It’s that time of year again! Utica Zoo has announced their
dates for late Thursday nights this summer. Previously Sunset Sips
or Dino Nights, the zoo is returning for the 2026 season with a
stellar lineup each WILD SUMMER NIGHT!
Starting July 9th, 2026, Utica Zoo will be open a little bit
longer every THURSDAY through August 27th.
Enjoy live music on the deck every week along with beer,
wine, seltzer, and dinner provided by Polly’s Concessions. Kids’
activities along with the existing bounce pillow and playground will be available, so all members of the
family can enjoy a night out!
Details:
• Open until 7pm every Thursday night from July 9th – August 27th
• Family friendly! There are no age restrictions!
• Polly’s Concessions at Utica Zoo will be open for dinner or a tasty snack
• Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those 21 years or older
• There will be entertainment in the form of live music each Thursday. See full list of performers
at: https://www.uticazoo.org/wild-summer-nights/
• There will be activities for kids in the form of crafts, presentations, or entertainment
• Cinematic Safaris in Utica Zoo return on July 9th, July 23rd, and August 27th. These are
outdoor movie showings in the middle of the zoo that occur after Wild Summer Nights. See below
for more details. *
• Animals will be on exhibit throughout the evening!
No special tickets or reservations are required to attend a
Wild Summer Night. This event is simply extended zoo
hours with some additional activities in the evening! So,
the price to attend it is merely admission to the zoo:
Zoo Admission Rates:
$11 for adults 13-61
$8 for kids 3-12
$10 for seniors 62+ and students w/ID
*Cinematic Safaris in Utica Zoo are the perfect addition to a Thursday night out. Popular movies
will be projected on screen right outside Utica Zoo’s new BULL REEF habitat.
Cinematic Safari Dates:
• Thursday July 9th: 2026 Disney
Pixar’s HOPPERS Rated PG.
• Thursday, July 23rd: 2003 Disney
Pixar Finding Nemo Rated G.
• Thursday, August 27th: 2025
Disney’s ZOOTOPIA 2 Rated PG.
Movie tickets are regular zoo admission plus $5 per person. Utica Zoo members receive free
admission to the zoo and only must purchase the $5 movie ticket. Purchase your ticket ahead by heading
to: uticazoo.org/events
The Utica Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is the Best of Mohawk Valley
Community Choice Award Winner for 2025. It is a regional destination that inspires and promotes the
appreciation of wildlife through education, conservation, and recreation. Situated in the heart of Central
New York, the zoo features a diverse collection of animals from around the world and offers various
educational programs and events for visitors of all ages. It is home to approximately 200 exotic and
domestic animals, welcoming nearly 100,000 visitors annually and is open daily from 10 am to 4:30 pm
363 days a year, with only the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. For more information on
this, and all things Utica Zoo, visit UticaZoo.org or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!
