EleFest at the Smithsonian National Zoo

In honor of World Elephant Day, join us as we celebrate the Zoo’s newest Asian elephant calf, Linh Mai, with a three-day festival packed with culture, conservation and community!  Visit the Zoo from Friday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 9, and enjoy a mix of free family-friendly activities and special ticketed programs, including:<ul><li>An adults-only Elephant Happy Hour ($)</li><li>Peaceful morning Yoga with Elephants session + free elephant towel ($)</li><li>Live cultural performances</li><li>Hands-on activity stations throughout the Zoo</li><li>Special animal demonstrations and keeper talks</li></ul>Bring your family, spend a day with the elephant herd, and learn how Zoo science supports wildlife conservation around the world. Don’t miss this GIANT celebration! And if you can't make it in-person, <a href="https://secure.nationalzoo.si.edu/donate/q/support">donations help make the Zoo's work with Asian elephants possible</a>.Public Programming Somapa Thai Dance Group  Time: Saturday, August 8, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.  Location: Lion/Tiger Hill  Experience traditional Thai dance performances celebrating Asian heritage.  Free and open to the public. DC Public Library (DCPL)  Time: Saturday, August 8, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Location: Outside Visitors Center (Asia Trail Sign)  The DC Public Library joins us with their book truck for special elephant-themed story times and activities for young readers as part of their Discover Summer initiative, an all-ages city-wide celebration of reading and learning. Free and open to all. Chalk Riot  Time: Sunday, August 9, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.  Location: Great Meadow  Chalk Riot turns streets into canvases for community expression, using ephemeral mediums and site-responsive practices. Partake in creating a colorful chalk mural that comes to life before your eyes. This family-friendly activity is free and open to the public. Rhythmaya Dance Group  Time: Sunday, August 9, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.  Location: Lion/Tiger Hill  Enjoy a vibrant South Indian dance performance before joining in for a short interactive workshop. Free and open to the public. Paid Programming EleFest Happy Hour — Friday, Aug. 7 (SOLD OUT) Time: 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (last entry 6 p.m.) Location: Elephant Patio and Outpost Kick off EleFest weekend with an exciting evening at our adults-only Happy Hour. Sip a specialty elephant-themed batch cocktail, test your wildlife knowledge with animal trivia, and enjoy live DJ entertainment in a lively after-hours atmosphere at the Zoo.  Guests can also purchase a 5-ounce keepsake wine glass to remember the celebration. This 21+ event is the perfect way to raise a glass in support of our new baby elephant, Linh Mai. Tickets are $25 and include one free drink ticket. Last entry is at 6 p.m.    Yoga With Elephants — Saturday, Aug. 8 &amp; Sunday, Aug. 9 (SOLD OUT) Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9  Two sessions: 7 a.m. – 7:45 a.m. / 8 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Location: Elephant Community Center Begin your day with a one-of-a-kind wellness experience alongside the Zoo’s elephant herd. These peaceful morning yoga sessions offer a calming opportunity to stretch, breathe, and connect with nature in a truly unforgettable setting.  A free elephant-branded cooling towel is included with your ticket, but guests should bring their own yoga mat and water bottle. Every person attending must have a ticket. Recommended for ages 12 and up.  Tickets are $75 per person. Space is limited to 50 people per session. Flavorful Favorites Throughout the month of August, discover special food and drink items across the Zoo. Enjoy an elephant cookie from Dolci Gelati, 'Linh Mai's Trunkful of Treats' mint chocolate chip ice cream from Dippin' Dots, or the 'Linh Mai Tai' cocktail (21+) from Vintage Views.

Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute   

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EleFest at the Smithsonian National Zoo

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