Washington — The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute will host two ticketed Halloween events this fall, offering activities for families and adults while supporting animal care and conservation programs. Boo at the Zoo, a family-oriented celebration, runs October 17, 18 and 19 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., with tickets available starting August 28. Night of the Living Zoo, an adults-only gathering, follows on October 24 and 25 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Both events proceed rain or shine, with proceeds funding the zoo’s initiatives.
Boo at the Zoo, sponsored by Mars Wrigley Confectionery, provides after-hours access to exhibits including the Small Mammal House, Elephant Community Center and Reptile Discovery Center. Participants can collect treats at 30 stations, view animal habitats decorated with jack-o-lanterns and enrichment items, and watch live pumpkin carving on the Conservation Pavilion patio, a new feature for 2025. Entertainment includes roaming magicians, costumed performers and themed vignettes along walkways. Each attendee receives a souvenir bag for candies, snacks and surprises. Non-member tickets cost $35, while zoo members pay $29.75 and gain early entry at 5 p.m. Children over age 2 require tickets. Parking passes are $30 per vehicle, purchased online in advance, as daytime passes are not valid. Last entry is 8:30 p.m., and costumes are encouraged, though full-faced masks for adults and weapon-like props are prohibited.
Night of the Living Zoo targets guests 21 and older, requiring identification for entry. The event features an open cocktail bar, circus acts, Zoostrology readings matching animals to astrological signs with temporary tattoos, silhouette artists, photo booths and Halloween scenes. DJs Tezrah on October 24 and Tinzo plus Jojo on October 25 provide music, alongside live performances by White Ford Bronco on the first night and Billy T. Wilde on the second. Food from trucks and flash tattoos are available for extra purchase. After-hours access includes the Reptile Discovery Center and Great Cats exhibits until 9:30 p.m. Non-member tickets are $80, with members at $68. Last entry is 10:30 p.m., and similar costume rules apply.
The zoo, located at 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, offers multiple arrival options. Pedestrians can use the Connecticut Avenue or Harvard Street entrances. Metro Rail stops at Woodley Park-Zoo or Cleveland Park are within a half-mile walk, and the D70 bus stops directly at the main entrance. Rideshares drop off near Asia Trail. For drivers, only event-specific parking passes allow on-site parking.
These events build on the zoo’s tradition of seasonal programming, which draws families from the region. Boo at the Zoo has been a staple since the 1980s, evolving from simple trick-or-treating to include educational elements on animal behavior through enrichment activities. Night of the Living Zoo, introduced more recently, caters to adults seeking themed nightlife while contributing to conservation. The zoo’s press release notes high demand, with tickets often selling out quickly among Washington-area families.
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo, established in 1889 as part of the Smithsonian Institution, spans 163 acres and houses about 2,700 animals representing 390 species. Admission is free year-round, but special events like these require tickets to fund operations. The zoo emphasizes conservation, with programs protecting endangered species such as giant pandas, Asian elephants and Sumatran tigers. Recent highlights include the arrival of giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao in 2024, with public debut in January 2025, as covered in local reports. Southern Maryland media has tracked zoo developments, including panda programs and seasonal events, noting their appeal for educational outings.
Events align with the zoo’s mission to connect visitors with wildlife. Enrichment activities during Boo at the Zoo demonstrate how animals interact with novel items, promoting natural behaviors. For Night of the Living Zoo, the extended hours allow views of nocturnal species. Both encourage sustainable practices, with reusable bags and eco-friendly treats.
Tickets for both events went on sale August 28, with non-members able to purchase immediately and members receiving discounts. The zoo advises early buying due to limited capacity. More details are available on the official site, including maps and guides for navigation. Refunds are unavailable, but exchanges may be possible 48 hours prior, subject to availability.
These gatherings provide seasonal entertainment while advancing the zoo’s goals. As a federal institution, the zoo operates under the Smithsonian, funded partly by Congress and donations. Proceeds from events like these directly aid research at the Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, about 70 miles west of D.C.
