From food & wine festivals and fundraisers to seasonal events featuring neon lights, special entertainment, and Santa, the San Diego Zoo holds annual events during each season of the year.
Nighttime Show at the San Diego Zoo
Nighttime Zoo
If you're looking for a summertime, family event that is a bonus to what the San Diego Zoo offers on any day of the year, the annual Nighttime Zoo event may be just what you're after!
Set to take place from May 22nd, 2026 until August 9th, 2026 with activities starting at 3:30pm daily, you can expect live music, life-size animal puppets, and an array of special shows.
Featured entertainment will include the Dr. Zoolittle's exploration station show which will explore nature and conservation efforts around the globe. I also personally always enjoy the Amazing Acrobats of Tanzania on the Africa Rocks Stage and my wife always loves the The Chameleons brass group outside Front Plaza and the Sweet Shack.
One thing's for sure, there will be no lack of special music and entertainment during these very special summer nights at the zoo!
RITZ 2026
Each year, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance hosts a Rendezvous in the Zoo (RITZ) fundraiser event to support the zoo's unparalleled learning programs which are designed to inspire individuals of all ages to unearth our natural world.
The fundraiser will include a reception with delicious food and drinks, entertainment including live dance music, auction items for you to bid on, and much more!
This year's event is set for Saturday, June 13th, 2026 from 6:30pm to 11:30pm. To support the cause, have a look through this year's ticket package options.
The Spiders Web During Halgloween at the San Diego Zo
HalGLOWeen
If you've yet to experience HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo, I'll tell you that it's a one-of-a-kind experience complete with neon lights, seasonal entertainment, and so much more!
While this is a kid-friendly Halloween celebration, adults will love it too. You'll be able to enjoy not-so-spooky all-age performances, lit-up zoo trails, and special animal encounters. I have so many favorites at this event, but the Día de los Muertos Mariachi band is probably at the top of my list!
HalGLOWeen is set for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October 2026, from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.
Jungle Bells
When our team at Go Visit San Diego sits down each year to talk about San Diego's many Christmas and Holiday season celebrations, Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo is one of the first we bring to the table!
Usually held from the week before Christmas until the Sunday after New Years, likely December 18th, 2026 until January 3rd, 2027, visitors can expect holiday light treks, live music, and holiday-themed performances. And the event wouldn't be complete without a visit from the big guy himself...Santa!
Lunar New Year and Wild Weekend
As the calendar flips to 2027, I always know that San Diego's Lunar New Year celebrations will be approaching fast!
The San Diego Zoo's annual Lunar New Year event, likely taking place on February 6th & 7th, 2027 will include paper crafts, special talks with wildlife care specialist and horticulturist, and heartfelt wishes for conservation on the park's wishing tree.
Walking Around at the Food, Wine and Brew at the San Diego Zoo
Food, Wine & Brew
Food, Wine & Brew at the San Diego Zoo has become one of my personal favorite seasonal events of the year at the zoo, and really in all of San Diego! I've been fortunate enough to attend in 2024 and 2026 with my wife, niece and her husband. Both events were incredible evenings we won't soon forget.
With food, drinks (and free parking) included with your ticket, the event provides an opportunity to sample dishes from a wide variety of vendors. It also provides the chance to try drinks from local wineries and breweries. Some of my favorite vendors in 2026 included Blue Water Boathouse and Handels, Athletic Brewing Co., and Bernardo Winery.
This year's event took place on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026, with next year's festivities likely to be scheduled for Saturday, May 1st, 2027.
The 21+ event annually welcoming more than 3000 guests is very important to the zoo as it's a key fundraiser supporting their conservation efforts locally and worldwide.