Private Events

Surround yourself with the splendor of wildlife! Our unique venues offer the perfect exotic setting for your guests from intimate gatherings to large-scale corporate functions. By choosing the Zoo for your private event, you support our animal care, education, and conservation programs and help preserve species and habitats for generations to come.

To start planning your event or to schedule a tour, contact 412-365-2536 or [email protected]

Meet the Team

All Zoo

Capacity: Up to 10,000

Availability: April-September, Evening

Ideal for: Corporate Events

All Zoo Rental

Aquarium

Capacity: 180 seated or 500 cocktail-style

Availability: Year-Round, Evenings Only

Ideal for: Weddings, Mitzvahs, Corporate Events, Holiday Parties

Aquarium

Garden Tent

Capacity: 300 seated for weddings, 350 seated for non-weddings, or 500 cocktail-style

Availability: Late April-October, Daytime & Evenings

Ideal for: Weddings, Corporate Events, Picnics

Garden Tent

Water’s Edge Pavilion

Capacity: 175 seated

Availability: Year-Round, Daytime

Ideal for: Picnics

Water's Edge Pavilion

Pittsburgh Zoo village pavilion with picnic tables inside and surrounded by greenery.

Village Pavilion

Capacity: 80 seated

Availability: Year-Round, Daytime (pending gates construction)

Ideal for: Picnics, Showers, Family Reunions

Village Pavilion

Pittsburgh Zoo Kids Kingdom Pavilion with picnic tables inside.

Kids Kingdom Pavilion

Capacity: 30 seated

Availability: Year-Round, Daytime

Ideal for: Birthdays, Picnics

Kids Kingdom Pavilion

Giraffe Face up close

Worlds of Discovery Birthday Room

Capacity: 30 seated

Availability: Year-Round, Daytime

Ideal for: Birthday Parties

Worlds of Discovery

Lecture Hall

Capacity: 120 seated or 250 cocktail & theater-style

Availability: Year-Round, Daytime

Ideal for: Corporate Events, Meetings, Showers

Lecture Hall

Water's Edge Conference room set up with round tables and buffet tables along the back wall.

Water’s Edge Meeting Room

Capacity: 32 seated

Availability: Year-Round, Daytime

Ideal for: Meetings, Showers

Water's Edge Meeting Room

Have an event in mind? Use this form to get in contact with our team!

Private Event Inquiry Form

Meet the Team

Caroline Novak

Private Events Manager

Caroline has worked in events at the Zoo since 2017. She worked her way from a Special Events Intern to the Group Sales & Rentals Assistant while studying hospitality and events at Slippery Rock University. Just prior to commencement, she was promoted to Group Sales & Rentals Coordinator and once again promoted to Private Events Manager in 2021.  Caroline’s passion for customer satisfaction, knack for detailed planning, and effective communication allows for an enjoyable planning process and stress-free event. Her favorite parts of event days are the hustle and bustle during set up, photos in the park with wedding clients, the intensity and pressure that come with ceremonies, and lining the wedding party up for introductions.

Ariana Scott

Lead Events Assistant

Ariana has worked in events at the Zoo since 2022, when she took on a seasonal role for the summer. Three months quickly turned into three years of employment with the Private Events Department! She feels honored to be a part of clients’ special days and helping to make memories that will last a lifetime. Ari’s favorite aspect of her job is seeing the months of planning come to life on event days. Her tip for the Zoo’s wedding couples is to do a first look before arriving on grounds and to arrive early before their event to take photos in the park while animals are still on exhibit!

Additional Private Experiences