HomeEvents > National Zoo and Aquarium Valentine’s Day Festival: Love from the Deep South of the USA
Large catered function in the viewing park, guests celebrating a corporate party with drinks and BBQ
Photo depicts a family of lions
Reptile Encounter
2 guests in the Ruffed lemur enclosure with the primates climbing over them, being fed
A mother and two children smile in awe at the size of the animatronic T-Rex  in lush fern gardens.
Guests and families enjoying the dining area at the Rhino Bistro / cafe
Family and zoo guide with a Hummer, a vehicle used for night tours within the national zoo
Sharks, fish and other aquatic creatures in the 200,000L shark tank in the Aquarium.

National Zoo and Aquarium Valentine’s Day Festival: Love from the Deep South of the USA

Next on 14 Feb 2026 from 9:30am to 5:00pm

National Zoo and Aquarium Valentine’s Day Festival: Love from the Deep South of the USA

Large catered function in the viewing park, guests celebrating a corporate party with drinks and BBQ
Photo depicts a family of lions
Reptile Encounter
2 guests in the Ruffed lemur enclosure with the primates climbing over them, being fed
A mother and two children smile in awe at the size of the animatronic T-Rex  in lush fern gardens.
Guests and families enjoying the dining area at the Rhino Bistro / cafe
Family and zoo guide with a Hummer, a vehicle used for night tours within the national zoo
Sharks, fish and other aquatic creatures in the 200,000L shark tank in the Aquarium.

Overview

The National Zoo & Aquarium is bringing the music and traditions of Creole, Cajun and country culture to Canberra for a special Valentine's Day weekend. The festival blends Southern hospitality with wild adventures to create a lively celebration filled with flavour, entertainment and family-friendly fun. To bring the festival cheer there will be live country and New Orleans-inspired performances to add an upbeat soundtrack throughout the grounds.

Visitors can enjoy a delicious range of Southern favourites, including gumbo, jambalaya, fried chicken, brisket sandwiches, sweet tea and more. Outdoor spaces feature creative activity stations where guests can design their own festive mask or cowboy hat before they take on some traditional lawn games that encourage friendly competition. With dinosaur puppets, hayrides and themed keeper talks there is entertainment for all ages while offering opportunities to learn more about the zoo's animals.

The event offers a vibrant combination of Southern charm, immersive activities and memorable wildlife encounters for families, friends and couples alike. Activities are included with general admission and free for zoo members making this the perfect casual date for Valentine's Weekend.

Dates

14–15 Feb 2026
February 2026
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
The National Zoo and Aquarium999 Lady Denman Drive, Weston, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Facilities
  • Cafe
  • Carpark
  • Coach Parking
  • Family Friendly
  • Kiosk
  • Parents Room
  • Public Toilet
  • Shop / Gift Shop
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Point