HalGLOWeen

HalGLOWeen is back at the San Diego Zoo this October, now in its ninth year. It's the Zoo's annual Halloween celebration, and they've built it around a specific vibe: glow-in-the-dark and family-friendly. They describe it as "all fun and no frights," and they mean it—there are no haunted houses here. Instead, the evening is built on live bands, glowing character shows, and keeper talks.

The entertainment is spread across five areas of the park, mostly clustered near the entrance. The Skeleton Band brings live rock and pop, the Boo Crew are scarecrow stilt-walkers, and The Spider's W.E.B. is an acrobatic spider performer. The Glow-Go's are a singing group of neon-colored pumpkins, and Boolahoops is a glow-in-the-dark hula-hooping dance party. Costumed characters like Dr. Harry make the rounds, and a Día de los Muertos mariachi group is the only act that wanders deep into the park. Between those, you'll find keeper talks throughout the night.

For context, the Zoo is a 100-acre conservation, education, and recreation organization in Balboa Park, home to more than 4,000 rare and endangered animals from over 800 species and subspecies, and a botanical collection of more than 700,000 exotic plants. It's the largest zoological membership association in the world, with over 250,000 member households and 130,000 child memberships.

HalGLOWeen runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from October 3 through October 31, with activities starting at 5 PM and the Zoo staying open until 9 PM. It's included with any valid admission or membership. Children 11 and under get free admission all October long, up to six children per ticketed adult. Kids that age are encouraged to come in full costume—masks are fine, as long as their eyes stay visible.