Music City Puppy Bowl at Nashville Zoo returns February 8 with adoptable puppies and on-site adoptions
A local adoption event built around a game-day format
Nashville Zoo is scheduled to host the 2026 Music City Puppy Bowl on Sunday, February 8, 2026, running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is organized in partnership with the Nashville Humane Association and is designed to connect potential adopters with puppies available for adoption through a structured, public showcase at the zoo.
The program is set for the Ajax Turner Wild Works Amphitheater and is included with general admission or zoo membership. Event programming is planned around two short “kickoff showcase” segments at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., each featuring a 10- to 15-minute on-field matchup highlighting one of two puppy litters. The format is intended to give visitors a guided opportunity to meet adoptable animals in a controlled setting.
How adoptions are expected to work on-site
Zoo event details indicate that adoptions for the puppies are planned to be handled on-site only on February 8, beginning at 10 a.m. Families who complete adoptions are expected to arrange pickup by 2 p.m., with pickup coordinated in the zoo parking area. Organizers have also stated that newly adopted puppies will not be able to reenter the zoo after pickup.
Separately, the zoo’s policy for this event reiterates that pets are not permitted on zoo grounds; only service animals are allowed. The zoo also notes that pets are not permitted to be left in vehicles in the parking lot during the event.
Partners, on-site information and public education emphasis
Organizers say the event will include partners and local pet-focused businesses offering information about adoption options and pet-related activities, along with messaging about spaying and neutering. Mix 92.9 is slated to serve as guest referees providing live commentary, and sampling for guests 21 and older is also expected to be available through an on-site partner.
Context: a continuing focus on pet adoption in Nashville
The Nashville Humane Association, founded in 1946, describes its work as adoption-centered and supported by donations, with additional services that include low-cost clinics and community support programs. The organization reports a high annual save rate and says it helps thousands of animals find homes each year.
Date and time: Sunday, February 8, 2026, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Nashville Zoo, Ajax Turner Wild Works Amphitheater
Adoptions: On-site only during the event, beginning at 10 a.m.
The event is structured around short, scheduled showcases intended to introduce adoptable puppy litters to prospective families during regular zoo hours.