Oakland Zoo’s 26th Annual Walk in the Wild is one of the Bay Area’s premier fundraising events. Experience a unique evening strolling through the Zoo sampling cuisine from the Bay Area’s top chefs and restaurants, microbreweries and wineries. End the night with live music and desserts.

Walk in the Wild VIP California Trail Experience (4:00 - 5:30pm) - New This Year!

Your WIW VIP ticket allows exclusive admission to California Trail, including a reception and stroll around the nearly completed Trail. The reception features hors d'ouevres, boutique wines and micro-brewed beers. At 5:30 you will take the gondola into the main zoo and bypass the lines for WIW. California Trail will not be open during Walk in the Wild starting at 5:30. The Trail opens to the public in July.

(VIP Tickets include the Main Event/Dancing and Dessert)

Main Event (5:30 - 8:00pm)

Enjoy the animals and sample epicurean offerings from over 100 restaurants, caterers, bakeries, breweries, and wineries.

Dancing and Dessert , Adventure Landing Rides Area (8:00 - 10:00pm)

Live music, dancing and dessert under the stars

FAQs

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

Due to the service of alcohol at Walk in the Wild, no one under 21 is admitted. No exceptions - including babes in arms.

What is included with the purchase of a VIP California Trail Experience ticket?

With the purchase of your WIW VIP California Trail Experience ticket you will get access to the private pre-Walk in the Wild party, being held up at California Trail, as well as admission to the Walk in the Wild main event where you will enjoy unlimited access to all food stations, beer and wine samples, live entertainment and dessert.

Will I get to ride the gondola?

With the purchase of a WIW VIP California Trail Experience ticket, from 4:00-5:30 pm you will be able to ride the gondola, get off at the top, and explore California Trail while enjoying food and drinks. At 5:30 you'll ride the gondola down to join the main event, with unlimited access to all food stations, beer and wine samples, live entertainment and dessert.

With the purchase of a Main Event ticket you will be able to ride the gondola round-trip. You will not be able to get off at the top.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

Printing your ticket in advance is preferred in order to speed up your entry to the event. If that is not possible, please have the tickets on your smartphone screen when you check in. Cell service is limited at the Zoo, so we recommend taking a screenshot of your tickets, or saving them to a wallet app.

Is there a limit on how many tickets I can purchase at the Oakland Zoo member price?

Yes, you are limited to the amount of adults that are included with your current Oakland Zoo Membership. Reciprocal memberships are not honored for this event. Members can purchase unlimited numbers of additional tickets at full price.

Can I visit the Zoo during the day, and stay until the event starts?

No, the Zoo is closed the day of Walk in the Wild until VIP ticket holders are admitted at 4:00 pm. At 5:30 general admission begins.

What kind of attire do guests generally wear to Walk in the Wild?

Walk in the Wild is a casual event, and guests generally dress accordingly. Many guests also enjoy dressing in festive animal or zoo related prints.

Does Oakland Zoo provide wheelchairs for guests attending Walk in the Wild?

While we do not provide wheelchairs for guests, the Zoo is entirely wheelchair accessible. Please know the Zoo is located on a hill and visiting all of the vendor booths would require going both up and down a hill.

Is there only going to be beer and wine?

No. Water and other non-alcoholic beverages are also available.