San Antonio Zoo is always buzzing with fun events, no matter what time of year you visit. Locals and visitors alike find something new and thrilling every time they step through the gates. From the magic of Zoo Lights during the holidays to the thrills of Zoo Boo! in the fall, each season brings its own unique adventures.
Ready to check out what’s on the calendar? Let’s explore some of the must-see events that make San Antonio Zoo an unbeatable destination all year round!
Annual Zoo Run, Presented by H-E-B
Get ready to hit the ground running at the Annual Zoo Run, Presented by H-E-B! This fun-filled event occurs in September and is a perfect way to combine your love for wildlife with a heart-pumping race through the scenic paths of San Antonio Zoo. Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to set a new personal record or just want to enjoy a leisurely jog with family and friends, the Zoo Run is an adventure for everyone.
Spring and Summer Brings Immersive New worlds to life
Every spring and summer, San Antonio Zoo steps it up with immersive worlds that completely transform the zoo. Last spring, we brought the Ice Age to life with giant animatronic creatures, giving everyone a chance to see saber-toothed cats, woolly mammoths, and other ancient beasts up close. Over the summer, we introduced Dino Adventure Park, Presented by Bank of Texas, featuring life-size animatronic dinosaurs. Visitors could walk among towering creatures like the Brachiosaurus and Triceratops, creating an immersive and exciting experience that brought the prehistoric era to life.
These events may change every year, but one thing’s for sure—you’re in for something spectacular every time.
Monarch Fest
Flutter over to San Antonio Zoo in March for the annual Monarch Fest, a two-day festival dedicated to celebrating monarch butterflies, their migration, and the essential role of milkweed in their lifecycle. Monarch Fest is a family-friendly event filled with exciting activities, making it the perfect way to learn about these fascinating pollinators and how to protect their dwindling population.
Throughout the festival, guests of all ages can enjoy interactive plant chats, seed giveaways, and story times focused on the majestic monarch. There are memorable costumed characters, crafts, and educational games designed to teach visitors how they can help preserve the monarch population. From planting milkweed to supporting butterfly migration, Monarch Fest brings together conservation and fun to inspire visitors to take action for wildlife.
You can also explore the John and Greli Less Butterfly Rainforest, located inside Kronkosky’s Tiny Tots Nature Spot and next to Discovery PLAYce. This immersive exhibit offers a chance to get up close with stunning butterfly species from around the world while learning how to help these vital pollinators thrive.
Zoo-La-La! A Taste of San Antonio, Presented by Higginbotham
Get ready to unleash your wild side at San Antonio Zoo’s largest adults-only (21 and up) fundraising event. Zoo-La-La! A Taste of San Antonio, Presented by Higginbotham, is a one-night extravaganza featuring over 50 of San Antonio’s top restaurants, offering a vast array of delicious food samples, craft beer, wine, and live entertainment.
Guests can roam the zoo, tasting signature dishes from local culinary hotspots while enjoying an inclusive night of food, drinks, and entertainment. For those seeking an elevated experience, the event offers a VIP package, which includes early access, exclusive lounges, and specialty cocktails, ensuring a truly unforgettable evening.
Zoo Boo!, Presented by PNC Bank
Zoo Boo!, presented by PNC Bank is a must-visit event at San Antonio Zoo for families looking for a fun, non-scary Halloween celebration. Running from late September through Halloween, this event invites guests of all ages to enjoy daily free trick-or-treating, pumpkin-themed activities, and photo opportunities. Each year brings new surprises—this year featured giant animatronic bugs! Kids will also love the themed weekends, which in the past have included Medieval Times, Western Weekend, and Superhero Days.
Zoo Boo! is designed with families in mind, providing a safe space for trick-or-treating, complete with sustainably sourced eco-friendly candy, a nod to San Antonio Zoo’s commitment to conservation. Themed areas, like Scarecrow Station and Creepy Crawlers, make this event ideal for repeat visits since each weekend promises a different theme and activities
Local Days
Local Days offer Bexar County residents a special opportunity to experience San Antonio Zoo for just $8 per person on select dates throughout the year. This initiative is part of the zoo’s mission to make wildlife education and conservation efforts accessible to the local community. With the discount, residents can explore the zoo’s many habitats and participate in ongoing educational programs that emphasize the importance of protecting animals and their habitats.
Pokémon GO’s Community Day
Calling all Pokémon trainers! Each year, San Antonio Zoo hosts Pokémon GO Community Day, where you can explore the zoo while catching your favorite Pokémon. With 18 Pokéstops throughout the zoo, lures are dropped during the event to help you catch even more Pokémon, including special featured ones like Porygon.
As a bonus, exclusive zoo collectible cards are handed out near Outpost Amazonia. Be one of the first 200 players to catch 10 Porygon and show proof to score a limited edition card. Plus, you might even discover a rare rainbow version.
Annual Zoobilation Ball
The Zoobilation Ball is San Antonio Zoo’s most prestigious and largest annual fundraising event. Hosted each November, this gala raises significant funds for the zoo’s mission to L.E.A.P.—Love, Engage with, Act for, and Protect animals and their habitats. The Zoobilation Ball offers an elegant evening for attendees, complete with dinner, auctions, and live entertainment, all in the name of wildlife conservation.
In 2023, the Zoobilation Ball raised over $2 million for the second consecutive year, a testament to the strong community support for San Antonio Zoo’s education and conservation initiatives. Attendees are encouraged to “L.E.A.P” into action by reserving tables, making donations, and supporting zoo programs. The proceeds help ensure the zoo continues to provide care for the animals while educating the public on environmental stewardship.
Zoo Lights Powered by CPS Energy
During the holiday season, San Antonio Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland for Zoo Lights, Powered by CPS Energy. From mid-November to New Year’s Eve, visitors can stroll through beautifully lit paths adorned with over a million energy-efficient LED lights, adding a magical glow to the entire zoo. This year’s Zoo Lights is set to be bigger and brighter than ever before, with themed sections like Candy Lane, Peppermint Path, and Water Wonderland, offering a whimsical backdrop for holiday activities.
Guests can also hop aboard the Holiday Express, a festive train that takes visitors on a musical journey through the zoo while enjoying the tunes of the season. Other holiday-themed entertainment includes meeting characters, indulging in seasonal treats like s’mores and hot cocoa, and exploring Tony Parker’s private collection of FAO Schwartz animals.
Experience Year-Round Adventure at San Antonio Zoo
With a vibrant array of events throughout the year, there’s always something exciting happening. Why settle for just one visit when you can enjoy endless fun all year long? Become a San Antonio Zoo Member and unlock unlimited access to the zoo, free parking, discounts on special events, and exclusive perks. Join today and make the most of every season!