New date for Halloween favorite ‘Boo at the Zoo’ 2026
October 7, 2026
Boo at the Zoo, a Gainesville Halloween tradition, returns to the Santa Fe College (SF) Teaching Zoo on a new date in 2026. Families are invited to enjoy an evening of trick-or-treat fun on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 3–7 p.m., at 3000 NW 83rd St., Gainesville.
Guests can explore the zoo through Halloween scenes and decorations created by students in Santa Fe College’s Zoo Animal Technology program. The event will also feature themed performances by Danscompany of Gainesville.
The fun begins behind the SF Gymnasium, where guests can enjoy games with SF Athletics and activities hosted by Student Life clubs before entering the zoo’s trick-or-treat trail. After making their way through the zoo, families can visit the Fun4GatorKids Kid Zone for crafts, games, activities and even more candy with participating community organizations.
Admission is (1) non-perishable food item per person. Donations will support Saints Food Share to provide food for families in need ahead of the holiday season.
The SF Teaching Zoo will be closed during regular operating hours Oct. 28 in preparation for Boo at the Zoo. The zoo will be open during regular hours, 9 a.m.– 3 p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 31.
Boo at the Zoo is funded in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.
Learn more at sfcollege.edu/zoo/events.
