The Detroit Zoo and Michigan Humane Society, in collaboration with more than 20 local animal welfare organizations, will host the 21st annual fall Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo Saturday and Sunday, September 21 and 22, 2013, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hundreds of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens will be available for immediate adoption to loving homes at one of the nation's largest off-site companion animal adoption events.

Presented by Purina One and supported by PetSmart Charities, Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo will be held outdoors under tents in the Zoo's front parking lot beneath the landmark water tower. There is no charge for admission or parking for the adoption event; however, regular admission and parking fees apply for those visiting the Zoo. The event will include special appearances by Detroit Zoo mascots Junior Z and the Zooper Heroes.

Because puppies are often in high demand, "puppy passes" will be given each morning to the first 25 adoption event guests who are looking specifically to adopt a puppy. Those with puppy passes will be allowed to enter the adoption tents at 9:45 a.m., with the remainder of guests allowed to enter at 10 a.m.

Adoption fees and policies are set by each participating group. Adopters must present a valid driver's license or state ID card. All animals will have received a medical checkup and age-appropriate vaccinations. A "get-acquainted" area will be available to provide guests an opportunity to spend time with an animal before adopting. For health and safety reasons, all current companion animals should be left at home.

Last year, the fall Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo event found homes for more than 400 animals. Since the event's inception in 1993, almost 18,000 dogs, cats and rabbits have been placed into new homes at the spring and fall events.

The Detroit Zoo gets even wilder on Wednesday nights during July and August with its annual Wild Summer Nights concert series. Concerts take place in the Zoo’s Main Picnic Grove from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 3 through August 28. Wild Summer Nights features a variety of live music from local bands, including children’s, jazz, pop, folk and blues. Concert-goers are invited to bring a blanket and pack a picnic. Food, snacks, beer, wine and soft drinks are available for purchase from Zoo concessions. The concerts are free with Zoo admission, which is $6 after 6 p.m. on Wednesdays in July and August. The Zoo remains open until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays during the concert series.

The Detroit Zoo gets even wilder on Wednesday nights during July and August with its annual Wild Summer Nights concert series. Concerts take place in the Zoo’s Main Picnic Grove from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 3 through August 28. Wild Summer Nights features a variety of live music from local bands, including children’s, jazz, pop, folk and blues. Concert-goers are invited to bring a blanket and pack a picnic. Food, snacks, beer, wine and soft drinks are available for purchase from Zoo concessions. The concerts are free with Zoo admission, which is $6 after 6 p.m. on Wednesdays in July and August. The Zoo remains open until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays during the concert series.

Adults are invited to rekindle their childhood love for the Detroit Zoo at an after-hours adults-only event called Summer Zoomance on July 11, 2013.  The 21-and-over evening will be held 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., rain or shine. Adult beverages and favorite nostalgic foods will be available for purchase. 

Summer Zoomance will feature cash bars so guests can enjoy an adult beverage while strolling through the Zoo, complimentary tram tours, animal enrichment and zookeeper talks, live music at Rackham Fountain and rides on the Tauber Family Railroad (additional $3 per person).

Admission is $12 if purchased in advance by July 5. Tickets are $14 after July 5 and at the gates the night of the event. Parking is $5 (parking is free for Detroit Zoological Society Members).  Tickets for Summer Zoomance can be purchased in advance online or at Window One at the front of the Zoo.

The Detroit Zoo gets even wilder on Wednesday nights during July and August with its annual Wild Summer Nights concert series. Concerts take place in the Zoo’s Main Picnic Grove from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 3 through August 28. Wild Summer Nights features a variety of live music from local bands, including children’s, jazz, pop, folk and blues. Concert-goers are invited to bring a blanket and pack a picnic. Food, snacks, beer, wine and soft drinks are available for purchase from Zoo concessions. The concerts are free with Zoo admission, which is $6 after 6 p.m. on Wednesdays in July and August. The Zoo remains open until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays during the concert series.

The Detroit Zoo gets even wilder on Wednesday nights during July and August with its annual Wild Summer Nights concert series. Concerts take place in the Zoo’s Main Picnic Grove from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 3 through August 28. Wild Summer Nights features a variety of live music from local bands, including children’s, jazz, pop, folk and blues. Concert-goers are invited to bring a blanket and pack a picnic. Food, snacks, beer, wine and soft drinks are available for purchase from Zoo concessions. The concerts are free with Zoo admission, which is $6 after 6 p.m. on Wednesdays in July and August. The Zoo remains open until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays during the concert series.

Raise a glass to wildlife at the Detroit Zoo's Wild Beasts, Wild Wine on Friday, July 26, 2013, 6 to 10:30 p.m. The event will allow guests to sample wine from more than 30 local and national wineries and vineyards while enjoying the Detroit Zoo’s award-winning habitats at twilight.

The wine-tasting experience will also feature live music, complimentary tram tours of the Zoo, animal enrichment and zookeeper talks. The event includes admission, parking and 10 wine-tasting tickets (additional tasting tickets and food will be available for purchase).

Advance ticket purchase is encouraged as space is limited and the event may sell out. Tickets are available for $35 until July 19; tickets purchased after July 19 will be available for $40 online or at the gate (if not sold out). Tickets are available online or at Window One at the front of the Zoo.

Designated Driver (DD) tickets will be available online or at the gate up to the night of the event. DD tickets are $25 and include Zoo admission, parking and unlimited soft drinks. DD ticket holders are not permitted to consume alcohol at the event.

Wild BeastsWild Wine will take place in the Detroit Zoo's Events Pavilion, rain or shine. All attendees must be 21 or older; photo ID is required. A “grape” time will be had by all!

Tickets to be available summer of 2013!

The Detroit Zoo gets even wilder on Wednesday nights during July and August with its annual Wild Summer Nights concert series. Concerts take place in the Zoo’s Main Picnic Grove from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 3 through August 28. Wild Summer Nights features a variety of live music from local bands, including children’s, jazz, pop, folk and blues. Concert-goers are invited to bring a blanket and pack a picnic. Food, snacks, beer, wine and soft drinks are available for purchase from Zoo concessions. The concerts are free with Zoo admission, which is $6 after 6 p.m. on Wednesdays in July and August. The Zoo remains open until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays during the concert series.

The Detroit Zoo gets even wilder on Wednesday nights during July and August with its annual Wild Summer Nights concert series.  Concerts take place in the Zoo’s Main Picnic Grove from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 3 through August 28.  

Wild Summer Nights features a variety of live music from local bands, including children’s, jazz, pop, folk and blues.  Concert-goers are invited to bring a blanket and pack a picnic.  Food, snacks, beer, wine and soft drinks are available for purchase from Zoo concessions.  The concerts are free with Zoo admission, which is $6 after 6 p.m. on Wednesdays in July and August. 

The Zoo remains open until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays during the concert series.

The Detroit Zoo gets even wilder on Wednesday nights during July and August with its annual Wild Summer Nights concert series.  Concerts take place in the Zoo’s Main Picnic Grove from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 3 through August 28.  

Wild Summer Nights features a variety of live music from local bands, including children’s, jazz, pop, folk and blues.  Concert-goers are invited to bring a blanket and pack a picnic.  Food, snacks, beer, wine and soft drinks are available for purchase from Zoo concessions.  The concerts are free with Zoo admission, which is $6 after 6 p.m. on Wednesdays in July and August. 

The Zoo remains open until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays during the concert series.

The Detroit Zoo gets even wilder on Wednesday nights during July and August with its annual Wild Summer Nights concert series.  Concerts take place in the Zoo’s Main Picnic Grove from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 3 through August 28.  

Wild Summer Nights features a variety of live music from local bands, including children’s, jazz, pop, folk and blues.  Concert-goers are invited to bring a blanket and pack a picnic.  Food, snacks, beer, wine and soft drinks are available for purchase from Zoo concessions.  The concerts are free with Zoo admission, which is $6 after 6 p.m. on Wednesdays in July and August. 

The Zoo remains open until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays during the concert series.

Adults are invited to rekindle their childhood love for the Detroit Zoo at an after-hours adults-only event called Summer Zoomance on August 22, 2013.  The 21-and-over evening will be held 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., rain or shine. Adult beverages and favorite nostalgic foods will be available for purchase. 

Summer Zoomance will feature cash bars so guests can enjoy an adult beverage while strolling through the Zoo, complimentary tram tours, animal enrichment and zookeeper talks, live music at Rackham Fountain and rides on the Tauber Family Railroad (additional $3 per person).

Admission is $12 if purchased in advance by August 16. Tickets are $14 after August 16 and at the gates the night of the event. Parking is $5 (parking is free for Detroit Zoological Society Members).

Who has the best members in town?

• if your last name begins with A-L, then join us on Saturday, August 24;
• if your last name begins with M-Z, then join us on Sunday, August 25.

• Musical Performances
• Live Entertainment
• Keeper Talks
• Great Animal Watching Opportunities
• Free Tauber Family Railroad Rides
• Arts and Crafts
• Discounted Meals at Refreshment Stands
• Discounts on Regular-priced Merchandise at the Gift Shops

Who has the best members in town?

• if your last name begins with A-L, then join us on Saturday, August 24;
• if your last name begins with M-Z, then join us on Sunday, August 25.

• Musical Performances
• Live Entertainment
• Keeper Talks
• Great Animal Watching Opportunities
• Free Tauber Family Railroad Rides
• Arts and Crafts
• Discounted Meals at Refreshment Stands
• Discounts on Regular-priced Merchandise at the Gift Shops

The Detroit Zoo gets even wilder on Wednesday nights during July and August with its annual Wild Summer Nights concert series.  Concerts take place in the Zoo’s Main Picnic Grove from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 3 through August 28.  

Wild Summer Nights features a variety of live music from local bands, including children’s, jazz, pop, folk and blues.  Concert-goers are invited to bring a blanket and pack a picnic.  Food, snacks, beer, wine and soft drinks are available for purchase from Zoo concessions.  The concerts are free with Zoo admission, which is $6 after 6 p.m. on Wednesdays in July and August. 

The Zoo remains open until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays during the concert series.

Senior citizens residing in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties are invited to enjoy a special day at the Detroit Zoo on Senior Day, Wednesday, September 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Seniors 62 and older and their caregivers receive free admission, parking and rides on the Tauber Family Railroad. 

Senior Day features live music, tractor train tours, bingo, zookeeper talks and a senior resource area.

Thousands of runners and walkers lace up their running shoes for the annual Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo.  The event includes 5K and 10K runs as well as a noncompetitive 1.5-mile Fun Walk.  Runners in the 5K and 10K events start at the Zoo’s Ten Mile Road entrance and wind through the scenic streets of Huntington Woods surrounding the Zoo.  Walkers follow a course past award-winning animal habitats as they stroll through Zoo grounds.

The Detroit Zoo and Michigan Humane Society, in collaboration with more than 20 local animal welfare organizations, will host the 21st annual fall Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo Saturday and Sunday, September 21 and 22, 2013, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hundreds of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens will be available for immediate adoption to loving homes at one of the nation's largest off-site companion animal adoption events.

Presented by Purina One and supported by PetSmart Charities, Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo will be held outdoors under tents in the Zoo's front parking lot beneath the landmark water tower. There is no charge for admission or parking for the adoption event; however, regular admission and parking fees apply for those visiting the Zoo. The event will include special appearances by Detroit Zoo mascots Junior Z and the Zooper Heroes.

Because puppies are often in high demand, "puppy passes" will be given each morning to the first 25 adoption event guests who are looking specifically to adopt a puppy. Those with puppy passes will be allowed to enter the adoption tents at 9:45 a.m., with the remainder of guests allowed to enter at 10 a.m.

Adoption fees and policies are set by each participating group. Adopters must present a valid driver's license or state ID card. All animals will have received a medical checkup and age-appropriate vaccinations. A "get-acquainted" area will be available to provide guests an opportunity to spend time with an animal before adopting. For health and safety reasons, all current companion animals should be left at home.

Last year, the fall Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo event found homes for more than 400 animals. Since the event's inception in 1993, almost 18,000 dogs, cats and rabbits have been placed into new homes at the spring and fall events.

Zoo Brew

Lions and tigers and beers ... oh, my!

Lions and tigers and beers … oh, my! The Detroit Zoo will host the 3rd annual Zoo Brew on Friday, September 27, 6 to 10:30 p.m. The 21-and-over event will feature unique beers from select Michigan craft breweries, live music and food for purchase.

The beer-tasting experience will also feature live music, exclusive access to the Zoo’s award winning habitats at twilight, complimentary tram tours of the Zoo, animal enrichment and zookeeper talks. The event includes admission, parking and 12 beer-tasting tickets (additional tasting tickets and food will be available for purchase).

Advance ticket purchase is encouraged as space is limited and the event may sell out. Tickets are available for $35 until September 13; tickets purchased after September 13 will be available for $40 online or at the gate (if not sold out). Tickets are available online or at Window One at the front of the Zoo.

Designated Driver (DD) tickets will be available online or at the gate up to the night of the event. DD tickets are $25 and include Zoo admission, parking and unlimited

Click here to view a list of frequently asked questions

Beer Welcome Tent Sponsor

Fall into a new season at the Detroit Zoo on October 5 and 6, 2013. Autumn is in the air, and the Detroit Zoo is celebrating the change of seasons with the seventh annual Fall Festival on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 5 and 6. 

The two-day festival features live entertainment, square dancing, children’s activities, hayrides and seasonal food.  All activities take place in the Main Picnic Grove from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine.  Entry to the Fall Festival is free with regular Zoo admission.

A fun-filled children’s activity area includes arts and crafts, fall-themed games, a giant inflatable slide, straw maze, pumpkin painting and face painting.  Admission to the children’s activity area is $5 per child in addition to regular Zoo admission. 

Visitors can hop aboard a hayride for $2 per adult and $1 per child (ages 2-14) and enjoy the sights at the front of the Zoo.  Fall-inspired food such as Polish sausage, bratwurst, apple strudel and caramel apples as well as beer and soft drinks are available for purchase.