EleFest
In honor of World Elephant Day, join us as we celebrate the Zoo’s newest Asian elephant calf, Linh Mai, with a three-day festival packed with culture, conservation and community!
Visit the Zoo from Friday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 9, and enjoy a mix of free family-friendly activities and special ticketed programs, including:
- An adults-only Elephant Happy Hour ($)
- Peaceful morning Yoga with Elephants session + free elephant towel ($)
- Live cultural performances
- Hands-on activity stations throughout the Zoo
- Special animal demonstrations and keeper talks
Bring your family, spend a day with the elephant herd, and learn how Zoo science supports wildlife conservation around the world. Don’t miss this GIANT celebration!
And if you can't make it in-person, donations help make the Zoo's work with Asian elephants possible.
Public Programming
Somapa Thai Dance Group
Time: Saturday, August 8, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Lion/Tiger Hill
Experience traditional Thai dance performances celebrating Asian heritage.
Free and open to the public.
DC Public Library (DCPL)
Time: Saturday, August 8, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Outside Visitors Center (Asia Trail Sign)
The DC Public Library joins us with their book truck for special elephant-themed story times and activities for young readers as part of their Discover Summer initiative, an all-ages city-wide celebration of reading and learning. Free and open to all.
Chalk Riot
Time: Sunday, August 9, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Great Meadow
Chalk Riot turns streets into canvases for community expression, using ephemeral mediums and site-responsive practices. Partake in creating a colorful chalk mural that comes to life before your eyes. This family-friendly activity is free and open to the public.
Rhythmaya Dance Group
Time: Sunday, August 9, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Lion/Tiger Hill
Enjoy a vibrant South Indian dance performance before joining in for a short interactive workshop. Free and open to the public.
Paid Programming
EleFest Happy Hour — Friday, Aug. 7 (SOLD OUT)
Time: 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (last entry 6 p.m.)
Location: Elephant Patio and Outpost
Kick off EleFest weekend with an exciting evening at our adults-only Happy Hour. Sip a specialty elephant-themed batch cocktail, test your wildlife knowledge with animal trivia, and enjoy live DJ entertainment in a lively after-hours atmosphere at the Zoo.
Guests can also purchase a 5-ounce keepsake wine glass to remember the celebration. This 21+ event is the perfect way to raise a glass in support of our new baby elephant, Linh Mai.
Tickets are $25 and include one free drink ticket. Last entry is at 6 p.m.
Yoga With Elephants — Saturday, Aug. 8 & Sunday, Aug. 9 (SOLD OUT)
Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9
Two sessions: 7 a.m. – 7:45 a.m. / 8 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Location: Elephant Community Center
Begin your day with a one-of-a-kind wellness experience alongside the Zoo’s elephant herd. These peaceful morning yoga sessions offer a calming opportunity to stretch, breathe, and connect with nature in a truly unforgettable setting.
A free elephant-branded cooling towel is included with your ticket, but guests should bring their own yoga mat and water bottle. Every person attending must have a ticket. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Tickets are $75 per person. Space is limited to 50 people per session.
Flavorful Favorites
Throughout the month of August, discover special food and drink items across the Zoo. Enjoy an elephant cookie from Dolci Gelati, 'Linh Mai's Trunkful of Treats' mint chocolate chip ice cream from Dippin' Dots, or the 'Linh Mai Tai' cocktail (21+) from Vintage Views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your ticket for paid events like Yoga with Elephants and EleFest Happy Hour grants you entry to the Zoo.
For all other non-paid events, a free Entry Pass is required.
If you’re planning to park at the Zoo, you should purchase your Parking Pass ahead of your visit. Parking Passes are $30 when purchased in advance and $40 when purchased day-of. Parking Passes are nonrefundable and exchanges are subject to availability.
Member parking benefits may be used for this event. Benefits must be used in advance online; they cannot be redeemed on-site.
Follow the signs to the EleFest Welcome Table, which will be located in front of the Elephant Community Center (ECC). That is your main check-in point for both paid events.
For the EleFest Happy Hour, you will go through an ID check while in line and your ticket will be scanned. From there, you can proceed to the welcome table to receive a custom EleFest wristband and drink ticket.
For Yoga with Elephants, you will receive your free elephant-branded cooling towel upon check-in.
Yes. Admission comes with one free drink ticket but additional beverages will be available for purchase.
After checking in and receiving your wristband, there will be a second table where you can pick up your commemorative wine glass. Please have your receipt ready for verification.
EleFest Happy Hour is only for ages 21+. Yoga with Elephants is recommended for guests 12 years and older.
All other EleFest programming is suitable for all ages.
All ticket sales are nonrefundable. However, if you’re unable to attend, you may choose to donate your ticket back to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Donated tickets are made available for others to purchase, allowing your original purchase to continue supporting our mission. To use this option, please contact ZooTickets@si.edu.
Please visit our Accessibility page for information on how we provide inclusive experiences for all audiences.
Guests can arrive for the first session through the Connecticut Avenue gates starting at 6:30 a.m. and for the second session at 7:30 a.m.
Simply present your Yoga with Elephants ticket and proceed to the Elephant Community Center.