August 29 @ 9:30 am – 4:00 pm EDT

Purchase tickets here!

For 125 years, the Virginia Zoo has been a cornerstone of the Hampton Roads community – a place where generations of families and friends have come together to explore the natural world, learn about conservation, and create lasting memories. Now, we’re celebrating the incredible journey that brought us here, and the people who made it possible – YOU!

Join us on August 29 from 9:30 am to 4 pm for the Virginia Zoo’s 125th Anniversary Celebration, a day filled with unforgettable animal experiences, family fun, and special moments honoring this once‑in‑a‑lifetime milestone.

Whether you’re rekindling your childhood love of the Zoo or visiting for the very first time, this celebration is for you. Join Zoo friends, past and present, as we mark 125 years of connection, conservation and community.

Event is free with general admission or Zoo membership.

Activities

MORE INFO COMING SOON

Available for an additional cost ($):

  • Animal Art & Enrichment Silent Auction in the Event Pavilion
  • Fairy Hair from The Fairy Hair Company & Tinseltown 757
  • Face Painting by Artfully Yours Face Painting & Emily’s Fun Faces
  • Live Portraits from RUBYSTARART
  • Virginia Zoo Gift Shop will be open from 9am to 4pm.
    • 25% discount available to Members only.
    • 12.5% discount available for Non-Members.
  • The Virginia Zoo has 125 Do-It-Yourself rain barrel kits in honor of our 125th anniversary celebrations. The kits come with a 55-gallon barrel, installation hardware, and instructions. Some assembly is required. Reserve your kit today for a minimum of $5 and pick it up at our 125th anniversary event on Saturday, August 29th from 9:30am-4pm. All proceeds go to the Virginia Zoo’s Conservation Fund. Rain barrel kits are in limited supply, so reserve yours along with your tickets to the 125th celebration today!
Reserve your rain barrel here!

Food & Drink ($)

MORE INFO COMING SOON

  • Food Trucks ($)
  • African Village Restaurant will be open from 10am to 4pm.
    • Spiked Icees – $10
    • Regular Icees – $3.50
  • Beastro will be open from 10:30am to 3:30pm.
  • Mini Melts will be open from 10:30am to 4pm.

Event Reminders

  • Tickets are non-refundable. All sales are final. Should a ticket holder be unable to attend the event, the purchase will be considered a donation.
  • As an outdoor venue, events are rain or shine unless otherwise indicated. Event updates will be shared via the Virginia Zoo website, email, and, social media channels whenever possible prior to the event.
  • The Zoo is a smoke-free facility; no smoking is allowed inside the Zoo. This also includes e-cigarettes and vaping. Inability to follow this rule will result in dismissal from Zoo grounds without a refund.
  • By purchasing an event ticket, you agree to abide by the Virginia Zoo’s Rules & Policies.