Illustration of a fall festival scene (HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo)
Family-Friendly Fall Activities

HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo

Discover a glittering Halloween extravaganza at the San Diego Zoo! This family-friendly event transforms the zoo into a glowing spectacle with interactive festivities, live entertainment, and spooky surprises. Enjoy themed performances, meet costumed characters, and explore the zoo after dark.

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What to Expect

A glowing Halloween spectacular with diverse entertainment

Event Details

Duration

Activities start at 5 p.m.

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

No

Featured Performers

  • DJ Front Street
  • Boo Crew
  • Boolahoops performers
  • Dr. Zoolittle
  • Featured Creatures presenters
  • The Spider's W.E.B. acrobats
  • The Glow-Go's
  • Spooky Revue performers
  • Dusty Keys
  • Boo Crew: Zoo Characters
  • Día de los Muertos Mariachi

Organizer

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Food & Drink

Food trucks and beverage vendors available on-site

Get Tickets

Local Insight & Ratings

Scare Factor

👻 👻 👻 👻 👻 (2/5)

Family Friendly

👶 👶 👶 👶 👶 (5/5)

Best For

Families, kids, halloween enthusiasts

Vibe

Festive, spooky, glowing, family-friendly

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$$

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Low (mostly outdoor, but some covered areas)

Location

San Diego Zoo
San Diego, CA

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $66-$76 (adults), $62-$76 (children) – Get tickets
  • Pets: No pets allowed

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early on event nights, especially weekends, to maximize your time enjoying the various themed areas and performances before they reach capacity.
  • Check the event schedule upon arrival for specific showtimes of performances like the Spooky Revue or Día de los Muertos Mariachi to plan your route.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking throughout the zoo, and consider bringing a light jacket as evenings can cool down.
  • Take advantage of the 'Kids Free in October' promotion for children 11 and under, making it an even more affordable family outing.
  • Explore the different zones like Front Street, Centennial Plaza, and Outback to experience a variety of unique entertainment and character meet-and-greets.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Kids Free in October (ages 11 and younger)
  • 1-Day Pass – Value Days offer savings
  • 2-Visit Pass for Zoo and Safari Park or multiple Zoo visits

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates and times for HalGLOWeen?

HalGLOWeen takes place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout October, with activities starting at 5 p.m. each evening.

Are there any special admission offers for children?

Yes, children 11 and younger receive free admission throughout October, including access to the Guided Bus Tour and Skyfari aerial tram.

What kind of entertainment can I expect?

The event features a live DJ, scarecrow stilt-walkers, acrobats, interactive games, wildlife trivia, themed shows, and live music, including a Mariachi band.

Can I purchase tickets in advance?

Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended, especially for 'Value Days' which offer savings. Tickets are valid for one year from purchase.

Is food and drink available at the event?

Yes, food trucks and beverage vendors will be available on-site, offering a variety of options to enjoy during your visit.

Tags

family friendlyhalloween festivalpumpkin patchtrick or treatcostume contestcommunity eventlive entertainmentkids gamesdia de los muertos

More Halloween Events Near San Diego

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Sep 3, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Halloween Events Near Me editorial team