Name: Great Smoky Mountains Salamander Ball
Start: 2018-10-05T17:00:00-04:00
End: 2018-10-05T21:00:00-04:00
Location: Zoo Knoxville

This page is for the 2018 Salamander Ball. Click here to be redirected the 2019 event page!

A biodiversity bash!

Have you ever marveled at the depth, breadth, and beauty of wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Then we invite you to our eighth annual Great Smoky Mountains Salamander Ball, one of the region’s premier fundraising events. It’s a family-friendly masquerade, where we encourage you to dress as your favorite Smokies critter, and to eat, drink and be merry. All proceeds help DLiA support research and conservation in our most beloved Park and we’ve got a special announcement this year: a milestone reached on this, our 20th anniversary! So come one, come all, to the Salamander Ball!

Thanks to Zoo Knoxville and all of our sponsors for making this event happen!

Event details

When: The event will be held Friday, October 5th from 5:00 – 9:00 PM.

DLiA Executive Director, Todd Witcher, with Big Red the salamander Location: The Ball will be held at Zoo Knoxville (map), under a fabulous tent behind the Kid’s Cove. This is a rain or shine event.

Parking: Free parking is available at the zoo’s upper and lower lots.

Food and drink: A selection of scrumptious hors d’oeuvres from Holly’s Eventful Dining will be served (including vegetarian options), as well as local beer provided by Elkmont Exchange, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Dress code: There is no dress code! Join us in your finest masquerade attire to celebrate our favorite Smokies critter, or in your favorite hiking attire; just join us!

Live music: We’re classing things up this year with live music by A Touch of Classical!

Silent auction: As usual, the Salamander Ball will feature a silent auction full of unique biodiversity-related treasures. All proceeds go directly to helping DLiA fulfill its mission.

Science in the Smokies: At this year’s Ball, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about some of the cool work DLiA and our research affiliates are doing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and we’ll have special guests to tell you all about it. We’ll also have some live critters to touch and hold!

Big Red the salamander and friends enjoying the Great Smoky Mountains Salamander Ball Free zoo admission: Ticket purchase includes free admission to Zoo Knoxville. To redeem your free admission, visit the zoo’s ticket window and mention that you have purchased a ticket for the Salamander Ball. They’ll check your name on their list of ticket holders and grant you free admission! Free zoo admission must be redeemed on the day of the event (Oct. 5) during zoo hours (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM). Last admission is one hour before the zoo closes.