Fourth of July

 

Join us for an unforgettable Independence Day celebration with FREE admission* for all guests! Enjoy live music, unique animal guests, special appearances by historical impersonators, and more. The Zoo will be open extended hours until 8:00 PM!

*Zoo guests must register for free admission. 

Trail of the Jaguar and Habitat HQ closes at 8 PM. Harmony Hideaway closes at 5 PM, and the Barn closes at 6 PM. The exhibits in our Wetlands area – Alligator, River Otter, Porcupine, and more, close at 8 PM, but River Otters will move off exhibit at 5PM. The Zoo’s Welcome Center and its exhibits inside will remain open until 8 PM.

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Event Details

Fourth of July at EPZ | Free Admission For All Guests*

*Guests must register for free admission 

Saturday, July 4th, 2026 | 10 AM – 8 PM (special extended hours)

Barrel Train Rides

10:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Carousel

10:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Education Programs

Wild Encounters | 11:00 AM | Zoo Bowl Theater

Animal greets will take place throughout the Zoo

Historical Impersonators

Betsy Ross: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Ben Franklin: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Face Paint

10:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Giraffe Feeding

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

12:30 PM – 1:45 PM

2:45 PM – 4:00 PM

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Keeper Chats

TBA

Live Music

Tony Alosi
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Stony Creek Stage

MAFIA
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Stony Creek Stage

 

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Fourth of July – Know Before You Go

Registration
Guests are encouraged to register before their visit for the available times remaining on our registration page here. If your preferred time is not listed, it means that we have reached our registration capacity for that time slot. A limited number of walk up registrations may be available. 

Parking / Parking Shuttles
We expect all onsite lots to fill early and remain at capacity throughout the day. Our lot attendants will be directing drivers to offsite parking when our lots reach capacity. Offsite parking is available at the Logan Square lot on Johnson Highway and Markley Street. The lot will be serviced by shuttles that will transport guests to the Zoo’s main entrance. A limited amount of street parking may be available on a first come basis.

Illegal Parking
Norristown Police will be patrolling the area throughout the day, and vehicles parked illegally will be fined and towed at their owner’s expense. Please respect our neighbors and avoid parking on their lawns and blocking their sidewalks and driveways.

Animal Exhibits
Trail of the Jaguar and Habitat HQ closes at 8 PM. Harmony Hideaway closes at 5 PM, and the Barn closes at 6 PM. The exhibits in our Wetlands area – Alligator, River Otter, Porcupine, and more, close at 8 PM, but River Otters will move off exhibit at 5PM. The Zoo’s Welcome Center and its exhibits inside will remain open until 8 PM.

Fireworks
Elmwood Park Zoo is not responsible for the fireworks show that is scheduled to take place in neighboring Elmwood Park at approximately 9:30 PM. Our gates will close to guests at 7:30 PM, and all remaining guests will be asked to leave by 8:00 PM.