The spookiest time of year is back at the San Diego Zoo. Beginning October 3, this glittering, glimmering, glowing annual Halloween extravaganza has something for wildlife allies of all ages. Instead of screams, you’ll hear laughter floating through the night air every weekend in October during HalGLOWeen. This unforgettable after-dark spectacular combines Halloween magic with the wonder of wildlife.
There's plenty of tasty treats and exciting entertainment around every corner.
Welcome to HalGLOWeen
The Skeleton Band welcomes you to the Zoo with Halloween hits. Get those bones movin’ to their groovy, ghouly tunes. You also might encounter the Boo Crew, whimsical stilt-walkers that haunt Front Street searching for silly photo opportunities. Continue down Front Street and stroll the Python Path near the Klauber-Shaw Reptile House. After dark, this slithering space transforms with glowing effects so you’ll experience reptiles in an entirely new light.
Feeling brave? Try Sweet Shack’s Wicked Nashville Wrap and Busy Bee Café’s Zombie Sundae. Then quench your otherworldly thirst with the Blood Orange Margarita at San Diego Craft Beer & Margaritas or the Witch’s Citrus Margarita at Oasis Lounge. And save room for dessert! Stop by Sweets and Treats for your pick of the Franken Mini Cookies and Caramel Apples—and wash it down with a perfectly paired Wicked Caramel Cider.
Watch in wonder at arachnid-inspired skills high above Desert Dunes.
More Fun for Everyone
Head towards Centennial Plaza for a hula-hooping, glow-in-the-dark dance party with Boolahoops. Stick around for Dr. Zoolittle’s Tricks & Treats, featuring wildlife trivia and interactive activities. Next, scamper over to Wildlife Explorers Basecamp. Featured Creatures introduces you to wildlife ambassadors that might seem spooky at first, but you’ll learn how they help maintain healthy ecosystems.
Don’t forget to look up! High above Desert Dunes are the Spider’s W.E.B., talented acrobatic performers showing off their arachnid-inspired skills. All night long, The Glow-Go’s delight—and not fright—passing allies with their silly jokes and original songs.
Enjoy the kooky wildlife-themed specialty acts of the Spooky Revue.
Out in the Outback
Hang around for a spell and enjoy the kooky wildlife-themed specialty acts of the Spooky Revue. Then listen to the The Dusty Keys’ haunting tunes that are sure to bring chills—and smiles—from beyond. Plus, meet, greet, and take photos with the Zoo's beloved Dr. Harry & Friends who are dressed up in their Halloween finest.
Take a quick detour down Center Street for tantalizingly tasty seasonal offerings. At Hua Mei Café, grab the Seoul Stealer Wrap before it grabs you, and then head to Panda Pagoda for creamy, crispy Ghost Pockets. Speaking of creamy and crispy, seek out the Coffin Crawler Dog at Rocks Box.
If you’re looking for sweeter options, haunt your way over to Hua Mei Cones for a frighteningly delicious Booey Gooey Brownie Sundae. And there’s plenty of liquid courage to choose from. The Bamboo Bar serves up the slushie margarita, The Chum Bucket, in addition to the nonalcoholic Witches Lemonade Brew. Albert’s offers the Night Owl, Candy Mojito, and the Blood Orange Mocktail.
Tempt your fate with the Poison Apple Snow Cone or Ghost Pockets, and then say hello to Dr. Harry & Friends dressed in their Halloween best.
Promenading Performance
Add a touch of tradition to your night with Día de los Muertos Mariachi in Elephant Odyssey. As you enjoy the music, feast on Sabertooth Grill's mouthwatering Barbacoa Rice Bowl. Then round out your evening with The Bridge’s Poison Apple Snow Cone.
Let’s Glow
Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout October, create new memories at HalGLOWeen. Plus, we’re celebrating Kids Free the entire month, so come early and stay late. To make your visits even easier, download the San Diego Zoo app to plan your route and catch all the must-see entertainment. “Spook” you there!
Discover how your visits save, protect, and care for wildlife worldwide through our eight Conservation Hubs.
