Boo at the Zoo (2026): 501st Legion Night

The Empire is coming to Boo at the Zoo! On this night only, members of the famed 501st Legion will bring the Star Wars universe to life with their screen-accurate costumes featuring Stormtroopers, Sith Lords, bounty hunters and other iconic characters. Be sure to stop by for photos and unforgettable encounters with these fan-favorite visitors from a galaxy far, far away.

Oct. 1–4, 8–11, 15–18, 22–25 & 29–30

Nightly 5–9 p.m. Exit by 10 p.m.

*** Sensory Friendly Night – Oct. 7 (details below) ***

*** Allergy Friendly Night – Oct. 28 (details below) ***

Join us for the sweetest party in town!

Boo at the Zoo features trick-or-treating for kids 11-and-under, rides, and special attractions all for one great price. A Louisville tradition for over 40 years, this party experience is designed to give you all the merry you love with none of the scary.

Tickets Required

Tickets on sale beginning September 1 at noon (EST)

Louisville Zoo Members

$8.50

Buy Online

Non-members

$14.25

Buy Online

Age 2 and Under

FREE

Meijer Anytime Tickets

$12.25

AVAILABLE AT PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS

beginning Sept. 27

Boo at the Zoo is a rain or shine event, no refunds or exchanges.

To provide you with the best experience, all tickets must be purchased in advance on our website.

A ticket is required for all guests ages 3+

Guests can enter until 9 p.m. and must exit by 10 p.m.

Most of the Zoo’s animals will not be viewable in the evenings

so they can rest and maintain their regular schedules.

Meijer tickets are valid for any Boo at the Zoo night at a discounted price.

(Included with your Ticket Purchase)

Spooktacular Carousel

Take a spin on the carousel. Festive lighting and music are sure to get you in the Halloween spirit!

Headless Horseman

Journey back in time to Sleepy Hollow as you hear the famed tale of Ichabod Crane from one of the town’s guides. Don’t lose your head on this guided walk-through attraction where you can spot the legendary Headless Horseman himself!

“not-so-itsy-bitsy” Spider House

Come view the intricate and beautiful webs of these beneficial arachnids. This walk-through spider house lets you stroll alongside REAL free-crawling spiders and their webs without any barriers in a special guided tour.

Sensory-Friendly night

at Boo at the Zoo

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026

(entry 5 – 7 p.m., exit by 8 p.m.)

Join us for a sensory-friendly trick-or-treating experience with fewer lights, lower music and smaller crowds. Tickets are very limited, be sure to purchase early to reserve your spot. More info…

Allergy-Friendly Night

at Boo at the Zoo

Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026

(entry 5 – 7 p.m., exit by 8 p.m.)

This special night features peanut-free treat booths and added non-food treats like stickers, tattoos, pencils and more. More info…

Costumes are welcomed but not required. Adults can join in the fun and wear costumes, but we ask that they be family friendly (not scary). Since this event caters to children, adults may NOT wear costume masks that cover their entire face.

Join our Costume Contest!

Each week, we’ll ask you to show off your awesome Halloween costumes for 2025 in our Facebook comments. Extra points for animal costumes and/or photos taken at Boo at the Zoo!

We’ll choose one winner each week to feature on our social media and in the December issue of Trunkline magazine.

Tips and Frequently Asked Questions

Party Tips

Party Tips

You must purchase your tickets online in advance. Have your email or a screenshot of the tickets ready on your phone to show as you enter the gate. Or, if you prefer, print your tickets before you head to the Zoo to be scanned as you enter the gate.

Don’t forget to bring a treat bag. Reusable cloth treat bags can be purchased at the Gift Shop for $3.

5 – 6:30 p.m. is our most popular party time. You may want to consider attending later in the evening to enjoy the twinkle lights, carved lit pumpkins and the glowing atmosphere of the Zoo at dusk!

Wear comfy shoes. The trick-or-treat trail features 20 treat booths along a route that is approximately 1.3 miles long or around 3,330 steps!

While we encourage you to come in costume, remember we are a family-friendly party. Adults may NOT wear costume masks that cover the entire face.

The trick-or-treating route goes one way, and guests are permitted to complete one loop only.

General FAQs

Do guests have to be finished and leave the Zoo by 8:30 p.m.?

Timed tickets are available until 8:30 p.m. nightly. The Zoo’s trick-or-treat route entrance will close at 9 p.m. and guests must exit the Zoo by 10 p.m.

What about rain or cold weather?

This is a rain or shine event. The cast and crew will be in place to greet you no matter the weather. Bring rain or cold-weather gear. A limited number of rain ponchos and other clothing items will be available for sale at the main gift shop. In the rare case of inclement weather, the Zoo will post any closing announcements on social media and at…

Community event in Louisville, Jefferson County, KY 40213.