Boo at the Zoo at San Francisco Zoo & Gardens

San Francisco Zoo & Gardens’ signature Halloween event “Boo at the Zoo” will attract thousands to the 100 acre park, classroom, conservation center and Zoo on Saturday and Sunday, October 29 & 30 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Kids will don their costumes to participate in a Costume Parade and Contest with celebrity judges choosing winners in several different categories. The parade begins at 11:00 am each day near the Lion Fountain.

Trick-or-treat stations will be located throughout the Zoo courtesy of Lucky Supermarkets, Clif Kids, and Go Go Squeeze. Guests will enjoy a Halloween festival with vendors like Trader Joe’s, face-painters and take-home arts & crafts.

Special exhibits include the Haunted Nature Trail, decorated especially for the occasion with ghosts, goblins and more! Speaking of creepy, crawly attractions, the Insect Zoo is decked out with “scary” creatures like giant cockroaches, flesh-eating beetles and tarantulas. Classic bug horror movies will be played on the video monitor inside the exhibit.

Zoo animals will gobble up gourds and enjoy Halloween-themed enrichment treats during the Pumpkin Stomp & Chomp, happening throughout the weekend. Pumpkins are donated by Pacific Produce, a supplier of fresh fruits, vegetables and more for the Zoo’s best-fed residents.

The last weekend of October is also the final opportunity to catch signature event “ZOOtoberFest” with entertainment for all ages. Located near the Lion Fountain, “Harvest Hallow” houses San Francisco’s largest Hay Maze, a 5,000-square-foot structure built with 600 bales of straw. There’s also a bounce house, ample seating, pumpkins, and festive fall décor for a family photo op.

The “Zoo Brew Haus” at The Depot Grill is pouring a great selection of specialty beers in a keepsake mug. There’s a full menu of German-inspired dishes, like beer-braised bratwurst with Guinness mustard and Sauerkraut. A live band plays traditional European polka music from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Link to Boo at the Zoo photos by Marianne Hale https://goo.gl/photos/sLSHVx8ckqdFuC91A

Event Details

Who: All visitors to San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
What: Boo at the Zoo, a family-friendly Halloween festival
Where: San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, Sloat Blvd. at The Great Highway, San Francisco, CA 94132
When: Saturday and Sunday, October 29 & 30 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Visuals: Kids dressed in costumes for a parade and contest, trick-or-treating throughout the Zoo, exploring the hay maze, animals eating pumpkins, adults enjoying specialty food and drink, live musical performances
Best time to cover: Saturday or Sunday from 11:00-1:00
Contact: Rachel Eslick rachele@sfzoo.org 559-287-3990

About San Francisco Zoo & Gardens

Established in 1929, San Francisco Zoo & Gardens connects people to wildlife, inspires caring for nature and advances conservation action. An urban oasis, the Zoo & Gardens are home to more than 2,000 exotic, endangered and rescued animals representing more than 250 species as well as seven distinct gardens full of native and unusual plants. Located at the edge of the Pacific Ocean where the Great Highway meets Sloat Boulevard, the Zoo is open 365 days a year from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (summer hours) and is accessible by San Francisco MUNI "L" Taraval Line.