October Happenings at the St. Louis Zoo

Zoo Oktoberfest , Boo at the Zoo

& many Halloween Attractions

Enjoy a Zoo-themed, family-friendly during Oktoberfest! Take advantage of the cooler weather and visit the St. Louis Zoo’s animals, exhibits and attractions. Kids can participate in fun activities, including an obstacle course and arts and crafts.

German-inspired food, including beer brats, giant Bavarian pretzels, turkey legs and more, is available for purchase, along with apple cider, root beer and other soft drinks. Beer trailers throughout the Zoo offer a variety of local and craft brews (ages 21 and older) for purchase. Llive music from 12 to 3 p.m. each day: Free admission

Sept. 30: Big Joe and the Bavarians

Oct. 1: Almost Famous

Oct. 7: Retro Boogie

Oct. 8: So Grand Polka Band

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 30-Oct. 1, Oct. 7-8, 2023

For more information on this free, family-friendly event, visit stlzoo.org/zootoberfest. Follow the Zoo at #stlzoo and #Zootoberfest on Facebook.com/stlzoo, Instagram.com/stlzoo and Twitter.com/stlzoo.

BOO AT THE ZOO 5 to 8:30 p.m. nightly, Oct. 13-29, 2023 at St Louis Zoo,

Tickets: Advance tickets required. See prices below.

Families can enjoy festive decorations, entertainers, special food and drink menus and more at the Saint Louis Zoo’s nighttime, non-scary Halloween experience, Boo at the Zoo presented by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. Please note, this is not a trick-or-treating event.

The event runs from 5 to 8:30 p.m. every night Oct. 13 through 29. Tickets are required and must be purchased in advance online at stlzoo.org/boo. Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, September 20.

Ticket prices (ages 2+):

Oct. 13-15 — $12/Zoo member; $15/non-member

Oct. 16 (Sensory-friendly night) — $10/Zoo member; $10/non-member

Oct. 17-19 — $10/Zoo member; $13/non-member

Oct. 20-29 — $12/Zoo member; $15/non-member

Free for children under age 2.

Free parking is available at the Zoo North Lot and South Lot during the event. Proceeds from the event help the Zoo provide the highest quality care for its animals. The Zoo closes for all guests at 4 p.m. Doors re-open at 5 p.m. for the ticketed event.

Sensory-Friendly Night

Monday, Oct. 16, is Sensory-Friendly Night for neurodivergent guests with sensory sensitivities. This special night will mirror the traditional Boo at the Zoo experience, but also includes sensory maps, quiet areas and trained Zoo staff to assist individuals with sensory sensitivities. Sensory-Friendly Night is supported by The Autism Clinic at Hope.

Halloween Decorations, Animals & Attractions

Fun, spellbinding decorations for great photo opportunities include Kraken Cove, Extraterrestrial Encounter, Pumpkin Palooza and much more. Slither into the Charles H. Hoessle Herpetarium to catch sight of turtles, tortoises, frogs, toads, lizards, snakes and more. Spiders, centipedes, beetles and other invertebrates await you at the Bayer Insectarium.

Admission includes entry into Emerson Dinoroarus, Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel, Stingrays at Caribbean Cove presented by SSM Health and “Happy Family 2” playing at the 4D Theater. Don’t miss your chance to ride the nighttime Emerson Zooline Railroad (separate fee).