Having trouble deciding on a Halloween costume this year? Take inspiration from some of your favorite zoo animals and mark your calendar for a one-of-a-kind Halloween party at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park.
On Friday, Oct. 25, 7 to 9:30 p.m., the zoo’s gates will open only to those 21 and older for a night filled with Halloween-inspired fun, called the Night of the Living Zoo.
Dance the night away at the dance party and be sure to enter in the spook-tacular costume contest, hosted by Science on Tap, where the winners in each category (best individual costume and best group costume) will take home tickets to Brewlights, and a grand prize winner will leave with $1,000.
For more fun events to put on your calendar, subscribe to our Things to Do newsletter.
Performance artists will weave their way around the grounds throughout the night, offering a variety of live entertainment and oddity spectacles, and attendees can enjoy unlimited access to animal houses and exhibits.
Two drink tickets are included with admission and guests will have access to a variety of craft beers and food trucks, such as Mulan Dumpling, DC Tapas and Crepe Love.
A VIP experience is available with an express check-in, additional drink tickets, an exclusive takeaway gift, private access to the VIP bar and lounge, a private dance party, exclusive VIP access to certain animal houses and exhibits and complimentary food tastings from GCDC Grilled Cheese Bar, Pinstripes and ROCKLANDS Barbeque and Grilling Company. // Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservative Biology Institute: 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC; $40 general admission, $90 VIP
