Halloween lovers can start planning their spooky activities. The Smithsonian National Zoo announced the return of two events this year: Boo at the Zoo and Night of the Living Zoo. Here’s what you need to know about the Halloween bashes — including when to snag tickets.
Boo at the Zoo
This popular event features three days of family-friendly Halloween fun. Visitors can wear their best costumes and spend the evening trick-or-treating and at after-hour activities. The event features more than 25 candy stations, pumpkin patch photo ops, a dance party for kids, and a commemorative tote bag (while supplies last).
Entry include access the Small Mammal House, Elephant Community Center, and Reptile Discovery Center exhibits until 8:30 p.m. Food and rides on the Speedwell Conservation Carousel will be available for purchase.
Boo at the Zoo will run from October 16 to 18, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $29.75 for members and $35 for non-members plus a $30 parking fee in advance/$40 same-day. Children over age 2 require a ticket.
Night of the Living Zoo
Night of the Living Zoo is an adults-only experience filled with eight open cocktail bars, circus acts, live music, face painting, silhouette portraits, and more. Visitors are encouraged to wear costumes, but full-face masks and weapon-like accessories are prohibited.
Tickets include entry to the Great Cats and Reptile Discovery Center exhibits until 9 p.m. Food, permanent flash tattoos and piercings, and access to the Speedwell Conservation Carousel will be available for purchase.
Night of Living Zoo will run from 7 to 11 p.m. on October 23. Tickets are $63.75 for members and $75 for non-members plus a $30 parking fee in advance/$40 same-day. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend and IDs are required.
Tickets for both events are now on sale for members; they will be available to the public on Thursday, August 27.
Feature photo by Juan-Carlos Briceno/Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
