Nighttime Zoo at the San Diego Zoo 2026

When you think about visiting the San Diego Zoo, the diverse range of animals obviously come to mind. But at Nighttime Zoo, there's so much more to experience.

The entertainment will impress with a list of must-see performers and live music located in the five areas of the park listed below.

• Front Street
• Wildlife Explorers Basecamp
• Outback
• Urban Jungle
• Africa Rocks

Much of the entertainment will greet you upon arrival on Front Street! From lively music to dance and character meet-and-greets, that's where it all begins.

Let's explore the entertainment that will be waiting for you at the Nighttime Zoo event.

Enjoy Live Music & Dance

A lot of the energy will begin with the variety of live music you can enjoy throughout the park. If you're kids like to move, the 2026 event will feature multiple interactive dance opportunities as well.

Rock & Roar

'Rock & Roar' is the zoo's in-house rock and pop band. You can expect them to play top hits from today and year's past. They just might have your entire family dancing and singing along.

With shows at 4:00pm, 5:00pm, 6:00pm, and 7:00pm on the Front Street Stage, grooving to one of their 30-minute shows is a great place to start!

Zoolamoves

The Front Street Stage will also be the Nighttime Zoo home of the Zoolamoves crew, a fantastic group of high-energy hosts that will lead guests through some really awesome interactive dances.

These 30-minute performances will be at 4:30pm, 5:30pm, and 6:30pm.

The Chameleons

You won't want to miss 'The Chameleons'. This brass ensemble will perform an array of tunes from the Beatles to Broadway outside Front Plaza near the Sweet Shack. The group will play 30-minute sets at 4:30pm, 5:30pm, and 6:30pm.

The Explorers

I love talented musicians and there aren't many more gifted than The Explorers!

The Wildlife Explorers Basecamp Stage will feature the four-part harmony a cappella group singing wildlife themed tunes for four performances daily at 4:00pm, 5:00pm, 6:00pm, and 7:00pm for 30 minutes each.

Summer Songs

For me, this may be my personal favorite spot. The Boardwalk Beer Garden will feature three daily 45-minute sets of acoustic guitar and vocals at 3:45pm, 5:00pm, and 6:15pm.

If you need a break from a long day exploring, you can grab a beer and relax to the soothing tunes from across decades.

Take Part in a Cultural Celebration

Visitors won't be surprised to hear that many of the animals they'll get to see at the zoo aren't from San Diego. They come from all corners of the world from Africa to Australia, Asia and South America.

As part of the 2026 Nighttime Zoo event, visitors will have a special opportunity to celebrate the incredible culture of East Africa!

Vibrant Rhythms

East Africa is the focus of this 45-minute performance. Kids will have the chance to dance along to the drumbeats as the musicians and dancers showcase their skills for the crowd.

You'll be able to catch this show three times a day at the Africa Rocks Stage, on the hour from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.

In addition to the special music and dance, Nighttime Zoo will also feature family-friendly character meet-and-greets, a unique parade, and acrobats performing a one-of-a-kind show.

Explore the Interactive Zones for Kids

From character meet-and-greets to wildlife puppets and street performers, Nighttime Zoo 2026 will also feature interactive experiences designed to entertain your kids.

Whimsical Wildlife Characters

From 4:00pm until 7:00pm you can get photos with larger than life, colorful wildlife puppets and performers as they cruise along Front Street.

Dr. Harry & Friends

Dr. Harry and his friends will be near the Main Entrance along Front Street ready for a meet-and-greet with your kids at 4:00pm, 5:00pm, and 6:00pm daily.

Elephant and Giraffes at the Nighttime Parade at the San Diego Zoo

Acrobatic Performances

The acrobats at the trampoline performances are incredibly talented and something you won't want to miss!

Amazing Acrobats of Tanzania

Cultural celebrations like the 'Amazing Acrobats of Tanzania' are a breathtaking display of acrobatic skills.

The high-energy, 15-minute performances always entertain my kids as the talented troupe jumps and flips in an incredible mix of acrobatics and fun for all ages. Showtimes are set for 3:45pm, 4:45pm, and 5:45pm at the Africa Rocks Stage.

Bounce-a-Roo Bonanza

If your kids need a bit more high-energy entertainment, the 15-minute Bounce-a-Roo Bonanza performed every hour starting at 3:30pm until 6:30pm will be the perfect choice for your family.

The trampoline show behind Sydney's Grill will feature an acrobatic group of performers dressed up like wildlife jumping, bouncing, and entertaining!

Jambo Dunia!

'Jambo Dunia!' will be a very special once-nightly experience during the 2026 event.

The 15-minute event at 7:45pm along Front Street will feature African music, puppets, dancers, and acrobats. I can tell you from past years that the costumes will be colorful, the performers will be interactive, and the experience will be memorable.

Lion at Nighttime Parade at the San Diego Zoo

What Other Experiences Are There at Nighttime Zoo?

One more experience worth considering will take place at Wildlife Explorers Basecamp Stage.

Dr. Zoolittle's Exploration Station 25-minute show will explore nature, highlighting conservation efforts around the globe.

Zebra at Night During the Food, Wine and Brew at the San Diego Zoo

What Animals Can I See During Nighttime Zoo?

While there will be animals to see such as coconut crabs, ocelots, and fennec foxes, some of the exhibits will not be open for the duration of Nighttime Zoo.

For example, the panda exhibit, which is a favorite of our team at Go Visit San Diego, will close at 5:30pm. So, if that's on your list of must-sees, you'll want to make sure you're in line early.

Some of the animal exhibits change their schedule daily. You can always check with the zoo staff when you arrive or call for the latest information on the day you plan to attend.

Even though not every animal habitat will stay open after dark, there will still be plenty to explore and the atmosphere will have a festive energy you won't find during the day. Honestly, even without all the animals, there's something quietly exciting about wandering the paths after sunset - the familiar trails feel totally transformed during the Nighttime Zoo event with colorful lights, music, and some really awesome pop-up entertainment!