SALISBURY, Md. – The Salisbury Zoo has a full lineup of events planned this fall, with family-friendly Halloween celebrations, a sensory-friendly evening, an adults-only Halloween experience, and the return of the Wild Vibes Festival.
The Zoo’s largest event of the year, Halloween Happening, will take place Saturday, Oct. 17, from 2–6 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Presented by The Metal Shop, Halloween Happening invites guests of all ages to dress in their favorite costumes and enjoy a candy trail, costume contests, games, and more. Children ages 12 and under can participate in trick-or-treating along the candy trail.
This year’s Halloween Happening features new event times, allowing families to experience the celebration during either evening or daytime hours. Advance tickets are $10 for children ages 12 and under and $2 for adults. Tickets purchased at the gate or after the advance-sale deadline are $15 for children and $2 for adults. Children under age 2 do not need a ticket unless they want to participate in the candy trail. Zoo members receive a discounted rate of $5 per child.
For families with sensory needs, Spooktacular Halloween: A Sensory-Friendly Event will be held Friday, Oct. 23, from 5–7 p.m. The Salisbury Zoo is partnering with the Salisbury University Psychology Department to offer a smaller-scale, calmer Halloween experience featuring a sensory-friendly candy trail, activities, and prizes. Tickets are $10 per participating child, while adults and children under age 2 who do not participate in the candy trail are free. Tickets will also be available at the gate.
“Fall is a great time to experience the Zoo differently, and we have events planned for guests of all ages,” said Assistant Zoo Director Jamie Nichols. “Whether families are looking for a fun Halloween tradition, a sensory-friendly experience or adults want to enjoy a night at the Zoo, there is something for everyone this fall.”
For adults looking for a more frightful Halloween experience, Fright of the Living Zoo is a new event taking place Friday, Oct. 30, from 6–9 p.m. The adults-only event will transform the Zoo after dark for a special Halloween experience. Presale tickets are $10 through Oct. 24 and $15 beginning Oct. 25, including at the gate. Space is limited, and advance ticket purchase is encouraged.
The fall events continue in November with the Wild Vibes Festival, the Salisbury Zoo’s biggest fundraiser of the year, set for Saturday, Nov. 14, from noon–5 p.m. The 21-and-older event will feature live music on two stages, craft beer and wine sampling, animal-themed games, local craft vendors, food trucks, and opportunities to explore the Zoo. General admission is $45, while non-drinking and Zoo member passes are $25. A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 15. Proceeds from the event support the Salisbury Zoo.
Advance tickets are encouraged for all events, and space may be limited. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.salisburyzoo.org/events.
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