Venues

Event Venues

Experience the wild side of events at the Columbus Zoo's extraordinary venues, where captivating wildlife encounters and lush landscapes create an unforgettable backdrop for your special occasion!

wedding table

Water's Edge Events Park

With majestic, sweeping views of the Scioto River, Water's Edge offers several event spaces right in the heart of the Zoo.

Water's Edge Plaza. Includes both plaza pavilions and a stage, located behind the Grand Carousel.
Water's Edge Boardwalk. Includes both adjacent indoor/outdoor heated boardwalk pavilions along the Scioto River with private restrooms.
Individual Buildings. Indoor/outdoor heated building.

Take a Virtual Tour of Water's Edge Events Park

tables in conference room

Lakeside Pavilion

Perfect for company parties, corporate retreats, and conferences, Lakeside Pavilion is located just beyond the Zoo's main entrance and is available for after-hour rentals.

Entire Lakeside Pavilion. Includes all three rooms in the pavilion.
Lakeside Pavilion Room 1. Individual room within the pavilion.
Lakeside Pavilion Room 2. Individual room within the pavilion.

Take a Virtual Tour of Lakeside Pavilion

event center at the zoo

Africa Event Center

Elevate your event to new heights at the Zoo's Heart of Africa Event Center, where the savanna unfolds beneath you, giraffes grace the horizon, and every moment is as wild as it is wonderful. Enjoy the luxury of a climate-controlled space adorned with wooden chairs, private restrooms, and a shared balcony offering a front-row seat to the majesty of the animal kingdom.

Full Africa Event Center
Africa Event Center Individual Rooms (Kenya or Tanzania)

Take a Virtual Tour of Africa Event Center

picnic shelters at the zoo

Picnic Shelters

Embrace the spirit of togetherness under the canopies of the Columbus Zoo's large picnic shelters, where laughter echoes and the joy of shared moments is as boundless as the open sky. Perfect for larger parties, these shelters provide a festive haven amid the wonders of the zoo, creating memories as vibrant and enduring as the wildlife that surrounds you!

The Grove

Multiple open-air shelters located between the Zoo and Rides at Adventure Cove, and meals are served out of the nearby serving pavilion.