Nashville Zoo's Sips for Species Event Returns

Annual fundraiser for endangered species and habitats to feature animal encounters, keeper talks, and drinks from over 40 vendors.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:34am

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph in warm, hazy tones depicting a group of people enjoying drinks and socializing at an outdoor event, with the silhouettes of zoo animals visible in the background, conceptually representing the festive atmosphere and conservation focus of the Sips for Species fundraiser.The annual Sips for Species event at the Nashville Zoo offers adults a chance to enjoy drinks, music, and animal encounters while supporting the zoo's global conservation efforts.Today in Nashville

The Nashville Zoo's annual Sips for Species event is returning on April 24, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The adults-only, after-hours event will feature up-close animal encounters, keeper talks, free access to the DinoTrek exhibit for the first hour, live music, food trucks, and over 40 vendors offering beer, wine, cocktails, seltzers, and spirits. Proceeds from the event will support the zoo's conservation efforts to protect endangered species and habitats around the world.

Why it matters

Sips for Species is a crucial fundraiser for the Nashville Zoo, enabling it to fund research, habitat protection, breeding programs, and education initiatives that have a global impact on endangered species. The event has raised over $56,479 in the last three years, demonstrating strong community support for the zoo's conservation mission.

The details

Sips for Species is the first event in the zoo's annual Sips Series, which raises money for its conservation efforts. Attendees will have the chance to explore the zoo, learn about the zoo's work, and sample a variety of alcoholic beverages from local and regional vendors. Food will also be available for purchase from food trucks. Tickets can be purchased on the zoo's website.

  • Sips for Species will take place on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • The first hour of the event will feature free access to the zoo's DinoTrek exhibit.

The players

Nashville Zoo

A zoo located in Nashville, Tennessee that is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species and habitats around the world.

Ajax Turner

A sponsor of the Sips for Species event.

Frugal MacDoogal

A sponsor of the Sips for Species event.

Twice Daily

A sponsor of the Sips for Species event.

Anheuser Busch

A sponsor of the Sips for Species event.

Rhizome Productions

A sponsor of the Sips for Species event.

Curated Events

A sponsor of the Sips for Species event.

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What’s next

Tickets for the Sips for Species event can be purchased on the Nashville Zoo's website.

The takeaway

The Sips for Species event is a vital fundraiser for the Nashville Zoo's conservation efforts, enabling it to make a significant impact on protecting endangered species and habitats around the world through research, habitat protection, breeding programs, and education initiatives.