What are the exact hours for Spooky Spirits 2026?

VIP and VIP Designated Driver ticket holders gain entry at 6 p.m. General Admission and Standard Designated Driver ticket holders enter at 6:30 p.m. The event concludes for all guests at 10 p.m.

Are children allowed at the event?

No. Spooky Spirits is strictly a 21+ event. No one under the age of 21 will be admitted under any circumstances, including infants or toddlers. All guests must present a valid, government-issued photo ID at the gates, including Designated Driver ticketholders.

Is parking included in the ticket price?

Parking is not included in standard or VIP admission. Parking costs $8 per vehicle. Detroit Zoo members always park for free.

How do tastings work?

Standard General Admission includes 10 tastings, while VIP tickets include 14 tastings. Each tasting is good for one 3 oz. pour at any of our stations throughout the event. General Admission and VIP guests receive a lanyard and punch card that will be punched at each tasting station. Designated Driver tickets include unlimited soft drinks and dedicated non-alcoholic sampling stations. Designated Driver and VIP Designated Driver guests receive a wristband.

Will there be food available?

Yes. Food will be available for purchase at select concessions and pop-up locations throughout the event. If you hold a VIP or VIP DD ticket, you also gain exclusive access to a private buffet inside the Main Picnic Grove VIP Lounge.

Do I have to wear a costume?

No. While costumes are highly popular and encouraged, they are completely optional. There is no set theme for 2026, so feel free to dress up in any style you prefer.

Can I wear a full mask?

Full face masks are strictly prohibited for safety reasons. Please review our complete costume guidelines section above before arriving to ensure your outfit meets our entry parameters.

What happens if it rains?

Spooky Spirits is a rain-or-shine event. Certain event features will adjust to sheltered or covered locations within our front footprint if weather requires it. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Will all of Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails be open?

Guests can enjoy the Canopy Trail, Frankel Stingray Cove (until 8 p.m.) and the Wild Explorer VR Experience. The back half of Erb Discovery Trails, along with other animal habitats and the Goat Encounter Yard, will be closed for the evening.

Spooky Spirits 2026 | 21+ Halloween Party

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Oct. 2 | 6:30 - 10 p.m.

Experience the spookiest 21+ Halloween party of the season.

$35.00

Tickets Starting at $35 | Members Save 10%

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What to Expect

New in 2026

Costume Contest

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Metro Detroit’s Premier 21+ Halloween Party

Spooky Spirits, presented by KeyBank, transforms the front half of the Detroit Zoo into an evening escape exclusively for adults. Enjoy more than 100 craft drink tastings, live music, illuminated decor, party vibes and a crowd dressed to impress. Bring a date, text your friends or show up solo to claim the crown in our costume contest. This will be one for the memory books!

Treat Yourself

Metro Detroit’s Premier 21+ Halloween Party

What to Expect

A premium lineup of spooky spirits (obviously), craft beers, hard ciders, fine wine, canned cocktails, seltzers and non-alcoholic pours
Illuminated pumpkin displays and Halloween-themed photos
A complimentary welcome drink, courtesy of Griffin Claw Brewing
Live music from Detroit favorites Weekend ComeBack and DJ Big Ben
A multi-category costume contest with prizes (and bragging rights)
Free carousel rides until 9 p.m., no tricks required!
A free, 20-minute studio cut of “Panic House” in the 4D Theater
Tarot and aura readings for an additional fee
Devilishly good food available for purchase
A connection station to learn how you can ignite positive change for animals and nature
Zookeeper chats

New in 2026

We’re moving the General Admission a half-hour forward from last year. It now begins at 6:30 p.m.
New Grounds to Explore: Haven't checked out the new Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails yet? Here's your chance! Guests can enjoy the Canopy Trail, touch stingrays at Aaron and Carolynn Frankel Stingray Cove until 8 p.m. and go on a virtual adventure with the Wild Explorer VR Experience*.
Note: The back half of Erb Discovery Trails will be closed to support the well-being of the animals in our care.

*Additional fee

Spooky Spirits Costume Contest

Our costume contest is back, and we want to see your fa-boo-lous styles!
Spooky Spirits 2026 costume contest categories are as follows:

Best Solo Costume
Best Couples Costume
Best Group Costume (3+)
Best Zoo-Themed Costume

The prize? Tickets to Wild Lights!

Registration will be located outside the Events Pavilion from 7-8 p.m.

NOTE: To protect our guests, staff and habitats, the Zoo prohibits these specific costume items:

Animal costumes utilizing full face masks
Balloons, frisbees, sports balls or bouncy balls
Sharp or pointed materials that pose an injury risk
Outfits depicting graphic violence, hate speech or political messaging
Toy weapons of any kind (including replica firearms, swords and knives)

Zoo staff will ask anyone carrying restricted items to alter their outfit or leave the pieces in their vehicle.

Spooky Spirits 2026 Tickets

Choose the ticket that’s right for you

General Admission

$55 | Members: $49.50

Admission to the event
10, 3 oz. beer tastings
Food available for purchase

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VIP

$95 | Members: $85.50

Early admission to the event at 6 p.m.
14, 3 oz. beer tastings
An exclusive commemorative gift
Access to the VIP Lounge
Included food until 8:30 p.m.

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Designated Driver (DD)

$35 | Members: $31.50

Admission to the Zoo
Unlimited soft drinks at food and beverage outlets
Unlimited access to non-alcoholic tasting selections

Get Tickets

DD VIP

$75 | Members: $67.50

All the same features as the DD ticket
Early admission to the Zoo at 6 p.m.
An exclusive commemorative gift
Access to the VIP Lounge until 9:45 p.m.
Included food until 8:30 p.m.

Get Tickets

Members Get More

Members get 10% off Spooky Spirits! With a Detroit Zoo membership, you’ll enjoy endless education and great perks such as unlimited daytime admission, free Zoo parking, exclusive deals PLUS discounted access to ticketed events like Spooky Spirits.

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Your Ticket Does More Than Treat

Your Spooky Spirits night out does global good. Every ticket purchased directly funds world-class animal care at the Detroit Zoo and fuels critical conservation work saving wildlife species across the globe. Thank you.