An Invitation to the Extraordinary
The Detroit Zoo invites you to join us for Sunset at the Zoo: An Evening Under the Canopy, presented by KeyBank. Dress up, dine, dance and explore the Zoo during an unforgettable evening — all to help us protect endangered chimpanzees and gorillas.
Hosted in partnership with event chairs Shawn and Kathie Patterson, this 21+ fundraising event features delicious dishes, craft cocktails, live entertainment, a silent auction and one-of-a-kind animal encounters.
What to Expect
- Summer cocktails and classic spirits
- Exclusive animal encounter opportunities
- Signature bites from Detroit’s top eateries
- Zoo tram tours and carousel rides included
- Full after-hours access to the Detroit Zoo grounds
- Raffle, auctions and Sunset Keys with incredible prizes
- Dancing and live entertainment from fan favorites like the Jerry Ross Band
- Interactive stations to connect with our team and our worldwide conservation work
Ticket Options
Choose your experience.
Main Event
General admission to an unforgettable evening.
Admission to Sunset at the Zoo from 7 to 11 p.m.
Signature bites and seasonal drinks
Tram tours and carousel rides
Connection stations
Fair market value: $90 each
VIP
All main event benefits plus much more!
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
VIP Four-Pack
All the benefits of the VIP experience for four people.
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
Sunset at the Zoo serves up a food-and-beverage lineup like no other—spotlighting Detroit’s most celebrated restaurants, craft drink makers, and fan-favorite food trucks—so be sure to check out the full lineup to see who’s coming!
Restaurants
- Kruse and Muer on Woodward
- Eddie Merlot’s
- Papa’s Kitchen
- The Rugby Grille
- A Serendipity Cakery & Ice Cream Shoppe
- Kona Grill
- Village Market
- Ridley’s Bakery Cafe
- Cacao Tree Cafe
- Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe
- Treat Dreams
- Taste Detroit Zoo Catering
- Buddy’s Pizza
- Tom’s Oyster Bar
- Mesa Tacos & Tequila
- Ale Mary’s Beer Hall
- Kerby’s Koney Island
Food Trucks
- The Krepe Kart
- Monkey Business Food Truck
- Sucrée
- Los Dos Amigos
- The Drunken Rooster
- Beyond Juicery + Eatery
- The Big Black Food Trailer
- Mr. Creole
- Eight Claws Crab & Seafood Boil
- Buck-N-Dink’s BBQ
- 313 Curbside Eatery
- Marilyn’s Superfruit Truck
- Nu Deli
- Aruba Freeze
Bars
- El Cristiano Tequila
- Infinium Spirits
- Luxco
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka
- Heaven Hill Distillery
VIP
- Grey Ghost Detroit
- Mabel Gray
- Selden Standard
- Takoi
For the Love of Great Apes
Party With A Purpose
This year’s Sunset is dedicated to the great apes. Your ticket helps us provide care for the chimps and gorillas who call the Zoo home, protect great apes in their native habitats and contribute to wildlife conservation efforts around the world.
Can’t Make it to Sunset?
Win Wild Prizes
Can’t make it to the event but still want in on the fun? Our one-of-a-kind silent auction offers prizes like behind-the-scenes Zoo adventures, unforgettable vacations, VIP sports packages and more. With something for everyone, it’s your chance to take home something “zoonique” — all while igniting positive change for animals and nature. The auction is now open, so start bidding today!
Ready. Set. BID!
Show Your Support
You don’t have to attend to make a difference. Help protect great apes and support the Detroit Zoological Society’s global conservation work by donating today.
Donate Now
The Great Zoo Giveaway
A Raffle for a Cause With Prizes Galore!
The Great Zoo Giveaway is your chance to support our mission while also being entered to win amazing prizes! From exciting animal experiences and encounters to dinner and a “suite” stay, you are sure to be wowed!
Enter the RaffleWin Wild Prizes
Can’t make it to the event but still want in on the fun? Our one-of-a-kind silent auction offers prizes like behind-the-scenes Zoo adventures, unforgettable vacations, VIP sports packages and more. With something for everyone, it’s your chance to take home something “zoonique” — all while igniting positive change for animals and nature. The auction is now open, so start bidding today!
Show Your Support
Can’t Make it to Sunset?
You don’t have to attend to make a difference. Help protect great apes and support the Detroit Zoological Society’s global conservation work by donating today.
Presented by
Sponsors
