Enjoy expansive views of the animals of the Heart of Africa savanna with the giraffe yard just beyond your own private balcony. This climate controlled venue offers a dedicated parking lot, immediate access to the Heart of Africa region, private restrooms, and a green room or bridal suite.
For larger groups, add on a Heart of Africa after-hours region rental with a strolling reception through our entire Heart of Africa region before returning to the Africa Event Center for your meal and evening program.
Supported Layouts and Capacities
Amenities
- Portable Walls
- Wireless Internet/Wi-Fi
Features
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Atmosphere/Decor:
Our modern facility features African artwork and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Heart of Africa savanna.
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Floor Covering:
Hard Surface
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Number of Ballroom Sections:
2
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Special Features:
Private balcony overlooking the Columbus Zoo's Heart of Africa savanna area. Add on a giraffe feeding experience or a visit from some of the Columbus Zoo's animal ambassadors to make your event a once-in-a-lifetime experience for your guests.
Water's Edge Boardwalk features two side-by-side heated boardwalk pavilions with private restrooms nestled along the shores of the Scioto River.
Supported Layouts and Capacities
Features
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Atmosphere/Decor:
Waterfront pavilions with expansive glass doors that allow for an open-air or fully heated event based upon the season.
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Floor Covering:
Polished Concrete
The Water's Edge Plaza area includes two heated indoor/outdoor pavilions, an outdoor event plaza, and a large central stage along the banks of the Scioto River. This flexible indoor/outdoor venue plays hosts to a wide range of events, from employee picnics to fundraising galas and concerts.
Supported Layouts and Capacities
Features
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Special Features:
For large events and fundraising galas, the entire outdoor plaza and stage area may be tented for an additional fee.
Recently renovated, the Lakeside Pavilion is located near the entrance to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and features two spaces that can be combined into one large ballroom, perfect for corporate or social receptions, business meetings, rehearsal dinners, or wedding receptions on a more modest budget. The Lakeside Pavilion features private restrooms, a green room/bridal suite, and an outdoor spill out space with trellis.
The adjacent Lakeside Theater is also available for stage presentations.
Supported Layouts and Capacities
Amenities
- Portable Walls
- Wireless Internet/Wi-Fi
Features
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Number of Ballroom Sections:
2
The Grove features eight outdoor picnic shelters, private restrooms, and a centralized gazebo stage for announcements or live music. Reserve a single shelter for your group, or book the entire event park and host a picnic for 2,000+ guests!
Supported Layouts and Capacities
Features
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Atmosphere/Decor:
Outdoor picnic grove with centralized serving pavilion.
Create a truly memorable experience for your guests by renting one of the Zoo’s regions after it closes to the public. Beverages, appetizers and even dinners can be served in some of the regions.
For larger groups, Heart of Africa and Adventure Cove are very popular venues with unique animal viewing and interaction experiences.
For intimate groups of 30 or less, a plated dinner served inside the 360-degree acrylic underwater tunnel, inside the Shores aquarium, or in our underwater polar bear viewing area is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Supported Layouts and Capacities