The Utica Zoo will be CLOSING AT 1:00 pm SATURDAY JUNE 6TH TO PREPARE FOR WINE IN THE WILDERNESS!
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Our 40th annual SPOOKTACULAR Harvest Festival is presented by MVP Health Care and Lupini Construction. Visit the Utica Zoo on Saturday, October 17th AND Sunday, October 18th for all the spooky good vibes at our zoo, including our iconic 13 treat stations, and exciting entertainment throughout the grounds!
At our 40th annual SPOOKTACULAR Harvest Festival, you can expect:
This event occurs from 10:00am to 3:00pm both days, but the zoo remains open until 4:30pm.
Free shuttles will be available all weekend long. Catch a ride to the zoo when you park at either the Parkway Rec Center or the MVCC A1 Parking Lot.
This event is regular zoo admission to attend. Treat cards are just the additional $5 to play at 13 stations around the zoo. Treat cards are designed for younger individuals, but anyone can participate! One treat card per child.
Spooktacular FAQs
Spooktacular will take place from 10 am – 3 pm on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18. All activities will be on zoo grounds.
Utica Zoo, 1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica, NY 13501
Adults (13+): $11
Children (2-12): $8
Babies (Under 2): Free
Utica Zoo Members: FREE!
Activity Card: $5
*Required for the trick r’ treat stations.
There will be 13 trick r’ treat stations throughout the zoo that visitors are encouraged to stop by. There is no particular order so if one line is long, we recommend you move on to the next station and go back later. The volunteers at each station will mark your card when you visit them to collect your candy. Please make sure you visit the many other community tables located throughout the zoo as well!
Yes! Limited parking is available at the zoo. Overflow parking with free shuttles will be available at:
Utica Parkway Recreation Center, 220 Memorial Pkwy, Utica, NY 13501
Mohawk Valley Community College A1 Parking Lot, 1101 Sherman Dr, Utica, NY 13501
Costumes are encouraged! However, please NO INFLATABLE costumes. Guests will be asked to deflate before entering the zoo.
Bags will not be provided so please bring a bag or basket to carry your treats in. Reusable bags are available for purchase at the Gift Shop.
Unless you have a certified service animal, please leave all pets at home!
Yes! All stations will have nut-free candy. However, if your child has an allergy, please double check the ingredients of the candy before serving to them.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. E-mail a.heath@uticazoo.org or kyla.jacobs@uticazoo.org to inquire.
Whether you visit one time or are a loyal member, by visiting accredited zoos, you are contributing to valuable conservation programs both in managed environments like zoos, aquariums, and wildlife preserves; and also helping animals struggling to survive in disappearing wild places.
AZA facilities have a history of saving species, including the American bison, the golden lion tamarin, red wolf, Mexican wolf, and black-footed ferret among many others. More than 30 species would cease to exist without AZA-accredited facilities. AZA members are working to increase wild populations of species in our care through 117 reintroduction programs, including more than 50 reintroduction programs for species listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act at AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums. Under our watchful care, these populations are being rebuilt.
*for groups of 10 or more, ask our ticket window about our discounted “group rate”*