Summer Sips
July 17, 2026 | 6:30 to 10 p.m.
Sip, stroll and s'more at this adult summer camp-themed event.
$35.00 - $95.00
Tickets Coming Soon
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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What's New at Camp
- General admission now starts at 6:30 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 Cabin Roster
- 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
- Access to Erb Discovery Trails
- 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
The Camp Schedule
So you can plan your night:
- 6 p.m. — Event open to VIPs
- 6:30 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
General Admission
$55 | Member $49.50
- Admission to the event at 6:30 p.m.
- 10 3 oz. beverage tastings
- Food available for purchase
VIP
$95 | Member $85.50
- Early admission to the event at 6 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.)
Designated Driver (DD)
$35 | Member $31.50
- An exclusive VIP reception from 5 to 7 p.m.
- Early access to Sunset at the Zoo
- Complimentary valet parking
- Exclusive access to the live auction
- Fair market value: $125 each
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.)
Members Get More
Members save on Summer Sips! With a Detroit Zoo membership, you’ll enjoy great perks like unlimited daytime admission, free Zoo parking, endless education PLUS savings on select events like this. Members get 10% off Summer Sips 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).
Pack a Cabin
Bringing 10 or more? Group rates apply for Summer Sips and every event in the After Hours series. Bachelorette parties, work crews, friend groups who only see each other once a year — this is the move.
GA Group Rate: $45 per person | DD Group Rate: $25 per person
FAQs
Presenting Sponsor
Sponsors
Sponsorship opportunities
There are several levels to choose from, all of which provide valuable exposure and benefits.
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