Zoo Boo kicks off Spooky Season in Atascadero

By Camille DeVaul · Thu Oct 30 2025

Central Coast Zoo’s event sees increase in attendance and more Halloween events happening downtown

ATASCADERO — The Central Coast Zoo’s annual “Zoo Boo” event brought out record crowds and big smiles last weekend, starting the Halloween celebration early with more events happening this weekend.

According to Zoo Director Dr. Cynthia Stringfield, attendance for the two-night event was up 17% compared to last year.

“We had a fantastic turnout both nights without it being too crowded,” she said. “It was perfect this year.”

Families came dressed in their best costumes to enjoy the zoo’s festive transformation. The event featured entertainment, education, and classic Halloween fun. Among the most popular attractions were interactive games with candy prizes, educational encounters with local wildlife experts, and hands-on learning opportunities with some of the zoo’s lesser-known residents.

Stringfield said that guests enjoyed, “Fun games with candy prizes for playing, learning from the Master Gardeners about spiders and other local creatures, and getting up close with snakes, cockroaches, and other critters are very popular, and of course seeing and watching our zoo animals.”

The event’s success comes as part of the zoo’s broader effort to connect the community with wildlife and conservation in engaging ways.

“These events support the zoo financially, create precious memories for our community’s families, and continue our mission of wildlife education and conservation learning in a fun way,” Stringfield explained.

Event organizers say that feedback from guests has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the event’s new schedule. This year, organizers adjusted the timing, starting and ending a little earlier to accommodate families with younger children, a change that proved popular.

The tradition will carry on next fall, with Zoo Boo 2026 already on the calendar for Friday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 24.

Spooky fun continues all week long in Atascadero. Downtown businesses are also joining in the fun with Orange & Grey Fridays, offering pre- and post-game discounts at participating restaurants for those wearing school colors, and the annual Trick or Treat Downtown event on Friday, Oct. 31, from 5 to 8 p.m. Families can enjoy costume contests, music, and activities throughout downtown, including a hay bale maze and themed stops at local shops.

The celebrations wrap up on Saturday, Nov. 1, with Día de los Muertos at the Central Coast Zoo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event honors this vibrant cultural tradition with themed crafts, cultural exhibits, and special guests, all included with regular zoo admission. Additional Halloween attractions include The Haunt downtown through Nov. 1 and the Halloween Spooktacular Lights & Sights display at 7720 Cortez Ave. through Oct. 31 — ensuring there’s no shortage of thrills and chills in Atascadero this Halloween season.

For more information on upcoming events at the Central Coast Zoo Atascadero, visit centralcoastzoo.org

Feature Image: Children and entire families got into the Halloween spirit last weekend at Central Coast Zoo Atascadero during the annual "Zoo Boo" event. Photos by Rick Evans/ATN