Two Ticketed Halloween Celebrations at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Halloween traditions return to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute this October with two wildly popular after-hours events: Boo at the Zoo, sponsored by Mars, Incorporated, and Night of the Living Zoo. These ticketed celebrations offer unforgettable evenings for families and adults while supporting the Zoo’s world-class animal care, conservation science and education programs. These events will be held rain or shine. For more information, visit the Zoo’s website.

Boo at the Zoo

Families are invited to celebrate Halloween at Boo at the Zoo Friday, Oct. 16, through Sunday, Oct. 18, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with last entry at 8 p.m. Smithsonian’s National Zoo Members receive exclusive early entry from 5 to 6 p.m. each evening. Guests can wear their favorite costumes and enjoy an evening of trick-or-treating, festive entertainment and after-hours access to the Zoo. Due to the nature of distributed treats and concessions, this event cannot be guaranteed to be nut-free. Guests will enjoy:

• Trick-or-treating at more than 25 treat stations throughout the Zoo
• A pumpkin patch photo opportunity
• Playful vignettes featuring frolicking skeletons
• A whimsical kids dance party
• Indoor access to Small Mammal House, Elephant Community Center and Reptile Discovery Center exhibits until 8:30 p.m.
• A commemorative Boo at the Zoo tote bag while supplies last
• For additional purchase, guests can feast on enticing foods from local vendors, take a spin on the Speedwell Conservation Carousel and ride the National Zoo Choo Choo. Member benefits for the carousel may not be used. 

Tickets go on sale to members today, Thursday, Aug. 20, for $29.75. General admission tickets go on sale Thursday, Aug. 27, for $35. Each attendee, including any children over the age of 2, will need a ticket. Boo at the Zoo is an extremely popular event with Washington-area families who celebrate Halloween. Due to limited capacity, guests are encouraged to plan ahead and purchase tickets and parking passes early.  

Night of the Living Zoo

Adults ages 21 and older Families are invited to experience the Zoo after dark during Night of the Living Zoo Friday, Oct. 23, from 7 to 11 p.m., with last entry at 10:30 p.m.

Guests are invited to don their most devilish Halloween costumes and revel in a night of spine-tingling fun featuring: 

• Wickedly good libations at eight open bars
• Bewitching circus acts, including aerialists and fire breathers
• Wild wanderings through the Great Cats and Reptile Discovery Center exhibits until 9 p.m.
• Bone-shaking live performances by local bands and DJ sets from Les the DJ and Cinema Hearts
• Stars and cards discovery with ethereal “Zoostrology” and tarot card readings 
• Spooky face painting and silhouette portraits that capture guests’ Halloween alter egos
• For additional purchase, guests can feast on enticing foods from local vendors, take a spin on the Speedwell Conservation Carousel and immortalize their evening with permanent flash tattoos and piercings. Member benefits for the carousel may not be used.

Tickets go on sale today, Thursday, Aug. 20, to Zoo members for $63.75 and Thursday, Aug. 27, to non-members for $75. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend. ID is required for entry, and each attendee will need a ticket.

Zoo event parking and arrival directions for guests:

• Arriving fashionably late. Last entry for Boo at the Zoo is 8 p.m. For Night of the Living Zoo, last entry is 10:30 p.m. 
• Dressing in costume. While costumes are encouraged, guests may not wear full-faced masks or bring accessories or props that look like weapons.
• Arriving on foot. The Zoo’s Connecticut Avenue and Harvard Street entrances will be open until last entry. 
• Taking Metro. Metro Bus (D70) and Metro Rail (Woodley Park-Zoo and Cleveland Park) have stops within walking distance of the Zoo’s main pedestrian entrance on Connecticut Avenue.  
• Using a rideshare vehicle. Pickup is in the Zoo’s vehicle check-in lot near Asia Trail, accessible from the main entrance at 3001 Connecticut Ave. N.W. 
• Planning to park. Guests must purchase a Boo at the Zoo or Night of the Living Zoo paid parking pass available in advance for $30 per vehicle or same-day for $40 per vehicle. Member parking passes may not be used. Only guests with a valid parking pass will be permitted to park on-site. Daytime parking passes will not be honored for ticketed special events. All cars must enter through the main vehicle entrance on Connecticut Avenue.

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Photo caption 1: Boo at the Zoo returns Oct. 16, 17 and 18 for trick-or-treating and not-so-spooky entertainment that the whole family can enjoy in the frightfully fun setting of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

Photo 1 credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Photo caption 2: Night of the Living Zoo returns to Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Oct. 23, promising a spirited and spine-chilling evening for guests ages 21+.

Photo 2 credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute