Night of the Living Zoo
Get ready for a spine-chilling evening at the Night of the Living Zoo! The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is bringing its adults-only Halloween party back from the dead Friday, Oct. 24 and Saturday Oct. 25.
Tickets will go on sale closer to the event date.
More Information
Guests are welcome to wear costumes to Night of the Living Zoo. However, for the safety of other guests and the animals, please do not bring balloons, skates, hover boards or scooters. Guests should not wear full-faced masks as part of their costume. Real and costume weapons are not permitted on Zoo grounds.
Arriving on foot? The Zoo’s Connecticut Ave. and Harvard Street entrances will be open until last entry at 10:30 p.m.
Using a rideshare vehicle? Set your pick up to the Zoo’s vehicle check-in lot near Asia Trail, accessible from the main entrance at 3001 Connecticut Ave, NW.
Driving and parking? You must reserve a Night of the Living Zoo Paid Parking Pass online before your visit.
- Daytime parking passes will not be honored for Night of the Living Zoo.
- All cars must enter through the main vehicle entrance at 3001 Connecticut Ave, NW.
Entering the Event: To help our staff scan tickets efficiently, guests should plan on entering the Zoo together.
Guests must be 21 years of age or older with a valid ID to enter the event.
Closure notice: Visitors will not be able to enter the lower portion of the Zoo (from the Reptile Discovery Center to Kids' Farm) starting at 3 p.m. This is to allow our staff to finish preparations for the event. Last entry to the Zoo is at 3 p.m. and the Zoo will be cleared of guests at 4 p.m.
Refunds: Per our terms of sale, tickets to Night of the Living Zoo are nonrefundable, so plan your visit carefully.
Please visit our Accessibility page for information on how we provide inclusive experiences for all audiences.