Summer isn’t over yet, but it may be time to start thinking about your Halloween plans. The Smithsonian National Zoo will host two ticketed events this October: Boo at the Zoo and Night of the Living Zoo.
Here’s what to expect from the spooky events — and when you can snag tickets.
Boo at the Zoo
The popular family-friendly event is back for three days of not-so-scary Halloween fun. Visitors are encouraged to dress up in their best costumes and explore the zoo, where they’ll find 30 trick-or-treat stations.
The zoo will be decked out in thematic décor like frolicking skeletons. Visitors can observe the zoo’s many creatures while they play with jack-o’-lanterns and other Halloween-themed enrichment toys.
Tickets include access to after-hours animal viewing at the Elephant Community Center, the Small Mammal House, and the Reptile Discovery Center, plus a souvenir tote bag for trick-or-treating.
Boo at the Zoo runs from October 18 to 20, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for members and $35 for non-members, plus a $30 parking fee. All children over age 2 need a ticket.
Tickets are on sale for members now and will be available to the general public at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 22.
Night of the Living Zoo
Leave the kids at home for this holiday event. Night of the Living Zoo is an adults-only party that the zoo will host from 7 to 11 p.m. on Friday, October 25. This “spirited and spine-chilling” event will feature two stages of entertainment, including circus acts and a DJ, spooky scenes along the zoo’s main walkway, a photo booth, and an open cocktail bar.
Flash tattoos and food options will be available to purchase.
The event is in the “lower zoo” section near the Great Cats exhibit. It will not feature the zoo’s animals.
All guests may wear costumes, as long as they do not include full-face masks.
Tickets are $55 for members and $65 for non-members, plus a $30 parking fee. Tickets go on sale for members on at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 22 and non-members at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 29.
Feature image by Juan-Carlos Briceno, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
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