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. 25.
This Halloween season, 'creep it real' at the Zoo as you:
- Lift your spirits at an open cocktail bar
- Get thrilled by mesmerizing circus acts
- Uncover ghoulish scenes haunting the Zoo’s main walkway
- Immortalize your evening with flash tattoos
- Capture wonderfully weird photo booth moments
- Shake your bones while DJs spin records all night long!
Your ticket grants you after-hours access to the Zoo, an open cocktail bar, two entertainment stages and tantalizing food options available for purchase. The Reptile Discovery Center exhibit will be open for animal viewing from 7 to 9 p.m. Flash tattoos are available with additional purchase. Proceeds from the event support the Zoo’s conservation work to save endangered species.
Guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend. ID required for entry.
Looking for a not-so-scary experience? Get tickets to the family-friendly event Boo at the Zoo!
More Information
Guests are welcome to wear costumes to Night of the Living Zoo and are encouraged to enter the event's costume contest.
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: If you purchased tickets in advance but cannot attend the event, you may receive a 75% refund up to two weeks before the event. No refunds will be granted after Oct. 11.
Please visit our Accessibility page for information on how we provide inclusive experiences for all audiences.