JACKSONVILLE, FLA. – Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens today rolled out the fall calendar of featured events, stacked with festive fun, food and drink, live music, and Halloween happenings.

“As we welcome the cooler temperatures of autumn, Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens has something for guests of all ages this season,” said Nikki Smith, the Zoo’s Chief Philanthropy and Marketing Officer. “From the popular 21+ Brew at the Zoo, to the family-favorite Colors of the Wild, and the frightful fun of Spooktacular, the Zoo is the place to be this fall!”

Upcoming events include:  

Tunes and Blooms: Blues, Jazz and Southern Rock – August 30
7th Street Band, Bryce Alastair Band, and Souvineer are set to perform. Guests can stroll the Zoo and Gardens after hours, enjoy giveaways, photo ops, crafts, and more.

Brew at the Zoo – September 12
Serving up Conservation on Draft, sample from 50+ breweries and food vendors while strolling the Zoo after hours. Live music, games, and a culinary safari benefit wildlife conservation. VIP guests enjoy early entry, a private lounge, and premium tastings. An optional Behind-the-Scenes Night Hike reveals the Zoo’s nocturnal secrets. Ages 21+ only.

Jags Watch Party at the Watering Hole – September 14
Watch the Jacksonville Jaguars take on the Cincinnati Bengals during the first away game of the season. Guests wearing Jags gear get 10% off a drink or a free snack size popcorn at the Watering Hole.

Tunes and Blooms: Latin Night – September 27
It’s the finale of the “Tunes and Blooms” 2025 concert series. Enjoy live music featuring Cumbe Soinco and Mandalla (salsa dancing included), evening Zoo access, and special giveaways.

Spooktacular – Select nights October 4 - 31
The 38th annual Halloween celebration, presented by VyStar Credit Union, offers trick-or-treat stations, carnival games, crafts, DJs, and photo ops. For the brave, the Lost Swamp haunted walk returns.

Colors of the Wild – Select nights November - February
Presented by Community First Credit Union, Colors of the Wild returns this year with an all-new array of handcrafted lanterns, unlike anything you’ve experienced before. This year’s journey takes you from the depths of the ocean to the vast African savanna, then into the realm of mystical creatures from Asia, all illuminated in breathtaking detail.

Advanced Inquiry Program – September 25 - 27
Deepen your understanding of climate change and take action with a graduate level program in partnership with Miami University. The AIP Web+ format combines online learning with hands-on, in-person experiences.

For tickets, event details, and updates, visit www.jacksonvillezoo.org/events.


About Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens
For over 100 years, the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens has aimed to inspire the discovery and appreciation of wildlife through innovative experiences in a caring environment. Starting in 1914 with an animal collection of one red deer fawn, the Zoo now has more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals and 1,000 species of plants, boasting the largest botanical garden in Northeast Florida. The Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a nonprofit organization and a portion of every ticket sold goes to the over 35 conservation initiatives Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens supports around the world, and here in NE Florida. The Zoo is proud to be an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. For more information, visit jacksonvillezoo.org.