Jun 11

Zoobilation 2021

7 PM - 12 AM

Sold Out

Presented by AES Indiana

View the Event Map

Zoobilation presented by AES Indiana

Thanks to everyone who attended Zoobilation 2021 presented by AES Indiana. This year’s event raised $2 million and we are very grateful for the community’s support of the Zoo and Zoobilation.

This summer, we hosted Bayou Bash in recognition of the Zoo’s new exhibit, Alligators & Crocodiles: The Fight to Survive, opening Memorial Day weekend.

Indianapolis’ most anticipated event of the year takes place on the second Friday in June, beginning at 5:30pm with the Premium Experience presented by Ice Miller LLP and followed by general admission from 7pm to midnight.

For this single luxurious night, the Zoo’s familiar landscape of incredible animals and exhibits will be transformed with the rhythms of live music as well as the alluring scents of premium foods and beverages — providing the perfect party atmosphere.

The Midwest’s largest black-tie fundraising event, Zoobilation is also a party with a purpose, supporting the Zoo’s animal conservation mission. The Zoo’s largest single-day fundraiser, Zoobilation helps fund the care of the Zoo’s nearly 1,300 animals and 47,000 plants as well as its global conservation initiatives.

Zoobilation 2021: Bayou Bash

Enjoy an evening of pure indulgence that's just steps away from the city's center.

In 2021, Zoobilation will celebrate its 35th year. Zoobilation guests will sample the finest culinary creations from Central Indiana’s most popular restaurants, all vying for Zoobilation’s coveted people’s choice and blue-ribbon awards. Plus, attendees will sip cocktails, wines and other drinks, with beverages presented by Republic National Distributing Company and served at 15 public bars — all set amid the Indianapolis Zoo’s amazing animals and exhibits!

As the sun sets on the city, attendees can dance into the darkness to rocking music presented by Bose McKinney & Evans LLP, with live entertainment featured on multiple stages throughout the Zoo.

Zoobilation was first held in 1986 at the home of Herb Simon, where just a few hundred guests gathered to support the Indianapolis Zoo and celebrate its good work. In the past quarter-century, the event has ballooned in attendance and prominence.

As a privately operated, nonprofit organization that receives no direct tax revenue, the Indianapolis Zoo relies on fundraisers like Zoobilation to help advance its animal conservation mission.

We’re tremendously grateful to all our partners who return year after year to support our Zoo and our mission.

Premium Experience

Enjoy the Indulgences of Zoobilation's Premium Experience!

Slow down and savor all Zoobilation’s amenities as a Premium Experience guest. Beginning at 5:30pm, the Premium Experience offers early access to the full event as well as other exclusive benefits, including opportunities to interact with some of the animals the fundraiser supports. Additionally, you’ll receive priority parking, an arrival gift and access to the air-conditioned Crocodile Rock Lounge inside the Ascension St. Vincent Dolphin Pavilion.

For more Zoobilation information, please complete the contact form below.

Restaurants & Entertainment

2021 Participating Restaurants

Enjoy delicious cuisine from these participating restaurants, who donate ALL of their food and time to participate in Zoobilation! (* denotes new participant)

1830 Chophouse*
Arni’s Restaurant
Auberge Restaurant & Bar
Blondie’s Cookies Inc.
BRU Burger Bar
Clancy’s Hamburgers*
Cretia Cakes
Daniel’s Vineyard
Dick’s Last Resort
The District Tap
Eddie Merlot’s
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill*
Grindstone Charley’s
Grindstone on the Monon*
Grindstone Public House
The HC Tavern + Kitchen
Indie Coffee Roasters*
Jack’s Donuts

Just Peachy Café*
Kilroy’s Bar N’ Grill
Matt the Miller’s Tavern
Manele Cafe
Mesh
Modita*
The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Portillo’s
Rathskeller Restaurant
Rick’s Café Boatyard
Rise n Roll*
Schakolad Chocolate Factory at Trader’s Point
Slapfish*
Slippery Noodle Inn
St. Elmo Steak House
Sun King Brewery & Spirits
SweetCakesbyRonda
Taxman Brewing Co.*

Tucci’s
Vanilla Bean Bakery
Yats
YUMMY!

Live Entertainment

The night will be filled with the sounds of live entertainment presented by Bose McKinney & Evans LLP.

The Nauti Yachtys	Entrance Plaza Stage	5:30pm	8:45pm
Jay Jones & Brick House Dueling Pianos	Entrance Plaza Stage	9:00pm	12:00am
DJ Lockstar	Bicentennial Pavilion	7:00pm	12:00am
P3 Productions – Karaoke	Flights of Fancy Stage	5:30pm	12:00am
Jai Baker 3	Main Stage-Bridge	5:30pm	8:45pm
Hello Weekend	Main Stage-Bridge	9:00pm	12:00am

Event Extras

Zoobilation App

Download our all-new Zoobilation App today!

App features include the event map, with restaurant and specialty bar locations, entertainment schedule and stage locations, sponsor den and table locations plus so much more. On the night of the event, you’ll also be able to vote for your favorite restaurant to win the People’s Choice Award.

The new app is available now for:

Android » https://bit.ly/3gn4zlh
iPhone » https://apple.co/3pxEqEt
Zoobilation Hotel

Indianapolis Marriott Downtown is the official hotel for Zoobilation 2021, providing the option of three special overnight discounts as well as additional amenities exclusively for guests! If you are looking for a high floor view or are looking for more of the VIP feel, the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown is the place for you. Book your hotel room for Zoobilation 2021 here.
Zoobilation Newsletter

Please fill out the Zoobilation contact form to be added to our mailing list!

Check out the 2021 newsletters below!

January 27, 2021
February 17, 2021
April 2, 2021
May 27, 2021
June 10, 2021