One of the Bay Area’s most popular family Halloween traditions is back as San Francisco Zoo & Gardens hosts Boo at the Zoo, to take place on Halloween Day, Saturday, October 31, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The single-day festival encourages creativity and originality when it comes to Halloween costumes for the always adorable costume parade and contest. It’s quite a site to see costumed guests of all ages experience the Zoo in its full autumn splendor. The highlight of Boo at the Zoo is always the pumpkin treat presentations made throughout the day on a timed schedule, from black rhinoceros to lemurs to meerkats, and more. A full schedule will be available on the Zoo’s web site.
Highlights of the day’s festivities include:
• Costume Parade & Contest: Guests can show off their Halloween spirit during a festive parade culminating in a spooktacular costume contest with prizes in four categories: Family, Animal, Individual and Toddler. The parade starts at 11 a.m. and the contest starts at 12 p.m.
• Animal Pumpkin Enrichment: The best part of the day is always the Halloween-themed treats presented to the Zoo’s resident animals as they join in the holiday fun, exploring and smashing their own special pumpkin treats.
• Trick-or-Treat Candy Booth: Little ghouls and goblins can collect sweets and treats at a main treat station.
• Crafts and Activities: Kids can create their own, custom craft items to take home.
• DJ Dance Party: Groove and dance to favorite Halloween tunes.
In addition, face painting and caricatures are available, plus Halloween-themed food and beverages. Guests can also visit a Creepy Conservation information table and see a variety animal biofacts (skulls and bones), and take their photo at the Spooky Selfie Station.
To ensure a safe and comfortable environment for the residents, guests are kindly asked not to wear full-face masks, as they can easily startle the animals.
Boo at the Zoo activities are free with paid daytime admission or Zoo membership. Tickets can be purchased online at sfzoo.org.
