Featuring dancing, drinks, and adorable zoo animals, the National Zoo's adult Halloween party is destined to be a scream.

Calling all werewolves, witches, ghosts, and ghouls—you've been summoned for a scary good time at Night of the Living Zoo at the Smithsonian National Zoo!

Held a week before All Hallows' Eve, visitors can gather for an after-hours adult Halloween party. Halloween may be a children's holiday, but that doesn't mean grown-ups can't get in on the fun!

WHEN: Friday, October 25 | 7-10:30 p.m.
WHERE: Smithsonian National Zoo | 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW | Washington, D.C. | View map here
ADMISSION: General $30-$45 | VIP $65-$95

This Halloween bash features some spectacularly spooky entertainment. Fill up on craft beverages and delicious grub from D.C.-area food trucks, and show off your moves with a DJ dance party (you can never go wrong with the Monster Mash!).

A costume contest will be hosted by The American Association for the Advancement of Science, so put on your best costume and get in the spirit! Performance artists will add a creepy twist to the evening's festivities, and since this is the zoo, after all, you'll get a chance to visit the animals. 

national zoo dc

General admission is $30-$35 for Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) members, while non-members are $40-$45. These tickets will get you two drink tickets and access to the above entertainment. Even if you don't get the member discount, you'll still be getting a frightfully good deal.

Zoo lovers wanting a step up from the usual experience should go VIP. VIP includes all that General Admission offers, plus some extra perks. You'll receive a third drink ticket and access to exclusive event spaces featuring dance parties, food-tastings, animal exhibitions, and more. FONZ members pay $65-$70 and non-members pay $90-$95.

national zoo dc

Here are a few things to know beforehand:

  • This event is 21+ only.
  • Tickets went on sale September 13 for FONZ members, but if you aren't a member, never fear! You'll be able to get yours starting September 19. We recommend buying them in advance to avoid $5 mark-up at the door.
  • The zoo is accessible by Big Bus Tour shuttles and the Metro Red Line.
  • Parking is $15 for FONZ members and $25 for non-members. Visitors can park in the Connecticut Avenue entrance at lots B and D.
  • Most food vendors accept credit cards, but we recommend bringing cash just in case!

Check out the zoo's website for more information.

**All photos courtesy of Smithsonian National Zoo

Will you be going to Night of the Living Zoo? Tell us about your costume in the comments!

 

Brianna Persons
Brianna is an Oregon native who made her home in the DMV over two years ago. She loves scouting out new restaurants and drooling over Van Gogh’s landscapes in the National Gallery’s East Building. When she isn’t writing for Our Community Now, she’s tackling short fiction and working her baking magic in the kitchen. She resides in Maryland with her husband Nick and their black cat Sable.
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