Community Events

Beat the crowds and start your day with a wild hello!  

Before the Zoo officially opens, enjoy exclusive access to select public viewing areas and the opportunity to observe your favorite animals as they begin their day.

Join us for this crowd-free adventure you can’t get any other time. 

• Join a knowledgeable Interpretive Guide for this 60-minute experience. 
• Get a glimpse into the morning happenings at the Zoo. 
• Enjoy a guided tour on the public side of the spotlighted animal area. 
• Learn about the spotlighted species and their care through observation, biofacts, and Q&A with the Interpretive Guide. 
• Cost includes admission to stay and enjoy the Zoo after the program ends. 

2026 dates:
April 19: Reptiles and Amphibians
May 31: Lions
June 28: Giraffe
July 26: Tiger
Aug. 23: Elephants
Sept. 6: Gorillas
Oct. 11: Orangutans

Time: 8:30-9:30 a.m. 

Cost
Member: $20
Non-Member: $55 (includes Zoo daytime admission)

Georgia Mountains to Shore features the work of the Upcountry Fiber Artists, which consists of six Carolina artists, including Evelyn Beck, Lynne Harrill, Sara Quattlebaum, Cynthia Steward, Denny Webster and Kathryn Weston. They work with textiles to create artworks that range from pictorial to abstract, small to large, and colorful to subdued. Their adventurous use of fabric, surface design and quilting create exciting and innovative works that share their unique and individual southern experience.

Matriotism: Celebrating 250 Years of Inspiring American Women Through Quilts, a travelling exhibition produced by the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild.

Zoo Atlanta is home to a diversity of species of reptiles and amphibians from around the globe. From some of the smallest frogs to the most endangered lizards, join the Herpetology Care Team and immerse yourself in the science behind caring for reptiles and amphibians behind-the-scenes at Scaly Slimy Spectacular!

From some of the smallest frogs to the most endangered lizards, join the Herpetology Care Team and immerse yourself in the science behind caring for reptiles and amphibians behind-the-scenes at Scaly Slimy Spectacular!

Learn firsthand the level of care that is required to care for these unique and important species. Participants can expect to meet members of the Animal Care Team, meet an animal, learn about our positive reinforcement training and enrichment programs, and walk away with knowledge of how to save species. All participation in Keeper for a Day programs is voluntary for the animals. If you love these scaly and slimy creatures, this program is just for you! 

Before registering, please understand that during this program: 

• Participants will perform similar tasks as members of the Herpetology Care Team, which may include raking, sweeping, hosing, scrubbing, and shoveling, and should expect to do some hard work and be comfortable getting dirty. 
• Participants will be expected to participate in all weather conditions, lift up to 30 pounds, and be on their feet for up to four hours. 
• Participants must have the physical ability to bend, lift, stoop, kneel, and stand for extended periods of time. 
• Participants may be exposed to potential allergens such as insects, hay, animal waste, and other potential allergens. Please reach out in advance if you have any questions or concerns. 

Upcoming 2026 Dates:Wednesday, April 22
Saturday, May 9
Wednesday, May 20
Wednesday, June 3
Saturday, June 13
Wednesday, July 1
Saturday, July 11
Saturday, August 15
Wednesday, August 26
Saturday, September 5

Times: 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Age range: 16 and up

Georgia Mountains to Shore features the work of the Upcountry Fiber Artists, which consists of six Carolina artists, including Evelyn Beck, Lynne Harrill, Sara Quattlebaum, Cynthia Steward, Denny Webster and Kathryn Weston. They work with textiles to create artworks that range from pictorial to abstract, small to large, and colorful to subdued. Their adventurous use of fabric, surface design and quilting create exciting and innovative works that share their unique and individual southern experience.

Matriotism: Celebrating 250 Years of Inspiring American Women Through Quilts, a travelling exhibition produced by the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild.

Prelude to the Fourth is an all-out Independence Day celebration packed with live music, food trucks, family activities and a show-stopping fireworks finale. It’s a can’t-miss summer tradition and the ultimate way to make unforgettable family memories. For more information, please see the website below.

Georgia Mountains to Shore features the work of the Upcountry Fiber Artists, which consists of six Carolina artists, including Evelyn Beck, Lynne Harrill, Sara Quattlebaum, Cynthia Steward, Denny Webster and Kathryn Weston. They work with textiles to create artworks that range from pictorial to abstract, small to large, and colorful to subdued. Their adventurous use of fabric, surface design and quilting create exciting and innovative works that share their unique and individual southern experience.

Matriotism: Celebrating 250 Years of Inspiring American Women Through Quilts, a travelling exhibition produced by the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild.

First Friday in Historic Downtown Brunswick is a fun family event that happens the first Friday of each month. We close the streets from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. so you can come down and enjoy live music, special discounts from downtown merchants, a car show and so much more! Come shop, dine and explore our downtown!

IF YOU’VE YEARNED TO GET CLOSER TO THE ANIMALS, NOW YOU CAN WITH A WILD ENCOUNTER!

No creature looms larger over the savanna than the African elephant, and you’ll agree when you come face-to-trunk with one at Zoo Atlanta! Meet Tara or Kelly while learning why they are such important ambassadors for their species.

During this Wild Encounter experience, you will learn about elephants with a Zoo Educator before heading behind the scenes to meet up with members of the Elephant Care Team and find out more about elephant care at the Zoo. Of course, no Elephant Wild Encounter would be complete without the opportunity to hand-feed one of the “girls” an afternoon snack.

• Meet at the Zambezi Elephant Center 15 minutes before the Wild Encounter.
• Availability is limited for all Wild Encounters. Advance registration is recommended.
• Encounter spots may be available on the day of the program. Please meet the Wild Encounter Guide at the check-in location 15 minutes before the program begins to inquire about availability and to purchase tickets.

Days Available:
Sunday, Monday, Friday, and Saturday at 2 p.m.
Select Thursdays at 2 p.m. between May 26 and September 7

Member Cost: $117 | Non-Member Cost: $130 + Zoo admission

Age Range: 4 and up

IF YOU’VE YEARNED TO GET CLOSER TO THE ANIMALS, NOW YOU CAN WITH A WILD ENCOUNTER! 

We can’t plan a trip to Madagascar for you, but we can help you meet one of its most iconic native species. Experience our Lemur Wild Encounter!

Meet and feed some of the amazing primates that make the island of Madagascar one of Earth’s richest and most dynamic natural ecosystems, and learn what you can do to help one of the most endangered groups of mammals on the planet.

• Meet outside the Ben & Jerry’s food stand 15 minutes before the Wild Encounter.
• Availability is limited for all Wild Encounters. Advance registration is recommended.
• Encounter spots may be available on the day of the program. Please meet the Wild Encounter Guide at the check-in location 15 minutes before the program begins to inquire about availability and to purchase tickets.

Lemur Wild Encounters will run through October 18, 2026.

Days available:
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

Member Cost: $41 | Non-Member Cost: $45 + Zoo admission

Age Range: 4 and up

Warthog Wild Encounter

IF YOU’VE YEARNED TO GET CLOSER TO THE ANIMALS, NOW YOU CAN WITH A WILD ENCOUNTER! 

We welcome you to the wild world of warthogs! Come explore what it takes to care for these charismatic creatures and their neighbors in the African Savanna.

Do warthogs really have warts? Get an up-close look and see! Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at Zoo Atlanta’s African Savanna and give the warthogs a favorite treat. You’ll also meet members of the Zoo’s Animal Care Team and find out what goes into the care of warthogs and other savanna animals.

• Meet outside the warthog habitat near the SweetWater Beer Garden 15 minutes (at 12:45) before the Wild Encounter to check in.
• Availability is limited for all Wild Encounters. Advance registration is recommended.
• Encounter spots may be available on the day of the program. Please meet the Wild Encounter Guide at the check-in location 15 minutes before the program begins to inquire about availability and to purchase tickets.
• This encounter is not ADA accessible.
• All guests must wear closed-toed shoes on this encounter.

Warthog Wild Encounters will run through November 16, 2026.

Days available:
Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday at 1 p.m.

Member Cost: $41 | Non-Member Cost: $45 + Zoo admission

Age Range: 4 and up

Georgia Mountains to Shore features the work of the Upcountry Fiber Artists, which consists of six Carolina artists, including Evelyn Beck, Lynne Harrill, Sara Quattlebaum, Cynthia Steward, Denny Webster and Kathryn Weston. They work with textiles to create artworks that range from pictorial to abstract, small to large, and colorful to subdued. Their adventurous use of fabric, surface design and quilting create exciting and innovative works that share their unique and individual southern experience.

Matriotism: Celebrating 250 Years of Inspiring American Women Through Quilts, a travelling exhibition produced by the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild.

Join the Animal Care Team and one of our talented animal artists, meeting either the Zoo’s “VanGoat” or “Baaahlo,” and take home a unique work of art in this unforgettable experience.

Learn about the positive reinforcement training process of becoming an animal artist. See firsthand the ways this enrichment activity fits into high standards of care for animals at the Zoo when you meet a goat or sheep and see their art creation in action. Please note that we cannot guarantee a specific animal for your program.

• Meet at the Petting Zoo area of Outback Station 15 minutes before the Wild Encounter start time. 
• Availability is limited for all Wild Encounters. Advance registration is recommended.
• Encounter spots may be available on the day of the program. Please meet the Wild Encounter Guide at the check-in location 15 minutes before the program begins to inquire about availability and to purchase tickets.
• Includes one (1) take-home canvas per registered group.

Days Available:
Saturdays at 3:15 p.m.

Member Cost: $67.50 | Includes one painting per group of four people.
Non-Member Cost: $75 per group of up to four people, + individual Zoo Admission | Includes one painting per group of four people.

Age Range: All ages

Festive 4th of July fireworks will light up the night sky near the Lake Blue Ridge Dam, offering incredible views from multiple locations. Whether you’re watching by boat on Lake Blue Ridge, relaxing at Morganton Point Recreation Area or enjoying the festivities at Lake Blue Ridge Marina or the Dam, you’re in for a treat.

Georgia Mountains to Shore features the work of the Upcountry Fiber Artists, which consists of six Carolina artists, including Evelyn Beck, Lynne Harrill, Sara Quattlebaum, Cynthia Steward, Denny Webster and Kathryn Weston. They work with textiles to create artworks that range from pictorial to abstract, small to large, and colorful to subdued. Their adventurous use of fabric, surface design and quilting create exciting and innovative works that share their unique and individual southern experience.

Matriotism: Celebrating 250 Years of Inspiring American Women Through Quilts, a travelling exhibition produced by the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild.

Mass Affect Band is back again!

This year they will be celebrating with Forsyth for the Fourth of July during the Fireworks Spectacular!

Come celebrate on July 4, starting at 7:30 p.m.!