Carnaval, The Houston Zoo

Event Highlights

Experience Carnaval at the Houston Zoo during our first 21 and up event of 2022, After Dark presented by TXU Energy! Our H-E-B Lone Star Pavilion will transform into a Carnaval-themed dance club where you can enjoy live Latin music from the Leslie Lugo Band, enjoy Samba lessons, play a variety of games, capture the moment with a free caricature sketch, and more.

You can also stop by the giraffe feeding platform to feed a giraffe and ride the Wildlife Carousel for free until 8:45 p.m. Your general admission includes one free drink. Food and additional drinks will be available for purchase.

Ticket price at gate: $49
Note: Ticket prices are no longer available online to purchase.

Adults 21+ only. No one under 21 will be permitted to attend the event. Last entry at 7:30 p.m.

VIEW AFTER DARK MAP

Keeper Talks

Visit your favorite animals as you explore the Zoo after hours, including giant river otters and a jaguar in the Zoo’s latest exhibit, South America’s Pantanal. From 6:00-8:00 p.m., you’ll be able to chat one-on-one with the keepers who care for our animals in the South America’s Pantanal exhibit. Animals you may see include giant river otters, jaguar, giant anteaters, and more.

By attending this event, you are helping save animals in the wild.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this only open to guests 21 and up?

Yes, this is adults-only event for guests 21 and up. No babies or children are allowed. Guests without a valid photo ID will not be permitted to enter.

What drink and food options will be available?

Drink options include wine, beer, and our signature drink. There will be plenty of food options available during the event, including two signature themed dishes from Cypress Circle Café, as well as our food trucks and kiosks around the Zoo. Place your order online ahead of time from Cypress Circle.

Wine and the signature cocktail will only be available at the pop-up bars inside of Lone Star Pavilion and South America’s Pantanal.

Signature dishes and cocktail include:

Cachorro Quente (loaded street hotdog) with shoe string potatoes, corn, chimichurri , garlic mayo, and banana peppers. Served with spicy plantain chips or fries. Price: $14
Traditional Feijoada (pork, sausage and bean stew) with rice and Pao de Queijo (tapioca cheese bread). Price: $16
Caipirinha – Sip on Brazil’s national drink, a cocktail containing fresh lime juice, sugar, and cachaça (Brazil’s national spirit). Price: $12

Will there be keeper chats?

Yes, you can chat with keepers from 6:00-8:00 p.m. inside of our South America’s Pantanal exhibit.

Where should I park?

Our main parking lot is located at 6200 Hermann Park Drive, and parking will be available throughout the Hermann Park parking areas.

Do I need to print my ticket(s)?

Present the digital ticket on your mobile device to scan for entry. By going paperless, you are helping save local animals, like black bears, in the wild!

Can I purchase additional drinks at this event?

Yes, cash bars will be available during the event.

What happens if it rains?

This event is rain or shine. There are no refunds.

Is smoking permitted?

No, smoking is not permitted at the Zoo.

Carnaval

Friday, March 25, 6:00-9:00 p.m.