Exciting events at the Oklahoma City Zoo
The weather is cooling down, but the Oklahoma City Zoo is heating up with several special events happening this fall. From gorillas and ghosts to cocktails and costumes, there’s sure to be something for everyone. Here’s a lineup of the activities you don’t want to miss.
World Gorilla Day
On Sunday, Sept. 24, join the Oklahoma City Zoo in celebrating World Gorilla Day. This global event aims to raise awareness for gorilla conservation and connect people with these incredible creatures.
The zoo has a fantastic day planned from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Great EscApe habitat. Activities include a scavenger safari with prizes, a conservation information station, photo opportunities, Facebook live videos and more. Best of all, these activities are free with zoo admission.
You can go above and beyond to help gorillas by donating old or used cell phones to "Gorillas on the Line" and receive a free zoo admission ticket. Small electronics like cell phones contain coltan, and mining for this substance threatens gorilla habitats. By recycling old devices, you help reduce the need for coltan mining. Drop off your items for recycling in the zoo's guest experience office in the Entry Plaza throughout September.
ZOObrew
Get ready for the 15th annual ZOObrew, Oklahoma's largest outdoor beer-tasting festival. This year’s event, for people 21 and over, is set to take place on Friday, Sept. 29, from 6 to 9 p.m.
ZOObrew offers tastings from local breweries and neighboring states, along with wine, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. You'll also savor delicious bites from local food trucks and experience fun lawn games. Plus, you'll get an exclusive look at the OKC Zoo's newest habitat expansion, Expedition Africa. The zoo’s most ambitious and immersive experience ever features views of several African species, including giraffes, zebras, lemurs, honey badgers, lions and cheetahs.
General admission tickets are $70 per person, which includes event access, unlimited beer samplings and carousel rides. Designated driver admission tickets are available for $20 per person and do not include unlimited beer sampling. The zoo will close at 1 p.m. on this day in preparation for ZOObrew. Get your tickets and more event details at www.okczoo.org/zoobrew.
Haunt the zoo for Halloween
The Oklahoma City Zoo's 40th Annual Haunt the Zoo for Halloween promises a spooktacular experience for the whole family. This unique, safe trick-or-treating event takes place on Saturdays and Sundays from October 7 to 29.
Trick-or-treaters will encounter themed photo booths, collect treats from friendly volunteers and enjoy a festive atmosphere surrounded by the zoo's amazing wildlife. Don't forget to wear your Halloween costume – even adults are encouraged to dress up if the costume isn’t scary!
To participate in trick-or-treating, you'll need a general zoo admission or ZOOfriends membership plus an official Haunt the Zoo treat bag. The $8 bags must be purchased in advance at www.okczoo.org/htz.
Haunt the Zoo attendees can also enjoy a hay maze and special 40th anniversary activities at no additional cost.
Haunt the Zoo All Grown Up
Adults looking for a spooky good time don't want to miss Haunt the Zoo All Grown Up on Friday, Oct. 27, from 7 to 11 p.m. This Halloween party after-hours promises custom photo ops, multiple bars offering specialty cocktails, a themed haunt zone, dancing and more.
What's even more thrilling is that $2 from every event ticket will benefit the zoo's Asian Elephant conservation programs. General admission tickets for Haunt the Zoo All Grown Up are $42 per person and $37 per person for ZOOfriends. Purchase your tickets early, as event attendance is limited. Ticket sales begin Sept. 22.
OKC Zoo Safari Lights
As the holiday season approaches, get ready to light up your nights at Safari Lights! This festive light display features all-new, larger-than-life light sculptures that you can explore on a driving tour through the zoo. After the drive-through experience, you can park and enjoy a separate walking tour with immersive and interactive light displays, themed photo ops, delicious treats and more.
The display starts on Saturday, Nov. 11, and runs nightly through New Year's Day. The event is open from 5:30 to 11 p.m. (last check-in at 10 p.m.) and even includes special holiday nights on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Advance online reservations are required for the driving tours. Tickets are limited, so make sure to purchase them early starting on Friday, Sept. 29, at www.okczoo.org.
SUBSCRIBE