Completed Event
Valentine’s Day Festival: Love from the Deep South of the USA
Saturday 14 February 2026, 9:30 am -
Sunday 15 February 2026, 5:00 pm
Introducing the first of the zoo’s new ‘Wild Festivals of Fun’! Read on to learn about the events for this weekend (14th and 15th of February) or click here to learn more about the exciting activities happening EVERY WEEK at the National Zoo and Aquarium!
Valentine’s Day Festival: Love from the Deep South of the USA
Celebrate Valentine’s weekend with a Creole, Cajun and Country Weekend at the National Zoo & Aquarium on the 14th and 15th of February. Experience the charm, flavours, and music of the American Deep South while enjoying keeper talks, family activities, and live entertainment throughout the weekend.
All Weekend
Wild tunes on the savannah
Saturday
Solo country guitarist performing from 10:00 am – 1:00 pmSunday
Blue Gumbo: a lively local 8-piece New Orleans band performing from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Wild Feasts
🍴Southern Cooking
Indulge in authentic Southern favourites including gumbo, jambalaya, brisket sandwiches, Cajun mac and cheese, fried chicken with cornbread, jalapeño poppers, apple pie, sweet tea, country-style lemonade, and more.
Wild Explorers
Family Activities
🦖Dino Puppets
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
🚜Hayrides
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Wild Discoveries
Keeper Talks
Saturday: Wapiti Talk
2:00 pm at 3L on the Zoo mapSunday: Alligator Talk
1:30 pm at 1N on the Zoo map
🎨Creative Colouring at the Bistro
Design your own Louisiana Mardi Gras mask or cowboy hat, perfect for kids and adults alike.
🏈Classic Lawn Games
Challenge friends and family to outdoor fun with bean bag toss, horseshoe throwing, gridiron games, and other traditional lawn games.
Bring your friends, family, or that special someone and enjoy a Valentine’s weekend filled with Southern flavours, live music, interactive activities, and unforgettable wildlife experiences.
Join us for a celebration where Southern charm meets the wild!