79º

A fang-tastic event! Jacksonville Zoo announces 2024 Spooktacular dates

Family-friendly costumes encouraged at Jacksonville Zoo’s fall event

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens announces dates for 37th Annual Spooktacular

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hip-hop skeletons and friendly ghost guides will be ready to welcome families from Northeast Florida and beyond to the Jacksonville Zoo in October.

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens announced its 37th annual Spooktacular event on Friday. The family-friendly fall event will be held from Oct. 4-6, 10-13, 17-20 and 24-31. During the event, families can experience an array of treats, tricks, and spine-tingling surprises throughout the zoo, according to a release.

Recommended Videos



New additions will be added to this popular tradition, including tick-or-treat stations, and for those brave enough, a scare zone for families ready for a chilling surprise (recommended for ages 13+). 

Related: 🔒Meet the penguins! How to spot all 29 penguins in the Jacksonville Zoo’s colony by name

“Encounters with lively characters will add to the festive atmosphere,” a release from the zoo stated. “Friendly ghosts will guide attendees through the brand-new neon maze, while hip-hop skeletons will deliver a bone-chilling performance that will have everyone dancing. By the river, a storyteller will ignite guests’ imaginations with tales of dragons.”

JaxZooVol on SnapJAX: Spooktacular at the Jacksonville Zoo in Gardens only 11 days away! (News4JAX)

Visitors are encouraged to wear their favorite family-friendly costumes and enjoy music, games and live entertainment.

Halloween-themed food and beverages will be available for purchase during the event, and eventgoers can remember the experience by purchasing souvenirs from the gift shop and pop-up stands throughout the event.

Related: 🔒 Weekly Northeast Florida events list (River City Guide)

“With new and exciting additions to Jacksonville’s beloved Halloween event, guests of all ages will be captivated by the magic and mystery of the year’s Spooktacular,” said Nikki Jackson Smith, Chief Philanthropy and Marketing Officer. “From the brand-new maze to our traditional scare zone, we’ve created an event we hope everyone can enjoy while also supporting the Zoo’s conservation efforts.”

Click here for ticket and admission information. Admission for children aged 2 and under is free.


Recommended Videos