Evening Events at Brookfield Zoo

Corporate Events at Brookfield Zoo

 

Whether its a black-tie corporate affair, fundraisers for your favorite charity, or bar & bat mitzvahs with family and friends, Brookfield Zoo provides an extraordinary setting for your special occasion. Receptions, dinners, dances...you name it, we can do it. And our unique venues and professional staff will make your event truly unforgettable. Plus, our catering and culinary teams will ensure that your event is elegant, exciting, and effortless. Whether your event is for 30 people or 300 people, Brookfield Zoo has options to make it one they won’t soon forget. 
 

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Interested in hosting your daytime event here at Brookfield Zoo? Just fill out the form below and a representative will contact you shortly with more details.


Unique Reception Venues

Unique Venues

Brookfield Zoo's venues provide an ideal backdrop for your event, whether you want a casual setting for a company picnic or a formal space for a very special day. Each venue provides a unique spin on your daytime event needs. However, no matter which one you choose, our catering team will ensure that it's a time your guests will never forget. 

Read below for the full list of year-round and seasonal reception venues throughout the zoo.

Dining and Meeting Venues
  • Discovery Center
    Serving as Brookfield Zoo's premiere banquet facility, Discovery Center offers an array of room options ideal for receptions, banquets, dances and business meetings:
    Savannah Room - Capacity: 350 (reception); 300 (banquet rounds); 350 (theater)
    Founders Room - Capacity: 100 (reception); 80 (banquet rounds); 80 (theater)
    Riverside Lobby - Capacity: 150 (reception)

  • The Pavillions
    If you want to host a “wild” function at Brookfield Zoo, you can choose from four new exotic venues. The Pavilions at Brookfield Zoo are located near the North Gate entrance, with 235 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds as background, and can accommodate approximately 2,000 guests for both day and evening events.The space can be rented out from early spring through late fall. The Pavilions area is gated, offering privacy for guests. In addition, a full-service kitchen has been incorporated into the design so staff can better serve clients.
    Swan Pavillion - Capacity: 750 (reception); 500 (seated)
    Bison Pavillion - Capacity: 300 (reception); 200 (seated)
    Dolphin Pavillion - Capacity: 300 (reception); 200 (seated)
    Peacock Pavillion - Capacity: 120 (reception)

  • Bocaditos
    This beautiful banquet and meeting facility features hardwood floors, hand-carved South American artwork, and stunning balcony views. Available for receptions, dinners, dances, and meetings.
    Capacity: 250 (reception); 150 (banquet); 150 (theater); 40 (u-shaped)

Cocktails with the Animals

As part of your evening at Brookfield Zoo, treat your guests to “Cocktails with the Animals.” View fascinating animals from around the world and enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres amid the beautiful décor of one of our world-class exhibits. Some animal exhibits can accommodate dining.

  • Great Bear Wilderness
    Explore the wilderness and celebrate among playful grizzly and polar bears. Enjoy fresh air in a scenic, lush landscape or trek below the surface to enjoy dual underwater viewing windows with bears swimming through your backdrop.
    Capacity: 200 (reception)

  • Tropic World
    Explore the lush rain-forest canopies of Africa while monkeys, apes, birds, and other amazing animals look on.
    Capacity: 400 (reception)

  • The Swamp
    Drift along a Cajun country bayou and get close to crocodiles, wood storks, snapping turtles, river otters, and a host of other wetland creatures.
    Capacity: 400 (reception)

  • Seven Seas
    Enjoy the graceful antics of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins as they provide a constantly changing backdrop to your festive event.
    Capacity: 250 (reception)

  • The Living Coast
    Break away to the coastal waters of South America and see moon jellies, sharks, green sea turtles, and a myriad of sea creatures.
    Capacity: 200 (reception)

  • Habitat Africa!
    Visit the plains of Africa and mingle with giraffes and other magnificent animals as they move gracefully across the savannah. Both indoor and outdoor event venues are available.
    Capacity: 250 (reception)

     

Seasonal Venues
  • Feathers and Scales: Birds, Reptiles, and Amphibians
    Your event will soar to new heights in this newly renovated exhibit a variety of fine-feathered friends, including hornbills, toucans, cookoos, and roadrunners.
    Capacity: 150 (reception)

  • Pinniped Point
    Watch sea lions and seals splish and splash in their open-air exhibit. Go nose to nose with these playful pinnipeds as they glide past you in the Underwater Viewing Area.
    Capacity: 250 (reception)

  • Butterflies!
    Discover hundreds of dazzling butterflies flitting about in this lush, open-air, garden setting. This seasonal exhibit is open late May through mid-September.
    Capacity: 100 (reception)