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Bicentennial Pavilion at the Indianapolis Zoo
General Information

Group & Private Events

Make your event a success!

The Indianapolis Zoo offers an incredible atmosphere for your guests to dine with dolphins, pet sharks, enjoy the gardens, and more. Here are a few perks to hosting a group or private event at the Zoo:

  • One-of-a-kind event spaces accommodating groups of all sizes during day or evening hours.
  • Experienced and exclusive on-site caterer to handle all of your food and beverage needs.
  • Special pricing on admission tickets, parking, ride and feed tickets.
  • Event enhancers, such as a private dolphin presentation or an animal encounter, exclusively for your guests.
  • You’re supporting the Zoo’s mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world.
  • Host a green event. We are a proud member of the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce’s Green Business initiative and a Green Power participant with AES Indiana.

Contact Group Sales for more information here.

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On site Caterer
Aramark! VIP Hospitality
animal encounter icon with paw
event enhancers
Animal Encounters & Private Shows
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Green Events
Environmentally Friendly
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unique spaces
Surrounded by Gardens & Wildlife

VENUES FOR RENT

outdoor venue set with tables
Bicentennial Pavilion
Max Capacity 700

Designed with natural materials and plants throughout, this open-air space provides an indoor-outdoor experience that’s perfect from spring through fall. Can easily be converted from one large area into two small, separate spaces.

banquet room set for formal event
Ascension St. Vincent Dolphin Gallery
Max Capacity 250 Seated | 250+ for flow

The Ascension St. Vincent Dolphin Gallery provides your guests with an insider’s view into the dolphin pool. Events include access to the world’s only underwater dolphin dome!

event room set up for wedding with white linens
Hulman Riverhouse
Max Capacity 104 Seated

This White River Gardens space features windows overlooking the White River and Indianapolis skyline. Perfect for holiday parties, weddings, or conferences. This space offers great flexibility to use all or half the space at one time.

white river gardens, trellis with ivy and the Hilbert Observatory
White River Gardens
Capacity Varies on Garden Area

The White River Gardens have outdoor spaces available for ceremonies and events. Please contact event sales for more information.

ocean building at the Indianapolis Zoo with shark touch pool
Oceans
Max Capacity 100

The Oceans building adds dramatic ambiance to your event with full access to view penguins, sea lions, cownose rays and seahorses. Plus, your guests can interact with rays and dog sharks in our touch pool until 9pm.

orangutan center setup with chairs for a ceremony
International Orangutan Center
Max Capacity 100

In the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center your guests can view these amazing apes while enjoying the beautiful wood and glass space.

rental venue setup with classroom style seating
Hix Institute
Max Capacity 120

Conference-style meeting room, located near the Zoo entrance inside the Polly H. Hix Institute. This space is excellent for smaller parties, meetings and banquets. Our most affordable rental.

room setup for private event with tables and catering
Chimpanzee Culture Center
Max Capacity 110

Our newest rental space in the Penny and Jock Fortune Chimpanzee Complex. Enjoy window views of chimpanzees indoors. Great for small groups for tables setups and standing room only.

chimpanzee cognition center where you can see chimps using touchscreens
Chimpanzee Cognition Center
Max Capacity 50

Observe Chimpanzees interacting with touchscreens while having a small standing room gathering in this new facility. Test your skills against our chimpanzees.

To Ensure a Safe and Enjoyable Experience :
  • No balloons, open-flame candles, glitter, confetti, live animals, stickers or noisemakers are permitted at any event. This can cause harm to plants and animals.
  • Giveaway items are subject to approval at least one week in advance.
  • Setup and tear-down is allowed for 1-2 hours before and after each facility rental, depending on availability and type of event.
  • Please remember that terms, available dates and prices are subject to change.
  • Admission tickets are required for all facilities during regular Zoo hours, except for events located at the Hulman Riverhouse and Polly H. Hix Institute for Research and Conservation.
  • To ensure the health of our guests, animals and staff, the entire Zoo campus is smoke-free and tobacco-free. This includes e-cigarettes.

Tickets for Groups 10+

Catering by Aramark New in 2025!

Contact Us About Your Event

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