Community Events

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.

This is a traveling exhibit from the American Quilt Study Group. Members select a historic quilt representing the theme and re-create a small study quilt for exhibition based on their historic quilt and share what they have learned during the process. The focus of the study is to incorporate a large percentage of blue colors from the 1800s, which includes indigo, Prussian blue, Lancaster blue, cadet blue or other recognizable 19th-century blues.

Head to the Monroe County Rec Department on the first Saturday of the month, starting on Feb. 7, for Market in the Park!

With food trucks and 20+ vendors, there’s a wide variety of things to see and do!

For more information email: marketintheparkfmc@gmail.com

Travel back in time at Cruzin the Depot in Ringgold, Georgia! Take it back to the good ‘ole days with the Ringgold Cruisers and Pharoah’s Choo Choo on the first Saturday of each month. Shop, eat, explore Ringgold’s downtown area and enjoy dozens of vintage cars and trucks! 

Cruise-ins happen on the first Saturday of each month, beginning in April and running through November. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., but the streets start filling up quickly around 5 p.m., so arrive early to get a good spot! Visit the website below for more information.

Atlanta Food Festival vibes every week with food, crafts, music and kids' activities.

Free admission fun for all ages!

This is the perfect place to eat, shop, dance, and make memories at one of the most family-friendly food markets in Atlanta.

Food & Drinks

• Over 15 delicious food vendors featuring a diverse selection of foods every week
• A diverse mix of crave-worthy eats from local culinary favorites
• Food, drinks & most activities available for purchase

Shop Local

• Craft vendors showcasing local artisans
• Handmade goods, unique gifts & one-of-a-kind finds
• Support small businesses in a vibrant marketplace atmosphere.

Entertainment & Experiences

• Live music from talented local bands all day
• High-energy DJ sets spinning your favorite hits at night
• Monthly Silent Disco experience with glowing headphones
• Monthly Outdoor Movie Nights under the stars. Bring blankets and chairs!
• Seasonal themes and interactive activities
• Exciting sponsor activations and giveaways

Family Fun

• Kids activities including inflatables
• Face painting and family-friendly games
• Safe, welcoming environment for all ages

When
Every Saturday, April 4-Nov. 14, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Eat. Shop. Dance. Celebrate. Repeat.

RSVP BY GRABBING A TICKET FOR EXCLUSIVE OFFERS AND DISCOUNTS FROM OUR VENDORS!

https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/uptown-market-atlanta-4820292

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.

This is a traveling exhibit from the American Quilt Study Group. Members select a historic quilt representing the theme and re-create a small study quilt for exhibition based on their historic quilt and share what they have learned during the process. The focus of the study is to incorporate a large percentage of blue colors from the 1800s, which includes indigo, Prussian blue, Lancaster blue, cadet blue or other recognizable 19th-century blues.

Join Zoo Atlanta for a morning of learning and discovery designed specifically for homeschool students! 

HomeSchool Academy is a two-hour program that allows students to explore animal and science concepts in an engaging, interactive environment. Programs are grade-appropriate and include hands-on, minds-on activities and Zoo tours that hone students’ STEM skillsets in a collaborative environment. Each semester, students will gain a deeper understanding of animals’ unique adaptations and will leave with an increased connection to wildlife and a greater desire to take conservation action.

Fall 2026 Dates:

September 9

October 21

November 11

December 9

Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Member Cost: $100 per semester or $35 per program 

Non-Member Cost: $125 per semester or $35 per program  

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.

This is a traveling exhibit from the American Quilt Study Group. Members select a historic quilt representing the theme and re-create a small study quilt for exhibition based on their historic quilt and share what they have learned during the process. The focus of the study is to incorporate a large percentage of blue colors from the 1800s, which includes indigo, Prussian blue, Lancaster blue, cadet blue or other recognizable 19th-century blues.

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.

This is a traveling exhibit from the American Quilt Study Group. Members select a historic quilt representing the theme and re-create a small study quilt for exhibition based on their historic quilt and share what they have learned during the process. The focus of the study is to incorporate a large percentage of blue colors from the 1800s, which includes indigo, Prussian blue, Lancaster blue, cadet blue or other recognizable 19th-century blues.

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.

This is a traveling exhibit from the American Quilt Study Group. Members select a historic quilt representing the theme and re-create a small study quilt for exhibition based on their historic quilt and share what they have learned during the process. The focus of the study is to incorporate a large percentage of blue colors from the 1800s, which includes indigo, Prussian blue, Lancaster blue, cadet blue or other recognizable 19th-century blues.

Calling all night owls for a Family NightCrawler at the Zoo!

Spend the night at Zoo Atlanta for a nocturnal adventure you won’t soon forget!

Remaining 2026 Dates:

May 16
September 12
November 4

Times: 6 p.m. until 9:30 a.m. the next morning

Member Cost: $100 | Non-Member Cost: $110

When the last guest leaves for the day, we invite you to stay! Come find out what really happens when the sun goes down. Which animals stay up late and how do others settle down for the night? And in the morning, how do animals greet the day? Join us as we explore these questions and more on an overnight adventure designed for families with children ages 6+.

Participating families will spend the majority of the evening outdoors walking around the Zoo with an Educator as their guide, stopping along the way to observe the nocturnal behaviors of the animals that call the Zoo home*. During the evening, participants will have the opportunity to use night vision technology and will visit Scaly Slimy Spectacular to discover the nocturnal world of frogs, lizards, snakes, and turtles, illuminated by red flashlights.

Participants will also enjoy a guided tour behind the scenes to discover how we care for animals every day. Learn about our new state-of-the-art veterinary complex, The Rollins Animal Health Center, and tour the Animal Nutrition Kitchen to find out what it takes to feed the Zoo!** 

After an evening of exploration, participants will sleep in indoor, climate-controlled rooms with sleeping bags brought from home. And then rise and shine for more fun! Enjoy a catered continental breakfast from Proof of the Pudding, an up-close Animal Encounter with some of Zoo Atlanta’s small Ambassador Animals, and morning visits to animal habitats to see how our Animal Care Specialists help the animals start their day. Participating families are invited to stay and enjoy the Zoo at their leisure at the completion of the program.

*Some of our diurnal animals sleep indoors at night. While we cannot promise specific animal observations during the program, we encourage you to stay and enjoy the Zoo at the completion of your program for no additional cost! 

**The behind-the-scenes portion of the tour is not fully ADA accessible.   

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT DURING A NIGHTCRAWLER?

Rain or shine. This program happens rain or shine, and much of the program is outside. Please plan for the weather and dress accordingly.

The Zoo is made for walking! Most of this experience is spent walking around the Zoo, and there are multiple irregular surfaces and steep inclines. Plan to spend up to 5 hours on your feet touring the Zoo.

Come with a full belly. While we will take a break for a snack in the middle of the evening, please eat dinner before you arrive. And remember to bring your water bottle with you.

Embrace the dark. It’s called a NightCrawler for a reason. Explore the Zoo by the light of the moon and our Educators’ red-light flashlights. Guests may only use flashlights at bedtime.

Rustic camping meets the Zoo. All sleeping locations are in climate-controlled buildings with a restroom either in the building or nearby. Don’t forget to pack your sleeping bag!

Stay awhile. At the completion of your program the following morning, you are welcome to stay and enjoy the Zoo at your leisure.

Have FUN! This unique experience is unlike anything that you can do in Atlanta. We look forward to hosting you for an upcoming program!

Age Range: 6+

This program is designed for groups with children. A paid adult must accompany child(ren), and a paid child must accompany adult(s).

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.

This is a traveling exhibit from the American Quilt Study Group. Members select a historic quilt representing the theme and re-create a small study quilt for exhibition based on their historic quilt and share what they have learned during the process. The focus of the study is to incorporate a large percentage of blue colors from the 1800s, which includes indigo, Prussian blue, Lancaster blue, cadet blue or other recognizable 19th-century blues.

Atlanta Food Festival vibes every week with food, crafts, music and kids' activities.

Free admission fun for all ages!

This is the perfect place to eat, shop, dance, and make memories at one of the most family-friendly food markets in Atlanta.

Food & Drinks

• Over 15 delicious food vendors featuring a diverse selection of foods every week
• A diverse mix of crave-worthy eats from local culinary favorites
• Food, drinks & most activities available for purchase

Shop Local

• Craft vendors showcasing local artisans
• Handmade goods, unique gifts & one-of-a-kind finds
• Support small businesses in a vibrant marketplace atmosphere.

Entertainment & Experiences

• Live music from talented local bands all day
• High-energy DJ sets spinning your favorite hits at night
• Monthly Silent Disco experience with glowing headphones
• Monthly Outdoor Movie Nights under the stars. Bring blankets and chairs!
• Seasonal themes and interactive activities
• Exciting sponsor activations and giveaways

Family Fun

• Kids activities including inflatables
• Face painting and family-friendly games
• Safe, welcoming environment for all ages

When
Every Saturday, April 4-Nov. 14, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Eat. Shop. Dance. Celebrate. Repeat.

RSVP BY GRABBING A TICKET FOR EXCLUSIVE OFFERS AND DISCOUNTS FROM OUR VENDORS!

https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/uptown-market-atlanta-4820292