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EleFest at the National Zoo (Saturday Family Day)

Smithsonian's National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

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When
Sat, Aug 8, 2026 · 2:00 PM UTC
Where
Smithsonian's National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Celebrate the Zoo’s newest Asian elephant calf, Linh Mai, with a day of family-friendly activities!

Saturday schedule:

  • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: National Zoo Elephant Day (Outside Elephant Community Center) - Meet veterinarians, keepers, curators, and nutritionists to learn about herd care. Write thank you notes to keepers.
  • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: DC Public Library Book Truck (Lion/Tiger Hill)
  • 11:00 AM & 11:30 AM: DCPL Elephant-Themed Storytimes (Visitor Center Auditorium)
  • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Somapa Thai Dance Group Performance (Lion/Tiger Hill)

Admission to the Zoo and festival is FREE, but a free timed-entry pass must be reserved in advance at nationalzoo.si.edu. Paid parking is available for $30-$40, or take metro to Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan.