KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Zoo Knoxville's BOO! at the Zoo kicked off to the public Friday, Oct. 7 for its 36th year of welcoming trick-or-treaters on the grounds. The final week of the event is from Oct. 26 through Oct. 29 for the public.
For three weekends in October leading up to Halloween, families are invited to bring their kids dressed in costume to grab candy from 21 treat stations throughout Zoo Knoxville.
The zoo's trails will be lit up with dramatic lighting, giant inflatables and spooky scenery.
In addition to the ominous ambiance, there will also be a Monster Mash dance party, special character nights, the Scary-Go-Round, the BOO! Choo Train, Pumpkin Carriage zipline ride and the Oktoberfest Beer and Brats Garden.
BOO! at the Zoo will go from Oct. 7-9, Oct.13-16 and Oct. 20-23 from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. each evening.
BOO! at the Zoo tickets are $13 per person for ages three years old and up. Children two years old and under get in for free.
Tickets for the event are available online at booknoxville.com, by phone at (865) 637-5331 and at the zoo's ticket office during regular zoo hours.
Zoo Knoxville members and Circle of Friends members get a dollar off of admission tickets. There is also an exclusive night of trick-or-treating for those members on Oct. 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The zoo encourages families to reserve their spots online ahead of time to ensure they are able to attend the event. A limited number of tickets will be available each evening to ensure "a safe and enjoyable experience."
Special character nights will feature popular princesses on Oct. 8, 14 and 23, Star Wars characters from the 501st Legion Midsouth Garrison on Oct. 9 and 22, and Ghost Busters on Oct. 12 and 13.