A Celebration to Remember
Your unforgettable adventure is only just beginning as the day winds down. Through August 9, the San Diego Zoo is open until 8 p.m. for Nighttime Zoo. Gather your family and make incredible memories with spectacular entertainment, fascinating wildlife, and fun around every corner.
As the sun slowly starts to set on the horizon, join us for family favorite entertainment throughout the Zoo. Hear from our spunky conservationist at “Dr. Zoolittle’s Exploration Station” and keep the action going with the high-energy, acrobatic “Bounce-a-Roo Bonanza” and “Amazing Acrobats of Tanzania.”
Rock and roar with the Zoo's very own in-house band at the Front Street Stage.
There’s no shortage of musical styles to get every wildlife ally movin’ and groovin’. At the Front Street Stage, rock & roar with the Zoo’s in-house band, relax with soothing sounds of an acoustic guitar with accompanying vocals, or tap your toes to the talented brass ensemble, The Chameleons. Stroll down the pathway to the Wildlife Explorers Basecamp Stage to enjoy The Explorers, a talented four-part a cappella group whose incredible harmonies will stop you in your tracks.
The evening’s entertainment all leads up to the incredible performance of “Jambo Dunia!” down Front Street. This dazzling celebration culminates with live music, dancers, acrobats, and more surprises. Jambo Dunia not only celebrates iconic wildlife of the African savanna, but also the communities that share this vibrant ecosystem and how as an Alliance we’re working to save, protect, and care for it through our Savanna Conservation Hub.
The dazzling performance of "Jambo Dunia!" includes live music, dancers, acrobats, and more!
Fuel Your Adventures
A delicious new lineup of culinary delights awaits you. Savor the summer season and explore limited-time specialties at dining locations throughout the Zoo. You won’t want to miss these savory snacks, decadent desserts, and everything in between.
There's no shortage of deliciousness with our seasonal selection of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.
Quench your thirst with blueberry lemonade at Jungle Java or try our take on dirty sodas at the Oasis Lounge. If you want something spirited, the watermelon cucumber margarita from San Diego Craft Beer & Margaritas, Boardwalk Beer Garden’s twist on a traditional tequila sunrise, and the specialty cocktails at Alberts are just what you need.
The lemon pepper wings from Busy Bee Café are sure to make you buzz with joy.
Satisfy your hunger with Hua Mei Café’s orange chicken fries, Lagoon Terrace’s Mexi dog, or the zesty lemon pepper wings from Busy Bee Café. Still hungry? Snag the BBQ pulled pork bowl at Sydney’s Grill or Safari Kitchen’s catfish filets—a flavorful ode to the bayou. Then round out your meal with strawberry funnel cakes at Front Street Sweet Shack, Ituri Hut’s cotton candy churros, or the s’mores sundae in a waffle bowl from Treetops Canteen—what’s more summer than that?
Satisfy your sweet tooth with our strawberry funnel cake from Front Street Sweet Shack.
A Fond Farewell
Generations of wildlife allies have made lifelong memories at Nighttime Zoo. You’ve celebrated with us for more than 25 years, and the curtains are closing on this family-favorite experience. So, bring the whole family and reminisce on your fond memories while making new ones all summer long. And here’s even better news: mark your calendars for an entirely new seasonal summer festival debuting in 2027!
Every time you visit Nighttime Zoo, you’re making a difference for wildlife worldwide. You’re the drumbeat of our work, and we couldn’t do it without allies like you. We can’t wait to have a rockin’ summer together!
Check out the full entertainment lineup on the Nighttime Zoo 2026 page and then discover how your visits make a difference for wildlife worldwide through our eight Conservation Hubs.
