30th Annual Boo at the Zoo

Boo at the Zoo, Gainesville’s favorite Halloween tradition, returns to the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo on a new date in 2026! Families are invited to enjoy an evening of Halloween fun on Wednesday, October 28, from 3–7 p.m.

Guests can trick-or-treat their way through the zoo while exploring Halloween scenes and decorations created by students in Santa Fe College’s Zoo Animal Technology program. The event will also feature themed performances by Danscompany of Gainesville.

The fun begins behind the SF Gymnasium, where guests can enjoy games with SF Athletics and activities hosted by Student Life clubs before entering the zoo’s trick-or-treat trail. After making their way through the zoo, families can visit the Fun4GatorKids Kid Zone for crafts, games, activities and even more candy with participating community organizations.

Admission: One non-perishable food item per person. Donations will support a local food pantry and help provide food for families in need ahead of the holiday season.

The SF Teaching Zoo will be closed during regular operating hours on Wednesday, October 28, as preparations are made for the event. Boo at the Zoo will take place from 3–7 p.m.

Please note that Boo at the Zoo is taking place before Halloween this year. The SF Teaching Zoo will be open during regular hours, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., on Saturday, October 31.

Learn more at sfcollege.edu/zoo/visit/events/boo-at-the-zoo.html

Boo at the Zoo is funded in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.