Philadelphia Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo, in Fairmount Park along the Schuylkill River, rents out several of its exhibit areas and plazas for private evening events after the zoo closes to the public. Named event spaces include the PECO Primate Reserve, the Rare Animal Conservation Center, the McNeil Avian Center, KidZooU, Impala Plaza, and Big Cat Falls, each priced and sized differently and each giving guests a close view of a specific animal collection during cocktail-style or seated dinner events. A published rental package sets a 50 guest minimum for events, and food and beverage must come from the zoo's own exclusive in-house caterer. The zoo provides dedicated event staff to run each booking and offers complimentary parking in designated lots for evening rentals. Seasonal add-ons include a DJ package. Because the animal habitats stay open to guests during rentals, the zoo functions as one of the few Philadelphia event venues where the backdrop is a living collection rather than a fixed architectural space.