Sept. 18, 2026

beneath the surface

ZOOtoDO returns, diving Beneath the Surface for an unforgettable night at the Zoo.

Step into a vibrant, immersive playground for the senses, where the Zoo transforms after dark into a world of exceptional local bites, crave-worthy flavors and spirited sips around every turn. This adults-only, highly anticipated evening is bold, vibrant and unmistakably ZOOtoDO. It’s where the region comes to mix, mingle and make an entrance!

This is more than a night out. It’s a night with purpose, supporting animal care, conservation and access for all.

For sponsorship and ticket package inquiries, click here.

Waitlist is full, thank you for the support!

ZOOtoDO Beneath the Surface happening in:

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The ultimate food and beverage experience

Both General Admission and Premium Experience tickets include the ultimate beverage package. Enjoy wine, beer, mixed cocktails and non-alcoholic options at more than 18 featured bars throughout the Zoo.

Savor bite-size creations from the region’s top restaurants, paired with live music and unexpected moments around every corner—it’s a feast designed to delight and surprise.

Connect with the wild side of the party

Engage with unforgettable animal experiences throughout the evening. Visit the giraffe feed deck for complimentary lettuce feeds, take a train ride through the Africa! exhibit, and explore the Aquarium, featuring the stingray touch tank from 8–10:30 p.m.

Premium Experience guests will also enjoy exclusive access to meet select education animals inside the Malawi Event Center.

Elevate your night with the Premium Experience

Premium Experience guests enjoy priority parking, an exclusive arrival gift and access to the high-energy Lounge inside the Malawi Event Center.

Inside, discover elevated food stations by Hollywood Casino, full and specialty bars, live entertainment and up-close animal encounters—all in an exclusive dynamic setting.

Be among the first to arrive, set the tone for the evening and step into a space designed to impress. This limited offering sells out quickly!

Go deeper. Stay longer. Discover more.

Follow the energy wherever it takes you—from The Lair, where fireside cigars, bourbon and curated curiosities await, to hidden escapes tucked just beneath the surface.

The Abyss invites you into a moody, lounge-inspired hideaway—an intimate space to recharge, reconnect and linger a little longer under a moonlit glow.

Participating Restaurants

7 Little Cupcakes
Assembly Downtown Kitchen & Bar
Baba's Eats
Balance
Barr's Public House
Beirut Restaurant
BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse
Boar's Head
Bombay Kitchen
Bubble Tea
Cafe Cotier
CK Sweets
Cocina de Carlos
Cold Stone Creamery
Deseo Modern Mexican
Dollop Shop
Dough & Co PizzAria
Final Cut
Fricker's - Monroe St.
Fusian
Guac Shop
Hollywood Casino (desserts)
Jera's Heavenly Sweet

Lupita's Cantina
Maumee Bay Brewing Company
Migos
Night Owl Diner
Panera Bread
Poco Piatti
Regalo
Rockwell's
Sabira
Shobu by Kengo
Sip and Social
Souk Mediterranean Kitchen
Sportsbook
The Collective Private Chef and Catering
The Flying Joe
The Original Gino's
The Standard
Tony Packo's
Village Inn
Whiskey & The Wolf
Wixey Bakery
Ye Olde Durty Bird