Will I be able to see all the animals?

Due to the wellbeing of the animals, habitats close at 8 p.m. We recommend visiting the animals when you first arrive and working your way toward the music as night falls.

Do I need to be 21 if I am buying a Designated Driver ticket?

Yes. All guests must be 21 years of age or older, and a photo ID is required to enter Summer Sips.

Can I purchase additional drink tickets at Summer Sips?

Guests are limited to the number of tastings included in their ticket. Full pours of select wine and beer products are available for purchase at on-site bars.

Can I access Erb Discovery Trails during Summer Sips?

Yes. General access to Erb Discovery Trails is included with your Summer Sips ticket. Some experiences inside Erb Discovery Trails — including the Wild Explorer VR ride and select stingray experiences — have separate pricing. Animal habitats within Erb Discovery Trails close at 8 p.m.

How much is Summer Sips?

Summer Sips general admission is $55 ($49.50 for members) and VIP — which includes more tastings, VIP Lounge access and a commemorative gift — is $95 ($85.50 for members). Designated Driver tickets are $20 less for both general admission and VIP. Groups of 10 or more get a discounted rate of $45 per general admission ticket.

What's the parking situation?

Parking is $8 per vehicle. Detroit Zoo members park free.

Is there food at Summer Sips?

Yes. Food is available for purchase at on-site dining locations throughout the night. VIP and DD VIP ticket holders get included food in the VIP Lounge until 8:30 p.m. S'mores kits are also available for purchase.

Summer Sips | Sept. 3, 2026

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POSTPONED TO Sept. 3, 2026 | 6 to 10 p.m.

Sip, stroll and s'more at this adult summer camp-themed event.

$35.00 - $95.00

Limited Tickets Remain

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Presented By

Welcome to Camp

Remember camp? Bug juice, s'mores, dancing under string lights, sneaking out past curfew, swearing you'd never forget your bunkmates. Summer Sips, presented by KeyBank, is that. Just 21+, with craft beer instead of bug juice and the Zoo as your campground.

Lawn games, live music, unlimited carousel rides, after-hours access to the brand-new Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails and more — all included with your ticket. No counselors. No curfew. Just you, your group chat and the kind of summer night that used to feel endless.

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The Cabin Roster

Learn what you can expect during your visit

100+ beverages including craft beer, cocktails, seltzers, wine and zero-proof options
10-14 3 oz. tastings depending on ticket type
A complimentary welcome drink from Griffin Claw Brewing Company to kick off camp
After-hours access to Erb Discovery Trails
Access to Frankel Stingray Cove until 8 p.m.
Access to Dinosauria, presented by Michigan First Credit Union
Live music from Phoenix Theory and DJ Big Ben
Camp activities for the 21+ crowd
S'mores kits available for purchase
Oversized lawn games and themed photo ops
Interactive Connection Station
Zookeeper chats
Free carousel rides until 9 p.m.
Food available for purchase

What's New at Camp

Explore the newest features at Summer Sips 2026

General admission now starts at 6 p.m., a half-hour earlier than 2025.
For one night, the Detroit Zoo runs on camp rules, with the same hands-on energy and friendly competition you remember.
S'mores kits are available for purchase, because no camp is a real camp without one.
The campground also got bigger. Erb Discovery Trails — the Zoo's newest experience — is open, and access is included with your Summer Sips ticket.

The Camp Schedule

Plan your evening

So you can plan your night:

5:30 p.m. — Event open to VIPs
6 p.m. — General admission opens, camp begins
8 p.m. — Animal habitats and the back of the Zoo close.
6 - 8 p.m. — One-way train rides from main admissions to Africa
9 p.m. — Last carousel ride
9:30 p.m. — Last call
10 p.m. — Lights out

A note on the animals: Most habitats close at 8 p.m. for the well-being of the animals. We recommend visiting the animals first when you arrive and working your way back toward the music as the night goes on.

Pick Your Bunk

Choose the ticket that’s right for you

General Admission

$55 | Member $49.50

Admission to the event at 6 p.m.
10 3 oz. beverage tastings
Food available for purchase

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VIP

$95 | Member $85.50

Early admission to the event at 5:30 p.m.
14 3 oz. beverage tastings
An exclusive commemorative gift
Access to the VIP Lounge with included food (ends at 8:30 p.m.)

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Designated Driver

$35 | Member $31.50

Admission to the event
Unlimited soft drinks
Unlimited access to non-alcoholic tasting selections

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DD VIP

$75 | Member $67.50

All the same features as the DD ticket
An exclusive commemorative gift
Access to the VIP Lounge with included food (ends at 8:30 p.m.)

Get Tickets

DD ticket holders are not permitted to consume alcohol at the event.
Must be 21+ to attend. Photo ID is required. Parking is $8 per vehicle (free for members).

A Note From Your Counselor

Know your attendance matters

Camp ends at 10 p.m. The work doesn't. Every Summer Sips ticket helps the Detroit Zoological Society care for the more than 2,000 animals who call the Zoo home — and supports wildlife conservation across Michigan and around the world.