Zoomagination: Lantern Festival at the Buffalo Zoo
2025-08-13 18:30 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | Buffalo Zoo, 300 Parkside Ave, Buffalo, NY, 14214, United States
Purchase 2025 Zoomagination Tickets Here

Experience the Buffalo Zoo after hours like never before during Zoomagination: Lantern Festival at the Buffalo Zoo! Beginning July 30, the Zoo transforms on select evenings into a glowing spectacle featuring more than 40 larger-than-life lantern displays inspired by animals, nature, and global cultures.

New for 2025: Prepare to walk among the dinosaurs! This year’s festival features a stunning new collection of prehistoric-themed lanterns that bring these ancient giants to life in brilliant color and light.

Stroll through magical illuminated trails, discover interactive exhibits, and indulge in themed food and drinks along the way. Whether you’re planning a family night out or a unique evening with friends, Zoomagination is Buffalo’s most radiant summer tradition.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Zoomagination: Lantern Festival at the Buffalo Zoo
2025-08-13 18:30 - 22:30 | Buffalo Zoo, 300 Parkside Ave, Buffalo, NY, 14214, United States
Experience the Buffalo Zoo after hours like never before during Zoomagination: Lantern Festival at the Buffalo Zoo! Beginning July 30, the Zoo transforms on select evenings into a glowing spectacle featuring more than 40 larger-than-life lantern displays inspired by animals, nature, and global cultures.

New for 2025: Prepare to walk among the dinosaurs! This year’s festival features a stunning new collection of prehistoric-themed lanterns that bring these ancient giants to life in brilliant color and light. This year’s festival also shines the spotlight on North American animal lanterns alongside exquisite traditional Chinese culture lanterns.

Stroll through magical illuminated trails, discover interactive exhibits, and indulge in themed food and drinks along the way. Whether you’re planning a family night out or a unique evening with friends, Zoomagination is Buffalo’s most radiant summer tradition.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Rendezvous In The Zoo "RITZ" Gala Presented By The Yurtchuk Foundation
2025-09-06 18:00 - 23:00 | NY
Join us for Rendezvous In The Zoo, the “RITZ” Gala, presented by the Yurtchuk Foundation!
The “RITZ” will be a special evening celebrating 150 years of the Buffalo Zoo’s commitment to wildlife conservation on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Zoo.
This tented affair will feature cocktails, dinner by Salvatore’s, live music, dancing, auctions, and up-close encounters with some of the Zoo’s special guest animal ambassadors.
You can buy tickets, donate an auction item and learn more about the event here.
Purchase Tickets Here
Please Note: All guests must create a new auction account through ReadySetAuction in order to participate. Even if you’ve registered for a past event, a new account is required for each gala.
Early Bird Pricing: Reserve your ticket at the exclusive rate of $250 per ticket if purchased by August 1!
After August 1, the standard ticket price of $275 will apply.

Time: 6 p.m. to Late
Live music by Nik Lite from Nik & The Nice Guys
Attire: Creative black tie
Please note this is an adults-only event for those 21 years or older.
Need Help? Please contact Meta Tshiteya at (716) 995-6145, or by email at mtshiteya@nullbuffalozoo.org
Gold Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

Table Sponsors

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XXX XXXX David’s Hope

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X Robert & Tammy Laughlin

XXX Brian Kulpa XXX Dorothy Ferguson

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Tent Sponsor

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Sponsorship Add-Ons
Note: Select add-ons available for two (2) sponsors.

Auction Sponsor: Robert & Tammy Laughlin, Frey Electric
Champagne Toast Sponsor: Azar Design Co
Centerpiece Sponsor: Highmark
Cocktail Bar Sponsor: Landmark Wealth Management, Sandra & Frank Mendel
Dessert Table Sponsor: Women’s Board of the Buffalo Zoo, West Herr
Main Tent Bar Sponsor: Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Photo Op Spot Sponsor: SSA Group, LLC
Plush Wall Sponsor: Highmark
Signature Drink Sponsor: Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Wine Toss Sponsor: Abigail Zabrodsky, Prizm Document & Technology Solutions

Sponsorship Opportunities still available:

Champagne Toast Sponsor (1)
Photo Op Sponsor (1)

Women's Board Jungle Cruise
2025-09-14 12:30 - 15:00 | NY
Enjoy a two-hour tour on the Miss Buffalo as you support the Zoo! The afternoon features live music, raffles and the spectacular sights of the Buffalo Harbor. Limited seating. To purchase tickets, please visit Home | Buffalo Zoo Women’s Board.
Date: Sunday, September 14, 2025
Time: Boarding begins at 12:30 P.M., boat leaves promptly at 1:00 P.M.
Place: Buffalo Harbor Cruises – 79 Marine Drive
Cost: $45.00 early bird discount through July 31st
$50.00 August 1st and beyond.
You must be 21 years or older to attend. We look forward to sailing with you!
Any questions, please contact : buffalozoowomensboard@nullgmail.com

M&T Bank presents Third Thursdays at the Buffalo Zoo
2025-09-18 10:00 - 17:00 | NY
The Buffalo Zoo and M&T Bank are delighted to offer FREE admission to the community on select Third Thursdays! Important: Free tickets are required and must be reserved online prior to your visit. A limited number of tickets are available, with a maximum of 10 tickets per group.
CLAIM YOUR THIRD THURSDAY TICKETS HERE
Plan your free Zoo visit for these Third Thursdays:

Thursday April 17
Thursday, May 15
Thursday, September 18
Thursday, October 16
Thursday, November 20
Thursday, December 18
Thursday, January 15
Thursday, February 19
Thursday, March 19

Tickets for Third Thursdays will become available to claim at 10 a.m. on the Monday of the week they take place! This means that tickets for this Third Thursday on Sept. 18 can be claimed at 10 a.m. on Sept. 15.
NOTE: Free Third Thursday tickets DO NOT apply to Zoomagination: Lantern Festival at the Buffalo Zoo!

ProZoo Board's Run For Rhinos
2025-09-20 08:00 - 10:00 | NY
Celebrate the 6th annual Run for Rhinos presented by Reimer Home Services with the Buffalo Zoo on Saturday, September 20! Back this year: an in-person race that includes a race through Delaware Park and ends in the Buffalo Zoo.
All registrants will receive a race a t-shirt, finisher medal, a ticket to the Buffalo Zoo good for admission on Sunday, September 21, an afterparty with pizza and beer and race packet that can either be picked up 9/18 and 9/19.
SIGN UP FOR RUN FOR RHINOS
Share your photos on social media using the hashtag #RunForRhinos and tag the Buffalo Zoo!
The Run for Rhinos is brought to you by Reimer Home Services, the Buffalo Zoo and the ProZoo Board of the Buffalo Zoo.

M&T Bank Presents Third Thursdays at the Buffalo Zoo
2025-10-16 10:00 - 17:00 | NY
The Buffalo Zoo and M&T Bank are delighted to offer FREE admission to the community on select Third Thursdays! Important: Free tickets are required and must be reserved online prior to your visit. A limited number of tickets are available, with a maximum of 10 tickets per group.
Plan your free Zoo visit for these Third Thursdays:

Thursday April 17
Thursday, May 15
Thursday, September 18
Thursday, October 16
Thursday, November 20
Thursday, December 18
Thursday, January 15
Thursday, February 19
Thursday, March 19

Tickets for Third Thursdays will become available to claim at 10 a.m. on the Monday of the week they take place! This means that tickets for this Third Thursday on Oct. 16 can be claimed at 10 a.m. on Oct. 13.
CLAIM YOUR TICKETS HERE

Brew at the Zoo: Country Night Presented by USI Insurance
2025-10-17 17:30 - 21:30 | NY
Saddle up for a wild evening at the Buffalo Zoo! Join us for Brew at the Zoo: Country Night Presented by USI Insurance Services.
Don your cowboy boots & hat for a historic hoedown featuring live music by Uncle Ben’s Remedy and a line dancing session led by Jillian Lillian!
Sip, savor, and shop to support the Zoo with free alcohol tastings, cash bars, food trucks, and local artisan vendors.
Try your luck on the mechanical bull, and enjoy an after hours experience with some of your favorite “nocturnal” animal friends.
This is a 21+ event. Valid ID required for entry. Last entry will be 9pm. Don’t miss out!
This event is rain or shine.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
2025 Brew at the Zoo Map

Boo At The Zoo
2025-10-18 16:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-25 16:00 - 20:00 | NY
Calling all little ghouls and goblins! It’s time for a fang-tastic evening at the Buffalo Zoo! Celebrate the spooky season with this family-friendly event that features: a Trick-or-Treat trail, live entertainment, character meet and greets, visits from animal ambassadors, and more! Put on your best costume and get here early to show off to your animal friends during this after-hours event; animals are on exhibit until dusk.

Ticket Includes:
-Animals on exhibit until dusk
-Goodies from our Treat Trail for kids ages 2-12
-Unlimited train and carousel rides
-Super Hilarious Magic Show by Nick Mambretti
-Arts for Learning Presents: The Wondermakers in Animal Tales
-Photo opportunities with Halloween characters
-Special keeper talks and animal ambassador meet & greets

Know before you go:
-Trick-or-treat bags and goodies are for guests ages 2-12 only
-The last entry is 7:15pm and the treat trail runs until 8:00pm
-Limited tickets available
-Boo At The Zoo is a rain or shine event, no refunds or rainchecks

Purchase tickets here: https://visit.buffalozoo.org/#/SpecialEvents/CelebrateHalloween

M&T Bank Presents Third Thursdays at the Buffalo Zoo
2025-11-20 10:00 - 17:00 | NY
The Buffalo Zoo and M&T Bank are delighted to offer FREE admission to the community on select Third Thursdays! Important: Free tickets are required and must be reserved online prior to your visit. A limited number of tickets are available, with a maximum of 10 tickets per group.
Plan your free Zoo visit for these Third Thursdays:

Thursday April 17
Thursday, May 15
Thursday, September 18
Thursday, October 16
Thursday, November 20
Thursday, December 18
Thursday, January 15
Thursday, February 19
Thursday, March 19

Tickets for Third Thursdays will become available to claim at 10 a.m. on the Monday of the week they take place! This means that tickets for this Third Thursday on Nov. 20 can be claimed at 10 a.m. on Nov. 17.
CLAIM YOUR TICKETS HERE

Women's Board Holiday Luncheon
2025-12-11 11:00 - 14:00 | NY
Join us as we kick off the holidays in support of the Buffalo Zoo! Dine at one of Buffalo’s premier restaurants, try your luck at our spectacular basket and premium auctions, and enjoy an afternoon with your friends and family. Treat yourself to our famous polar bear cookies, homemade chocolates, and other fun fares at our Holiday Boutique.
Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025
Time: 11:00 A.M.
Place: Salvatore’s – 6461 Transit Road-Depew (NEW VENUE!)
Cost: $45.00 – Reservation deadline is November 15th.
We look forward to celebrating the holiday season with you!
Any questions, please contact : buffalozoowomensboard@nullgmail.com

Breakfast With Santa
2025-12-13 09:00 - 13:00 | NY
Tis the season for one of Western New York’s favorite holiday traditions — Breakfast with Santa at the Buffalo Zoo!
Join us bright and early for a delicious breakfast buffet, festive fun, and a special meet-and-greet with Santa Claus and some of our amazing animal ambassadors. After breakfast, continue the magic with a day at the Zoo — admission is included with your ticket!
Dates: December 14 & 21Sessions: 9:00 AM or 11:30 AMLocation: Children’s Resource Center (seating is first come, first served)
Spots fill up fast — reserve your tickets today!
Tickets on sale soon.

M&T Bank Presents Third Thursdays at the Buffalo Zoo
2025-12-18 10:00 - 17:00 | NY
The Buffalo Zoo and M&T Bank are delighted to offer FREE admission to the community on select Third Thursdays! Important: Free tickets are required and must be reserved online prior to your visit. A limited number of tickets are available, with a maximum of 10 tickets per group.
Plan your free Zoo visit for these Third Thursdays:

Thursday April 17 – SOLD OUT
Thursday, May 15
Thursday, September 18
Thursday, October 16
Thursday, November 20
Thursday, December 18
Thursday, January 15
Thursday, February 19
Thursday, March 19

Tickets for Third Thursdays will become available to claim at 10 a.m. on the Monday of the week they take place! This means that tickets for this Third Thursday on Dec. 18 can be claimed at 10 a.m. on Dec. 15.

Breakfast With Santa
2025-12-20 09:00 - 13:00 | NY
Tis the season for one of Western New York’s favorite holiday traditions — Breakfast with Santa at the Buffalo Zoo!
Join us bright and early for a delicious breakfast buffet, festive fun, and a special meet-and-greet with Santa Claus and some of our amazing animal ambassadors. After breakfast, continue the magic with a day at the Zoo — admission is included with your ticket!
Dates: December 13 & 20Sessions: 9:00 AM or 11:30 AMLocation: Children’s Resource Center (seating is first come, first served)
Spots fill up fast — reserve your tickets today!
Tickets on sale soon.

M&T Bank Presents Third Thursdays at the Buffalo Zoo
2026-01-15 10:00 - 17:00 | NY
The Buffalo Zoo and M&T Bank are delighted to offer FREE admission to the community on select Third Thursdays! Important: Free tickets are required and must be reserved online prior to your visit. A limited number of tickets are available, with a maximum of 10 tickets per group.
Plan your free Zoo visit for these Third Thursdays:

Thursday April 17 – SOLD OUT
Thursday, May 15
Thursday, September 18
Thursday, October 16
Thursday, November 20
Thursday, December 18
Thursday, January 15
Thursday, February 19
Thursday, March 19

Tickets for Third Thursdays will become available to claim at 10 a.m. on the Monday of the week they take place! This means that tickets for this Third Thursday on Jan. 15 can be claimed at 10 a.m. on Jan. 12.

M&T Bank Presents Third Thursdays at the Buffalo Zoo
2026-02-19 10:00 - 17:00 | NY
The Buffalo Zoo and M&T Bank are delighted to offer FREE admission to the community on select Third Thursdays! Important: Free tickets are required and must be reserved online prior to your visit. A limited number of tickets are available, with a maximum of 10 tickets per group.
Plan your free Zoo visit for these Third Thursdays:

Thursday April 17 – SOLD OUT
Thursday, May 15
Thursday, September 18
Thursday, October 16
Thursday, November 20
Thursday, December 18
Thursday, January 15
Thursday, February 19
Thursday, March 19

Tickets for Third Thursdays will become available to claim at 10 a.m. on the Monday of the week they take place! This means that tickets for this Third Thursday on Feb. 19 can be claimed at 10 a.m. on Feb. 16.

M&T Bank Presents Third Thursdays at the Buffalo Zoo
2026-03-19 10:00 - 17:00 | NY
The Buffalo Zoo and M&T Bank are delighted to offer FREE admission to the community on select Third Thursdays! Important: Free tickets are required and must be reserved online prior to your visit. A limited number of tickets are available, with a maximum of 10 tickets per group.
Plan your free Zoo visit for these Third Thursdays:

Thursday April 17 – SOLD OUT
Thursday, May 15
Thursday, September 18
Thursday, October 16
Thursday, November 20
Thursday, December 18
Thursday, January 15
Thursday, February 19
Thursday, March 19

Tickets for Third Thursdays will become available to claim at 10 a.m. on the Monday of the week they take place! This means that tickets for this Third Thursday on March 19 can be claimed at 10 a.m. on March 16.
