Event Sponsorship Opportunities
Thank you for your interest in supporting your nonprofit Erie Zoo. Sponsorships and income from events such as these are a vital support to the daily operations and animal care at your community zoo. If you have any questions or interest, please contact our Lead Manager of Public Relations, Marketing, & Events, Hali Hartley, at hhartley@eriezoo.org or call Monday - Friday between 8am-4:30 pm at (814) 864-4091 EXT 1116. She would be happy to set up a meeting or phone call with you as well! See list of opportunities below (please note, due dates are listed for each application, however all sponsorships are limited and first come first serve - we cannot guarantee openings at the due dates):
Major Fundraiser Events:
These events are the primary fundraisers for your zoo and held outside normal operating hours. Please note that some of them are for 21+. Sponsoring fundraisers like these are not only a great way to support your community zoo and receive a tax break, but also a fantastic way to provide extra perks to your company's partners and investors through tickets to some truly unique experiences! Please contact Hali with any additional questions (see contact above).
Glow Wild: Due Tuesday, March 31st
Glow Wild is back, brighter and wilder than ever! From April 30th to July 5th, join us every Thursday through Sunday to marvel at stunning, handcrafted lanterns inspired by your favorite zoo animals. Bring your family, friends, or someone special to see the Erie Zoo in a whole new light. Glow Wild is more than an event, it's an extraordinary evening of beauty and wonder that will leave you glowing inside and out.
2026 Glow Wild Sponsor Commitment Form
Felines & Wines: Due Tuesday, March 31st
The Erie Zoo is excited to bring back Felines & Wines for its 5th annual Big Cat Conservation fundraiser. This year we have moved the date and time to provide more springtime outdoors adult-only events that gives the attendees the opportunity to see more animals than they would during the night-time events. Felines & Wines will feature samples from local wineries, meaderies, and distilleries, exclusive cat training demos, live music, and more! This event is a limited ticketed event to 1,300 people.
2026 Felines and Wines Sponsorship Commitment Form
The Mane Event: Due Friday, May 8th
Get ready to roll the dice on the most spectacular night of the year — The Mane Event: A Night in Monte Carlo! Join us on Saturday, June 27th from 7pm to 11pm as the Erie Zoo transforms into a glittering destination of sophistication, and excitement. Step into the allure of the Riviera with grazing stations, libations, and live entertainment that captures the spirit of Monte Carlo's nightlife. Try your luck with our exclusive Silent Auction and experience the thrill of friendly casino-inspired fun. Throughout the evening, you'll encounter captivating animal ambassadors and be surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Glow Wild Chinese Lantern Festival, adding an extra touch of brilliance to this unforgettable evening. So don your finest attire, gather your friends, and prepare for an extraordinary night of elegance, adventure, and celebration—Monte Carlo style. This is truly the MANE event of the season! This event is a limited ticketed event for 1,300 people.
2026 Mane Event Sponsorship Commitment Form
Lions, Tigers & Beers: Due Monday, August 3rd
Your Erie Zoo and Erie Beer Company are excited to once again bring you Lions, Tigers & Beers on Saturday, October 3rd! A 21+ evening event where guests get to "trick-or-treat" for beer samples around the Zoo! VIP Hour will be from 5pm-6pm with general admission starting at 6pm. There will be Behind the Scenes animal tours, live local music, local food trucks (not included with admission), sample stations, and more! This is a limited ticketed event serving 1,300 people and sells out within 2 minutes!
2026 Lions, Tigers, and Beers Sponsorship Commitment Form
ZooBOO: Due Tuesday, September 1st
Every October it gets a little spoooky at your Eerie Zoo! Every night of ZooBOO is packed with scary, but not too scary Halloween family fun. This is hands-down one of our most popular events seeing crowds of 20,000 - 30,000 annually depending on weather.
2026 ZooBOO Commitment Form
Signature Seasonal Events
We host a variety of special events throughout our season for our members and visitors to participate in for free during their visit. It's a fantastic way to get your brand out there to a large group of people from our community, region, and tourists! We are always looking for ways to elevate our visitor experience while partnering with community businesses like yourself! See below our 2026 Comprehensive Sponsorship Packet that contains all the event sponsorship opportunities available for the 2026 season. Please reach out to Hali (contact above) with any questions. We are always open to new and creative ideas as well! Please note, all spots are first come, first serve.