Utah's Hogle Zoo
Host Your Next Event at Hogle Zoo
Private Event Space in Salt Lake City
Whether you’re planning a corporate event, wedding reception, conference, holiday party, or private celebration, Hogle Zoo offers flexible event spaces and unique experiences for groups of all sizes.
From gatherings of 40 guests to full-zoo buyouts, we’ll work with you to create an event that fits your goals, style, and budget. Our team will be with you every step of the way, helping coordinate the details so planning is easy from start to finish.
Unique Animal Experiences
Give guests the opportunity to connect with wildlife through animal encounters, demonstrations, and experiences they won’t find at a traditional event venue.
Fully Customizable Events
Every event is different. We’ll work with you to customize the venue, food, entertainment, and experiences to fit your needs.
Catering & Event Support
From menus and vendors to timelines and logistics, our team helps coordinate the details so planning feels simple.
Flexible Event Spaces
Choose from indoor and outdoor venues, daytime rentals, after-hours experiences, or even a full-zoo buyout.
Planning Made Easy
Want catering, entertainment, animal experiences, or tech support? We’ll help bring everything together in one place, so your event runs smoothly.
Types of events we host
Wedding receptions
Meetings
Corporate events
Client appreciation events
Conferences
Company picnics
Holiday parties
Private celebrations
Team building events
Have any questions?
From small team gatherings to zoo-wide celebrations, our venues offer a range of capacities, settings, and amenities to help you create the right experience for your guests.
Daytime Event Spaces
Available 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
After-Hours Event Spaces
Available 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
After-hours party rentals are unavailable from June through August
Looking for something truly different? A full-zoo buyout gives your guests exclusive access to Hogle Zoo and the opportunity to have the grounds all to themselves.
Perfect for:
- Corporate celebrations
- Holiday parties
- Large-scale fundraisers
- Company anniversaries
Details
✓ Zoo-wide evening buyouts are from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm and can accommodate up to 5,000 guests.
✓ Zoo-wide morning buyouts are from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm and can accommodate up to 1,000 guests.
✓ The zoo clears of the public by 6:00 pm
✓ The Small Animals building closes at sunset
✓ The Events Pavilion opens at 5:00 pm
Shared Buyouts
Available Monday through Wednesday
✓ Hogle Zoo can explore shared buyout options for groups that want to book Monday-Wednesday.
✓ This is an ideal option for groups looking for exclusivity on a budget
Make Your Event Wild!
Take your event to the next level with unforgettable animal experiences. Whether you’re looking for an up-close encounter, a behind-the-scenes look at how our Animal Care team works, or the chance to witness amazing animal behaviors, we offer unique experiences that will leave your guests talking long after the event ends.
From feeding towering giraffes, watching sea lions in action, or exclusive training and enrichment sessions with some of the Zoo’s most fascinating residents, there’s something for every animal lover. These one-of-a-kind opportunities add excitement, create lasting memories, and make your gathering truly unlike any other.
Animal offerings vary by season and animal availability, so be sure to ask our Events Team about the exciting experiences available for your event.
Animal Experiences
Giraffe Feedings
Approximately 45 minutes, for up to 110 guests
Ambassador Animal Encounters
Approximately 30 minutes, for up to 40 guests
Seal & Sea Lion Demonstrations
Approximately 35-40 minutes, for up to 120 guests
Wildlife Theater Shows
Up to 400 guests per show
Additional Enrichment and Training Presentations
Numerous options are available across habitats. If there’s a specific animal or experience you’re interested in, just let us know; we’re always happy to customize.
Rides and Attractions
All aboard for Zoo adventure!
No Zoo event is complete without a ride on two of our most popular attractions. Climb aboard the Eccles Express Train for a relaxing journey through the Savanna, then take a whirl on the colorful Conservation Carousel. It’s the perfect way to add laughter, excitement, and a little extra magic to your event. We’re happy to share our packages and pricing options for your day or evening event.
Entertainment Options
Face Painting Photo Booths Caricature Artists Cotton Candy Artists Campfire Stories (with optional s’mores) | Wandering Entertainers Drum Bus Living Zoltar Tarot Reader Lawn Games |
Specialty Performers: aerialists, fire performers, drone show, magicians, and more | |
Seasonal Offerings
Hogle Zoo also offers Hogle Halloween (October), Hogle Holidays (late November–December), and a Mad Science Show (October). These seasonal overlays make after-hours events especially magical. If you’re interested in incorporating them, just let us know.
All food and beverage services are provided by SSA Catering, our exclusive in-house team. Whether you’re planning a casual luncheon, cocktail reception, buffet, or plated dinner, we’ll work with you to create a menu that fits your event and delights your guests.
Catering Includes
- Buffet Options
- Plated Meals
- Food Stations
- Beverage Service
- Dietary Accommodations
One of the best parts of hosting at Hogle Zoo is that you don’t have to coordinate everything yourself. Our team can help manage vendors, catering, entertainment, animal experiences, and event logistics from start to finish.
Event Services
- Vendor Coordination
- Event Planning Support
- Audio/Visual Services
- Wi-Fi
- Wireless Microphones
- On-Site Technical Assistance
- Event Attendants
Whether you’re organizing a corporate event, wedding reception, fundraiser, or private celebration, we’re here to help you explore your options.
If you’d like to schedule a tour, talk through your event goals, or explore customizations and pricing, we’d be happy to walk through it with you.
No two events are exactly alike. That’s why we work closely with each host to customize the experience and coordinate the details, making planning easier from start to finish.