Community Events

How many chickens do you weigh?

How tall are you in apples or inches or pennies? Can you use your foot as a ruler?

Explore these and other questions in this new interactive exhibit in the Discovery Garden!

It may be common to measure using standard tools such as measuring tapes and cups, but Measurement Rules explores non-standard tools such as balancing scales, odometers, calipers, 3-D imaging and counting “Mississippis.” Explore this exhibit and become confident in the language of measurement through length, weight, volume and time.

The museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Quilts Japan: The 17th Quilt Nihon features stunning traditional and modern quilts from the biennial competition.

SQTM is honored to be one of only four venues in the United States where the works will be on view.

Spend the night at Zoo Atlanta with your school or group at a NightCrawler Overnight.

Embark on a nocturnal adventure you won’t soon forget! 

When the last guest leaves for the day, we invite you to stay! Come find out what really happens when the sun goes down. Which animals stay up late and how do others settle down for the night? And in the morning, how do animals greet the day? Join us as we explore these questions and more on an overnight adventure designed for schools, Scouts, and other groups.

Participants will spend the majority of the evening outdoors walking around the Zoo with an Educator as their guide, stopping along the way to observe the nocturnal behaviors of the animals who call the Zoo home. During the evening, participants will have the opportunity to use night vision technology and will visit Scaly Slimy Spectacular to discover the nocturnal world of frogs, lizards, snakes, and turtles, illuminated by red flashlights. Participants will also enjoy a guided tour behind the scenes to discover how we care for animals every day. Learn about our new state-of-the-art veterinary complex, The Rollins Animal Health Center, and tour the Animal Nutrition Kitchen to find out what it takes to feed the Zoo!*  After an evening of exploration, participants will sleep in indoor, climate-controlled rooms with sleeping bags brought from home. And then rise and shine for more fun! Enjoy a catered continental breakfast from Proof of the Pudding followed by morning visits to animal habitats to see how our Animal Care Specialists help the animals start their day. 

If you are looking for additional opportunities to connect with wildlife up-close, you can register your group for a 9 a.m. Animal Encounter for an additional fee. This encounter includes an exclusive 30-minute talk with a Zoo Educator and a visit with two to three small animal ambassadors before the conclusion of your NightCrawlers program. Note: We cannot accommodate specific animal requests for the encounter.

Participating groups are invited to stay and enjoy the Zoo at completion of your program!

*The behind-the-scenes portion of the tour is not fully ADA accessible.  

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT DURING A NIGHTCRAWLER?

• Rain or shine. This program happens rain or shine, and much of the program is outside. Please plan for the weather and dress accordingly.
• The Zoo is made for walking! Most of this experience is spent walking around the Zoo, and there are multiple irregular surfaces and steep inclines. Plan to spend up to 5 hours on your feet touring the Zoo.
• Come with a full belly. While we will take a break for a snack in the middle of the evening, please eat dinner before you arrive. And remember to bring your water bottle with you.
• Embrace the dark. It’s called a NightCrawler for a reason. Explore the Zoo by the light of the moon and our Educators’ red-light flashlights. Guests may only use flashlights at bedtime.
• Rustic camping meets the Zoo. All sleeping locations are in climate-controlled buildings with a restroom either in the building or nearby.
• Stay awhile. At the completion of your program the following morning, you are welcome to stay and enjoy the Zoo at your leisure.
• Have FUN! This unique experience is unlike anything that you can do in Atlanta. We look forward to hosting you for an upcoming program!

CAPACITY: Minimum of 20 – Maximum of 120

Times: 6 p.m. until 9:30 a.m. the next morning

Cost: $110

Age Range: 6+
This program is designed for groups with children. A paid adult must accompany child(ren), and a paid child must accompany adult(s). 

UPCOMING DATES:

2025: 

• September 27
• October: 3, 10, 11
• November 7

2026:

• February 27
• March: 7, 13, 14, 20, 27, 28
• April: 3, 17, 24
• May: 8, 9, 15

Elephant Wild Encounter at Zoo Atlanta

No creature looms larger over the savanna than the African elephant, and you’ll agree when you come face-to-trunk with one at Zoo Atlanta! Meet Tara or Kelly while learning why they are such important ambassadors for their species.

During this Wild Encounter experience, you will learn about elephants with a Zoo Educator before heading behind the scenes to meet up with members of the Elephant Care Team and find out more about elephant care at the Zoo. Of course, no Elephant Wild Encounter would be complete without the opportunity to hand-feed one of the “girls” an afternoon snack.

• Meet at the Zambezi Elephant Center 15 minutes before the Wild Encounter. 
• Availability is limited for all Wild Encounters. Advance registration is recommended.
• Encounter spots may be available on the day of the program. Please meet the Wild Encounter Guide at the check-in location 15 minutes before the program begins to inquire about availability and to purchase tickets.

Days Available: Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday at 2 p.m. 

Member Cost: $117

Non-Member Cost: $130 + Zoo admission

Age Range: 4 and up

Lemur Wild Encounter at Zoo Atlanta

We can’t plan a trip to Madagascar for you, but we can help you meet one of its most iconic native species. Experience our Lemur Wild Encounter!

Meet and feed some of the amazing primates that make the island of Madagascar one of Earth’s richest and most dynamic natural ecosystems, and learn what you can do to help one of the most endangered groups of mammals on the planet.  

• Meet outside the PopCone food stand 15 minutes before the Wild Encounter.
• Availability is limited for all Wild Encounters. Advance registration is recommended.
• Encounter spots may be available on the day of the program. Please meet the Wild Encounter Guide at the check-in location 15 minutes before the program begins to inquire about availability and to purchase tickets.

Days Available: Lemur Wild Encounters will run from April 3 – October 18, 2026.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 – 11:50 a.m. 

Member Cost: $41

Non-Member Cost: $45 + Zoo admission

Age Range: 4 and up

We welcome you to the wild world of warthogs! Come explore what it takes to care for these charismatic creatures and their neighbors in the African Savanna.  

Do warthogs really have warts? Get an up-close look and see! Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at Zoo Atlanta’s African Savanna and give the warthogs a favorite treat. You’ll also meet members of the Zoo’s Animal Care Team and find out what goes into the care of warthogs and other savanna animals.

• Meet outside the warthog habitat near the SweetWater Beer Garden 15 minutes (at 12:45) before the Wild Encounter to check in.
• Availability is limited for all Wild Encounters. Advance registration is recommended.
• Encounter spots may be available on the day of the program. Please meet the Wild Encounter Guide at the check-in location 15 minutes before the program begins to inquire about availability and to purchase tickets.
• This encounter is not ADA accessible.
• All guests must wear closed-toed shoes on this encounter.

Days Available: Warthog Wild Encounters will run from April 3 – November 16, 2026.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday at 1 p.m.

Member Cost: $41

Non-Member Cost: $45 + Zoo admission

Age Range: 4 and up

How many chickens do you weigh?

How tall are you in apples or inches or pennies? Can you use your foot as a ruler?

Explore these and other questions in this new interactive exhibit in the Discovery Garden!

It may be common to measure using standard tools such as measuring tapes and cups, but Measurement Rules explores non-standard tools such as balancing scales, odometers, calipers, 3-D imaging and counting “Mississippis.” Explore this exhibit and become confident in the language of measurement through length, weight, volume and time.

The museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Quilts Japan: The 17th Quilt Nihon features stunning traditional and modern quilts from the biennial competition.

SQTM is honored to be one of only four venues in the United States where the works will be on view.

The Arts Council is excited to announce the highly anticipated 2026 Battle of the Bands, taking place on Friday, April 24, at the Smithgall Arts Center.

This annual showcase brings together the region’s most dynamic emerging artists for an unforgettable night of live music, competition and community celebration. 

Bands of all genres are invited to apply for a chance to perform on stage, connect with new audiences and compete for top honors, including our grand prize of $1,000 and the opportunity to headline a show in the 2026/2027 season with 50% of ticket sales or our People’s Choice award which includes a cash prize and an opportunity to open at a concert. A panel of judges—featuring industry professionals, local musicians and community leaders—will evaluate performances based on originality, musicality, stage presence and audience engagement. Our people’s choice will be determined by who can raise the most funds for the Arts Council through donations. 

Applications are open now through March 4, 2026. Interested bands can apply by submitting basic group information, music samples and a brief performance proposal. An application fee of $100 will apply and selected finalists will be announced in March 2026.

Petting Zoo Painters

Join the Animal Care Team and one of our talented animal artists, meeting either the Zoo’s “VanGoat” or “Baaahlo,” and take home a unique work of art in this unforgettable experience.

Learn about the positive reinforcement training process of becoming an animal artist. See firsthand the ways this enrichment activity fits into high standards of care for animals at the Zoo when you meet a goat or sheep and see their art creation in action. Please note that we cannot guarantee a specific animal for your program.

• Meet at the Petting Zoo area of Outback Station 15 minutes before the Wild Encounter start time. 
• Availability is limited for all Wild Encounters. Advance registration is recommended.
• Encounter spots may be available on the day of the program. Please meet the Wild Encounter Guide at the check-in location 15 minutes before the program begins to inquire about availability and to purchase tickets.
• Includes one (1) take-home canvas per registered group.

Days Available: Saturdays at 3:15 p.m.

Member Cost: $67.50  |  Includes one painting per group of four people.

Non-Member Cost: $75 per group of up to four people, + individual Zoo Admission  |   Includes one painting per group of four people.

Age Range: All ages

How many chickens do you weigh?

How tall are you in apples or inches or pennies? Can you use your foot as a ruler?

Explore these and other questions in this new interactive exhibit in the Discovery Garden!

It may be common to measure using standard tools such as measuring tapes and cups, but Measurement Rules explores non-standard tools such as balancing scales, odometers, calipers, 3-D imaging and counting “Mississippis.” Explore this exhibit and become confident in the language of measurement through length, weight, volume and time.

The museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

From 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Dive into the ultimate fishing celebration that is the Annual Blue Ridge Trout and Outdoor Adventure Festival! Hosted in the picturesque downtown Blue Ridge City Park by the Blue Ridge Mountain Trout Unlimited Chapter, this event promises a splashing good time.

Rain or shine, this event will reel you in with family-friendly fun and outdoor adventure, showcasing why Blue Ridge is hailed as the Trout Capital of Georgia.

Quilts Japan: The 17th Quilt Nihon features stunning traditional and modern quilts from the biennial competition.

SQTM is honored to be one of only four venues in the United States where the works will be on view.

Imagine running a show when all of your stars are birds!

Become a Trainer for a Day at the World of Wild Theater presented by Georgia Natural Gas, and see firsthand how training is used to care for and connect guests to the birds while participating in the Fantastic Flights presentation!

Work alongside the Ambassador Animals Team to experience how these feathered friends showcase their unique adaptations in these presentations and learn about the positive reinforcement training that ensures that all of the birds are participating voluntarily.   This behind-the-scenes look at Fantastic Flights and its amazing participants will give you a greater appreciation for the term “bird brain” and the important relationships between the birds and their care team. Participants can expect to meet members of the Animal Care Team, meet an animal, learn about our positive reinforcement training and enrichment programs, and walk away with knowledge of how to save species. All participation in Keeper for a Day programs is voluntary for the animals.

Before registering, please understand that during this program: 

• Participants will perform similar tasks as members of the Ambassador Animals Team, which may include raking, sweeping, hosing, scrubbing, and shoveling, and should expect to do some hard work and be comfortable getting dirty. 
• Participants will be expected to participate in all weather conditions, lift up to 30 pounds, and be on their feet for up to four hours. 
• Participants must have the physical ability to bend, lift, stoop, kneel, and stand for extended periods of time. 
• Participants may be exposed to potential allergens such as insects, hay, animal waste, and other potential allergens. Please reach out in advance if you have any questions or concerns. 

Upcoming 2026 Dates:
Sunday, January 18
Sunday, February 8
Sunday, March 15
Sunday, April 26
Sunday, May 10

Time(s): 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Age Range: 16 and up

How many chickens do you weigh?

How tall are you in apples or inches or pennies? Can you use your foot as a ruler?

Explore these and other questions in this new interactive exhibit in the Discovery Garden!

It may be common to measure using standard tools such as measuring tapes and cups, but Measurement Rules explores non-standard tools such as balancing scales, odometers, calipers, 3-D imaging and counting “Mississippis.” Explore this exhibit and become confident in the language of measurement through length, weight, volume and time.

The museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

How many chickens do you weigh?

How tall are you in apples or inches or pennies? Can you use your foot as a ruler?

Explore these and other questions in this new interactive exhibit in the Discovery Garden!

It may be common to measure using standard tools such as measuring tapes and cups, but Measurement Rules explores non-standard tools such as balancing scales, odometers, calipers, 3-D imaging and counting “Mississippis.” Explore this exhibit and become confident in the language of measurement through length, weight, volume and time.

The museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

How many chickens do you weigh?

How tall are you in apples or inches or pennies? Can you use your foot as a ruler?

Explore these and other questions in this new interactive exhibit in the Discovery Garden!

It may be common to measure using standard tools such as measuring tapes and cups, but Measurement Rules explores non-standard tools such as balancing scales, odometers, calipers, 3-D imaging and counting “Mississippis.” Explore this exhibit and become confident in the language of measurement through length, weight, volume and time.

The museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Quilts Japan: The 17th Quilt Nihon features stunning traditional and modern quilts from the biennial competition.

SQTM is honored to be one of only four venues in the United States where the works will be on view.

How many chickens do you weigh?

How tall are you in apples or inches or pennies? Can you use your foot as a ruler?

Explore these and other questions in this new interactive exhibit in the Discovery Garden!

It may be common to measure using standard tools such as measuring tapes and cups, but Measurement Rules explores non-standard tools such as balancing scales, odometers, calipers, 3-D imaging and counting “Mississippis.” Explore this exhibit and become confident in the language of measurement through length, weight, volume and time.

The museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Quilts Japan: The 17th Quilt Nihon features stunning traditional and modern quilts from the biennial competition.

SQTM is honored to be one of only four venues in the United States where the works will be on view.