Free Adventure Nights at Zoo and Zoombezi Bay with movies and more

Play all day in the sun at the Zoo or Zoombezi Bay or show up late for Adventure Nights on Friday and Saturday nights, June 26 – July 25, 2026.

image: Zoombezi Bay

Zoombezi Bay Adventure Nights

Friday and Saturday nights, June 26 – July 25, 2026

Adventure Nights is the Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay’s debut after-hours series, with music playing, movies rolling, rides lit up, and just enough going on to keep everyone happy until bedtime. And you won’t even need to reapply sunscreen!

The party happens in Adventure Cove, nestled in-between the Zoo and the water park. The area transforms into a free summer entertainment destination packed with outdoor movies, live music, rides, animal experiences, food, and after-hours fun that feels straight out of a classic summer break memory.

Admission details for Adventure Nights

Make it an all-day thing, or show up for the night. 

• Guests can access Adventure Nights for FREE by entering the Columbus Zoo’s main entrance after 6 pm. Parking is $12 (unless you’re a Zoo member or Zoombezi Bay Season Pass holder)
• Spent the day at the Zoo (with membership or admission) and continue the evening in Adventure Cove without needing to leave and come back. The rest of the Zoo will close at 6 p.m. 
• Soak up the sun at Zoombezi Bay all day with admission or membership, or get discounted admission to the water park after 4 p.m., and walk right over to Adventure Nights once you’re ready for the evening fun. 

Remember, Zoombezi Bay admission also includes admission to the Columbus Zoo, so you can do it all day!

Adventure Nights schedule

Friday Night Movies

Friday nights during Adventure Nights are built around free outdoor movies beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The movie area is designed to feel relaxed and family-friendly, with space for guests to spread out on their blankets while enjoying a summer movie night inside Adventure Cove.

• June 26: The Goonies 
• July 3: National Treasure 
• July 10: Muppet Treasure Island 
• July 17: Jungle Cruise 
• July 26: How to Train Your Dragon

Saturday Nights

Saturday evenings during Adventure Nights shift into a live music atmosphere with performances from local musicians and bands from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.!

• June 27: Angela Perley
• July 4: Cassette Mindset
• July 11: Three Ton Toad
• July 18: The Thirsty Travelers
• July 25: Riley Burke Band

Zoo/Zoombezi Bay 
4850 West Powell Rd.
Powell OH 43065 
(614) 645-3550.

Looking for more summer movies under the stars? 

Here’s a list of outdoor movies and drive-in movies around Columbus this summer!

Huge list of Outdoor movies around Columbus

Find more Zoombezi Bay fun here. 

Visit Zoombezi Bay Waterpark; discounts, special days, and more