ZOOcson 2026

Friday, October 2 at 6 p.m.

An Evening to Roar About!

An Unforgettable Evening Awaits at ZOOcson

Celebrate one of Tucson’s most anticipated evenings at Reid Park Zoo, where an extraordinary night of dining, entertainment, and wildlife awaits under the stars. Indulge in exceptional cuisine from some of Tucson’s finest restaurants, enjoy handcrafted cocktails, meet remarkable animal ambassadors, and bid on exclusive auction experiences—all while making a meaningful difference for wildlife, conservation, education, and the animals in our care.

Inspired by the excitement surrounding the upcoming opening of Pathway to Asia, this year’s ZOOcson gala transports guests into a world of wild elegance, where breathtaking encounters, unforgettable experiences, and the spirit of conservation come together for one incredible evening.

Want to enhance your ZOOcson experience with a special adventure with our elephant herd in the Zoo’s Tanzania area? Register for the Premium Experience ticket which includes early entry at 5:15 p.m., training demonstration, pool session, barn visit, appetizers, beverages, and entertainment. Limited tickets available.

Your Evening Includes

Online Silent Auction featuring more than 200 unique packages and experiences, with auction items on display during the event. Bidding opens September 21 and closes Sunday, October 4, at 5 p.m.
Exclusive Live Auction featuring once-in-a-lifetime experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Extraordinary Cuisine & Signature Drinks from Tucson’s premier restaurants and beverage partners, including a spectacular Arizona Ice Art ice bar, Atlas Catering & Events, Balay, Beyond Bread, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Cielos & Lodge on the Desert, Culinary Dropout, Handel’s Ice Cream, Kneller’s Delicatessen, Main Event Entertainment, Nothing Bundt Cakes, P.F.Changs, POPPED Artisan Popcorn, Roadhouse Cinemas, Sauce Pizza & Wine, Teaspoon, Yardhouse and more…
Up-Close Animal Encounters with some of the Zoo’s most fascinating ambassadors.
A Beautiful Evening Under the Stars surrounded by the sights and sounds of Reid Park Zoo.

Every ticket helps support exceptional animal care, wildlife conservation, inspiring education programs, and the continued growth of Reid Park Zoo. Join us for an unforgettable night where every moment makes a difference.

Chaired by Board members Nate Clark and Jim Berghs, ZOOcson is a collaborative effort by volunteer committee members and Zoo staff with support from Reid Park Zoo’s Board of Directors and Event Partners.

No tickets will be emailed or mailed. Please note your name will be on a check-in list at the event. All funds raised will benefit the Zoo’s education programs, conservation efforts, care of the animals, and improvements to the Zoo.

$175 per person Adult Ticket
$165 per Zoo Member Adult Ticket*
$275 per person Premium Ticket (description above) SOLD OUT
$265 per Zoo Member Premium Ticket* SOLD OUT