evening of sumptuous food and dancing under the stars to the music of King Bee awaits you.  It could be the world’s most beautiful outdoor night club.  You’ll dance until your feet are sore… then come back for more.   Zoofari usually sells out in advance. For more information, see our Zoofari mini site or call (805) 962-5339, ext. 113. 

Early Closure: General admission ticket sales end at 2:30 p.m., Membership admission ends at 3:00 p.m., Zoo closes at 3:30 p.m.

Cost: $275 through July 15; $300 after July 15. Tickets on sale now: call Christine at (805) 963-5339, ext. 113 or order online at Brown Paper Tickets. 

International Vulture Awareness Day

Saturday, August 31
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The world’s flying scavengers might be considered “gross” by some, but on this day, the world’s zoos and conservation organizations celebrate this under-appreciated, yet ecologically vital group of birds. Hands on activities are fun and informative, and focus on the Zoo’s three vulture species: California condors, Ruppell’s griffon vultures, and turkey vultures. Keeper talks and vulture trainings take place throughout the day. 

Cost: free with Zoo admission.

September

Sea Otter Awareness Day

Saturday, September 28
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The Santa Barbara Zoo does not exhibit sea otters, but does participate in an U. S. Geological Survey study monitoring the return of the sea otters to Central Coast. Discover more about these fascinating creatures, their brush with near-extinction, and their gradual repopulation of their historic range at a day-long celebration that falls at the tail end of Sea Otter Awareness Week. Hands-on activities, information, and more. 

Cost: free with Zoo admission.

October

Science Day

Saturday, October 5
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Science Day is a fun way for teachers, families, and students to discover their community’s world of science – from tracking animals through the wilderness to exploring the science behind gardening. Over 40 fun, hands-on activity stations are located throughout the Zoo and keepers give special animal presentations. New activities this year! Science Day maps, including event schedule and activity station locations, to be distributed at the front gate. 

Contact the Conservation Education Department by phone (805) 679-8500 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  for more information.

Cost: free with Zoo admission. Free admission and parking for teachers with advance reservation.

Boo at the Zoo

Friday, October 25 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 26 from 4:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 27 from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Have a spooktacularly good time as the Zoo transforms for three nights of safe, traffic-free trick-­or-treating during this merry-not-too-scary event. Features monster-ous thrills and chills including a Trick or Treat Trail, Boo-Choo-Choo train rides, Creepy Crawly encounters, Spooky Storytelling, Goblin Games, nightly Costume Parade, Ghoulish Goodies, and more. Boo at the Zoo is the most popular family Halloween festival in the tri-counties area!

Early Closure for all three dates: General admission ticket sales end at 2:30 p.m., Membership admission ends at 3:00 p.m., Zoo closes at 3:30 p.m.

Cost: $14/adults, $10/children 2-12. SB Zoo Members get $1 off per ticket. Boo-Choo-Choo rides sold separately.

November

Thanksgiving Day Pumpkin Smash

Thursday, November 28
10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Animal lovers are encouraged to get the kids out of the house this Thanksgiving and come to the Zoo for a smashin’ good time!  Watch as the elephants, gorillas, and other Zoo animals play and interact with pumpkins.

Early Closure: General admission ticket sales end at 2:30 p.m., Membership admission ends at 3:00 p.m., Zoo closes at 3:30 p.m.

Cost: free with Zoo admission.

December

Snow Leopard Festival & Sledding at the Zoo

Sunday, December 8
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (9:00 a.m. entry for SB Zoo Members)

It’s a winter wonderland beneath palm trees overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the Zoo’s annual Snow Leopard Festival. More than 80 tons of snow is fashioned into sledding runs, piled into a children’s play area, and is placed in exhibits for snow leopards, elephants, and other animals to romp in. There are also snow-related arts and crafts and more. Plus, Santa returns for photos in the Kallman Family Children’s Garden.

Cost: event is free with admission. 

Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Tuesday & Wednesday, December 24 & 25
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Families can create a new tradition by visiting the Santa Barbara Zoo on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day. Keepers keep things jolly with special talks, and holiday enrichment for the animals. 

Cost: free with Zoo admission.

Winter Zoo Camp

December 23, 26, 27 & December 30, 2013 - January 3, 2014
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

The Zoo’s award-winning Zoo Camp has a special program during Winter Break featuring age-appropriate themed programs for kids for ages 3 to 9 and includes games, behind-­the-scenes visits, up-close animal introductions, hands-on science, and crafts.