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Cincinnati Zoo & Boo-tanical Garden’s HallZOOween Returns This Weekend
Trick-or-treat stations, animal enrichment, live entertainment and more return for four weekends in October
CINCINNATI, OH (October 6, 2026) – HallZOOween, presented by General Electric Credit Union, is back at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden! The wildly popular, family-friendly, fall event kicks off this weekend and features treat stations, animal pumpkin enrichment, photo opportunities, and festive fun from noon – 5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays through the end of October. HallZOOween is FREE with Zoo Admission or membership.
“I’m most excited about the new Costume Cavalcade that we’ve added this year,” said Cincinnati Zoo senior events manager Sydney Boudreaux. “Anyone can show off their costume in this fun parade that will kick off the event at noon each day.”
Other HallZOOween highlights include trick-or-treat stations, the Pumpkin Express Train Ride, presented by Huntington Bank, the Not So Scare-ousel, presented by Furniture Fair, Phil Dalton’s Theater of Illusion shows, and fall-themed foods. Guests can also stop by Juniper & Hazel’s Jamboree at the Clubhouse for games, coloring stations, kids’ nail painting at the “Boo-tique” and more! And, of course, animals will get in on the fun too! Check the daily schedule to see which animals will be receiving Halloween-themed enrichment and pumpkins.
Back this year: Don’t miss a special daytime sneak peek of the Jack O’Lantern Glow, presented by Medpace. The trail of 6,000 pumpkins hand-carved by local artists is best enjoyed at night. The after-hours experience requires a separate ticket, with exclusive discounts available for Zoo members.
The Zoo opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. (Jack O’Lantern Glow is after hours). Members get Early Entry and are welcome to enter the Zoo at 9 a.m. Download the mobile app featuring a GPS-enabled digital map, food locations, and to receive special announcements. You can even create your own itinerary!