Adult Night
March 21 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm EDT

Have you been missing the golden age of gaming? 👾 Well, it’s time to level up by joining us for Adult Night: Game On on Saturday, March 21 from 5pm-8pm at the Virginia Zoo!
Consider us your Game Master on all things retro games! From tabletop 🎲 and cards 🃏, to game shows and video games – this night is your ultimate cheat code for a night of nostalgic fun for Zoo fans 21+! Aim for a new high score while playing vintage arcade games 🕹️, compete in classic game shows like Family Feud – Zoo style, refuel on elevated versions of beloved afterschool snacks (& beverages!), treat your inner child to the collectables you always wanted, and so much more! We guarantee when we hit Game Over, you’ll leave feeling like you unlocked the ultimate achievement: an unforgettable night out!
Ready to challenge your player 2 to a friendly competition? Purchase pairs of tickets here. 👯 Anyone who purchases a pair of tickets by Friday, February 20 unlocks a bonus level and will be entered to win a two-ticket prize pack to attend our next throwback event, Adult Night: Summer Camp in July (21+ only) and 2 general admission tickets to use later in the year!
Event is for ages 21+ and takes place rain or shine. Please note that in order to not disrupt our animals’ routines, exhibit trails and the Goat Yard will close at 6:45pm, though the event continues until 8pm.
**Any listing marked with a dollar sign ($) is an additional cost.
Activities
Included with your ticket
- 5 – 5:30pm: Animal Ambassador Greeters in the Fountain Plaza
- 5 – 6:45pm: Retro game themed animal trails; Goat Yard access
- Classic arcade games
- Conservation card games
- Live game shows with MatchMaker VA, Astro Event Company, and Zoo Conservation Engagement Team
- Game shows sponsored by Astro Event Company
- Beer samples from Elation Brewing
- Photo ops with Tango the Tiger
- Steampunk themed escape room with Curtain Calls Xscape
- Video games with Gamer Bus
- Tabletop Game Demos with Atlantis Comics
- Visiting Local Businesses:
- Submit your memories table
- Share your Virginia Zoo memories with us for a chance to be featured in our 125th anniversary time capsule
Available for an additional cost ($)
- 5 – 7:40pm: Virginia Zoo Express train rides
- Virginia Zoo Gift Shop
- Game On! Vendor Market
Food & Drink ($)
- Food Trucks
- Limited throwback menu at the African Village Restaurant
- Seasoned pizza rolls: classic pizza rolls tossed in a housemade garlic & herb butter sauce for the same nostalgic taste but elevated!
- Mini corn dogs with honey mustard dip
- Fries
- Hotdogs
- Chicken tenders
- Zoo Dunkaroos: housemade Dunkaroo dip served with animal crackers
- Virginia Zoo Specialty Cocktails (while supplies last) : All drinks will be served in a 12 oz cup, $10 per drink.
- Pac Man Punch: Smirnoff vodka, lemonade, pineapple juice, and passionfruit puree
- Ultimate Smash!: Jose Cuervo Silver, ginger beer, orange juice, and a splash of grenadine
- Cinnamon Blast Cereal Milk: Jim Beam, milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla
💲Ticket Prices💲
This is a 21+ event only and IDs will be checked prior to entry.
Tickets on sale to Zoo Members starting 2/6 and available to the general public starting 2/13.
🕹️ Member: $13
🕹️ Non-Member: $28
Thank you to our sponsor: Dave & Busters!

Event Reminders
- Limited number of tickets available. Advance ticket sales end when sold out (get yours early!). If tickets remain on the day of the event, gate sales may be limited to credit card transactions only.
- 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. If any changes are made, an announcement via an email to our members and/or ticket holders and on the Virginia Zoo social media channels will be issued prior 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.
Upcoming Events
- January 14, 2026 Valentine's Day Sale
- February 15, 2026 Little Zoo
- February 19, 2026 Zoo Tales
- February 23, 2026 Little Zoo
- February 25, 2026 25 on the 25th