Utica Zoo to Host 40 th Annual Spooktacular Harvest Festival
The Utica Zoo’ s SPOOKTACULAR Harvest Festival will
be returning for its 40 th consecutive year this weekend on
both Saturday, October 17 th and Sunday, October 18 th
from 10:00am to 3:00pm. The zoo transforms into a
Halloween wonderland for the weekend, where it will offer
13 trick r treat stations throughout the zoo, music and
entertainment, food trucks and concessions, market
vendors, and so much more spooky fun for the entire
family!
The Utica Zoo boasts 200 animals on exhibit from around the world, and their newest
addition, the Bull Reef, will be open and available for viewing all weekend long. The zoo will
also present a ‘Creepy Crawly Corner’ during SPOOKTACULAR to showcase some of their
amphibian, reptilian, and invertebrate ambassador animals throughout both days.
To attend the Utica Zoo’s SPOOKTACULAR Harvest Festival, it is only regular zoo
admission. Zoo admission rates are below. To participate at the 13 trick r treat stations,
guests can purchase a treat card for only $5 per participant. Treat cards can be
purchased for the family at the event or in advance by heading
to: Treat Card Purchase Here.
Admission Rates:
Adults (13+): $11
Children (2-12): $8
Babies (Under 2): Free
Utica Zoo Members: FREE!
There will be overflow parking available both days at the Parkway Rec Center and the MVCC
A1 Parking lot, where free shuttle services will bring guests directly to the zoo from 10:00am
until 4:30pm and offer wheelchair accessibility.
Halloween costumes are highly encouraged! However, inflatable costumes of any kind are
strictly prohibited. Additionally, bags will not be provided, so the zoo encourages guests to
bring their own bag or basket to carry goodies in. Reusable bags are always available for
purchase at the Gift Shop. This event is rain or shine.
Additional details regarding what entertainment, food trucks, and market vendors to expect
each day of SPOOKTACULAR can be found at uticazoo.org/events 
The Utica Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is a regional
destination that inspires and promotes the appreciation of wildlife through education,
conservation, and recreation. Situated in the heart of Central New York, the zoo features a
diverse collection of animals from around the world and offers various educational programs
and events for visitors of all ages. It is home to approximately 200 exotic and domestic
animals, welcoming nearly 100,000 visitors annually and is open daily from 10 am to 4:30 pm
363 days a year, with only the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. For more
information on this, and all things Utica Zoo, visit UticaZoo.org or follow
