Salisbury Zoo Fall Events: Halloween Fun and Wild Vibes

Salisbury, MD - The Salisbury Zoo has a busy fall planned, and just about everyone has something to look forward to. Families, kids with sensory needs and adults looking for a night out all have events to choose from this season.

The fun starts this month with Halloween Happening, the zoo's biggest event of the year. It will be held on two Saturdays, Oct. 17 from 2 to 6 p.m. and Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event has new times this year, so families can pick the visit that fits their schedule best.

Guests of all ages are welcome to come in costume and enjoy a candy trail, costume contests, games and more. Kids 12 and under can trick-or-treat along the candy trail.

The Metal Shop is presenting the event. Advance tickets cost $10 for kids 12 and under and $2 for adults. At the gate, or after the advance sale ends, kids' tickets go up to $15, while adult tickets stay at $2.

Children under 2 do not need a ticket unless they plan to walk the candy trail. Zoo members can get kids in for a discounted rate of $5 each.

For families who need a quieter setting, the zoo is hosting Spooktacular Halloween: A Sensory-Friendly Event on Friday, Oct. 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. The zoo is teaming up with the Salisbury University Psychology Department for this event.

It is smaller and calmer than Halloween Happening. Kids can enjoy a sensory-friendly candy trail, activities and prizes.

Tickets are $10 for each child taking part. Adults get in free, and so do children under 2 who are not doing the candy trail. Tickets will also be sold 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," Nichols said.

Adults get their own scare later in the month. Fright of the Living Zoo is a new, adults-only event on Friday, Oct. 30, from 6 to 9 p.m.

The zoo will take on a whole new feel after dark for this special Halloween night. Presale tickets are $10 through Oct. 24.

Starting Oct. 25, tickets are $15, and that price also applies at the gate. Space is limited, so buying ahead is a good idea.

The season wraps up in November with the return of the Wild Vibes Festival on Saturday, Nov. 14, from noon to 5 p.m. It is the zoo's biggest fundraiser of the year, and proceeds support the Salisbury Zoo.

The festival is for guests 21 and older. Visitors can enjoy live music on two stages, craft beer and wine sampling, animal-themed games, local craft vendors and food trucks, along with time to explore the zoo.

General admission is $45. Non-drinking passes and Zoo member passes are $25. If the weather does not cooperate, the rain date is Sunday, Nov. 15.

The zoo encourages everyone to buy tickets ahead of time for all of these events, since space may be limited. For more details or to buy tickets, visit www.salisburyzoo.org/events.