Skip to main content

Upcoming events

Wild Wednesdays

Date: July 1

Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Couple at zoo smiling for camera

Experience the zoo after hours, without daytime crowds or kids. 

Looking to spice up your midweek with a fun night out? Beat the hump day blues and check out Wild Wednesdays this summer at the Oregon Zoo! This 21+ only series offers two adult-only summer evenings at the zoo for a special after-hours price. Kick back with themed cocktails and mocktails and delicious food available for purchase. Wild Wednesdays will occur on July 1 and Aug. 5. 

Enjoy live entertainment, keeper chats, animal encounters and a chance to get to know some of the animals active during twilight hours. Plus, ride the zoo train and carousel for free all night long. Gather friends, bring a date or come solo and enjoy a lively summer night at the zoo! 

Each Wild Wednesday has a special theme: 

  • Island Time, July 1: Party at the zoo with tropical style! Come dressed in your favorite island attire—think floral prints, fun hats and sunglasses—to pair with a tasty cocktail or mocktail. Plus, enjoy performances and traditional Hula lessons from Hula Halau 'Ohana Holo'oko'a. Special menu items include island chicken skewers, coconut shrimp and fries, Hawaiian pizza, charcuterie and crudité.
  • Retro Rewind, Aug. 5: It’s a blast from the past! Celebrate your favorite decade with your best retro attire and get down to retro grooves from DJ Action Slacks. Every era is in play—the roaring ‘20s, swinging ‘60s, radical ‘80s, grungy ‘90s, Y2K and more. Special menu items include sidewinder fries with pub sauce, cheddar bacon brats, charcuterie and crudité.

Together for Wildlife! 

Every ticket purchased helps the Oregon Zoo protect endangered species at home and around the world. Learn more

                         

  • Food and beverage

    Growlers Pizza and Beer
    Elephant Ears
    Portland Pretzel & Popcorn Co.
    Brat Haus
    Cantina Bowl
    Sunset Highway Shave Ice Co.
    Trailhead Snacks

    Bars located at Entry and Elephant Plazas

  • FAQs

    • What is included in my ticket?

      Each Wild Wednesdays ticket gets you exclusive admission into the zoo after hours. Enjoy live entertainment, keeper chats, animal encounters and a chance to get to know some of the animals active during twilight hours. Plus, ride the zoo train and carousel for free all night long. 

    • Do you accept cash?

      The zoo is cashless. We accept credit/debit cards and touchless payment methods. Cash-to-card machines, also known as reverse ATMs, are available inside the zoo and free to use.  

    • How do I get into the zoo?

      Located in Washington Park, just west of downtown Portland, the zoo is easily accessible by car, rideshare or taxi, public transportation, bicycle or foot. Visit our location and parking page for more information on accessing the park. 

    • Where do I park?

      A limited amount of parking is available in the lot adjacent to the zoo and throughout the park. Visitors can pay for parking at pay stations with coin or card, or through the Parking Kitty app. 

      Park & Ride is just 8 minutes away and two exits west of the Oregon Zoo at the Sunset Transit Center. 600+ FREE parking spaces are available. MAX train from Sunset Transit Center to the zoo arrives every 10 minutes or less. TriMet fare is required on MAX. 

    • Where do I enter the zoo?

      Please enter through the main entrance, which is located near the Washington Park MAX station and adjacent to the main parking lot. 

    • Can I bring my infant or child to Wild Wednesdays?

      No. Wild Wednesdays is a 21+ event. No exceptions can be made to this rule. 

    • Do I need a photo ID to enter?

      Yes. No one without a valid ID will be allowed to enter the event and tickets are not refundable. 

    • Can I enter Wild Wednesdays if I came to the zoo for daytime admission?

      Special events like ZooBrew are ticketed separately and are not included with daytime admission tickets. All visitors with a daytime admission ticket, including members, must exit the zoo when it closes to prepare for special events.

    • Will I see animals?

      Some animals may be visible, but most will be off view as keepers wrap up their evening tasks before the zoo closes. 

    • Will the train and carousel be open for Wild Wednesdays?

      Yes. Ride the zoo train and carousel for free all night long.

    • Where is rideshare pickup?

      Rideshare pickup is located just south of the main zoo entrance, in front of Conservation Hall.