Zoo Knoxville

Zoo Knoxville, off Knoxville Zoo Drive in East Knoxville, runs a private events program alongside its daily operations as the region's zoo. Indoor spaces accommodate 10 to 80 guests depending on setup, and a tented space handles larger groups. Standard corporate packages are priced per guest (around $55 per person) and bundle the practical pieces most venues charge separately for: parking, tables and chairs, black linens, facility fees, setup and breakdown, AV equipment, an on-site coordinator, and coffee, tea, and water service.

What distinguishes the venue is the programming layered on top — events can add a visit from an animal ambassador, behind-the-scenes animal experiences, guided tours of the grounds, or team-building service projects. The zoo books corporate meetings, birthday parties, weddings, and holiday events. There is no published events email; inquiries go through the contact form or main phone line. It is best for corporate outings, team retreats, and kids' birthday parties where built-in animal experiences carry the entertainment.