Celebration FAQs

What should I wear to the party?

Casual cocktail attire is appropriate – sport shirt or Hawaiian shirt and slacks for him, dressy pants outfits or casual cocktail dresses for her. Comfortable shoes are recommended to enjoy all the party fun as the food and wine stations and the entertainment are spread out around the San Diego Zoo grounds.

Are all of the food and beverages included in the ticket price?

Beer and wine sampling and food tasting lasts until 9:30 p.m. (Zoo Party area and Sweet Retreat until 10:30 p.m.) and is included in the ticket price. A No Host bar is located in the Zoo party area where mixed drinks and special Celebration for the Critters cocktails (in a souvenir blinky glass!) are available for purchase. Complimentary soft drinks are also available at the No Host bar. Complimentary bottled water provided by Sparkletts is available in the Zoo Party area, Flamingo Plaza , Tropical Trails and at Sydney 's.

When does the party start?

Entrance times are printed on the front of your tickets.

5:30 p.m. VIP Wine Tasting tickets

(Enter thru Zoo main entrance)

6:30 p.m. Early admission tickets (Enter thru Zoo exit)

7:30 p.m. General admission tickets

I ordered my tickets after September 15 – where do I pick them up?

All orders placed after September 15 can be picked up the night of the event starting at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 30 at Will Call located at the Zoo's membership booth on the front plaza

Are children allowed?

No. Guests must be 21 to attend and children, infants and strollers are not permitted.

What about the Skyfari ride?

The Skyfari aerial tram ride is included in the Early admission and VIP ticket price. There is a nominal charge of $3 for general admission ticket holders.

Do I have to be a member of the Zoo to attend?

No, you don't need to be a member to purchase a ticket. There are no member discounts on tickets.

Can I buy opportunity drawing tickets at the event?

Yes, tickets are $5 each and are available at the Opportunity Drawing table by the entrance to the Zoo party area. You can also buy Opportunity Drawing tickets from our roving ticket sellers before you enter the party as well as during the party.

The Opportunity Drawing closes at 10:30 p.m.

I want to bid on something in the Silent Auction – how does that work?

Bid stickers must be used to place all bids. If you did not receive bid stickers, you can register for the Silent Auction and receive your bid stickers at the registration area next to the Silent Auction in Reptile Plaza . There will also be a Silent Auction registration table on the Front Plaza , before you enter the party.

Please note that once a bid sticker is placed on an item it cannot be removed for any reason, so please bid carefully.

The Silent Auction closes at 9:30 p.m.

I used all my bid stickers, can I get more?

Additional bid stickers can be obtained at the Silent Auction registration area in Reptile Plaza .

What if I get tired, are there places to sit down?

Tables and chairs are located in the Zoo party area and at Sydney 's. Picnic style tables are located throughout the entire party area.

I use a wheelchair/walker/cane, will I be able to enjoy the party?

Yes. The party covers an area that is mostly level with some gentle inclines.

What about parking?

Parking is free in the main Zoo lot. Taxis are available in the area all evening.

Will the entire Zoo be open during the event?

No, only the front areas of the Zoo will open.

Will the gift shops be open?

The gift shops won't be open, but there will be merchandise carts at Sydney 's and the Zoo entrance selling Celebration for the Critters logo t-shirts, unique candy items created especially for Celebration, and blinking novelty items.

Will non-alcoholic beverages be served?

Yes. Several beverage vendors will feature juices, waters and non-alcoholic beverages. Complimentary sodas are available at the No Host bar in the Zoo party area, as well as Sparkletts bottled water in the Zoo Party area, Flamingo Plaza , Tropical Trails and at Sydney 's.

Are cameras allowed?

Yes.

What if it rains?

If it rains, the event will not be held. Please consider your ticket purchase a donation to CRES.