Fall Fest

It’s time to fall in love with autumn at the Virginia Zoo’s newest event, Fall Fest on Saturday, September 20 from 5 – 8:30pm! 🍂 This cozy, small-town inspired evening offers something for everyone, from nostalgic games to elevated tastings, all while soaking in the crisp evening air and golden-hour views. 

Families will love the old-fashioned sack races, classic carnival games 🎟, and the charm of a curated fall market featuring handmade goods and seasonal finds. Local food trucks will serve up fall flavors 🍎, while live music sets the tone for a festive evening.  

For guests 21+, enjoy bourbon and craft beer tastings from local favorites Tarnished Truth Distillery and Elation Brewing, included with your ticket.🍻

Whether you’re with family or friends, this event is a celebration of unforgettable fall fun! 🍁

Event Map

Activities

Activities included with your ticket

• 5 – 5:30pm: Animal Ambassador Greeters in the Fountain Plaza
• 5 – 6:30pm: Full Zoo Access
• 5 – 7:00pm: Goat Yard open
• 5:45 – 6:15pm: Red Panda Keeper Chat for International Red Panda Day
• Live music from The Bee Keepers and Bennett Wales
• Bourbon tastings with Tarnished Truth
• Beer samples from Elation Brewing AND release of newest Zoo beer!
• Cider tasting with Sly Clyde
• Fall themed animal enrichment in various habitats throughout the Zoo
• Themed carnival games and photo ops
• Bounce houses
• Live Demonstrations with Coastal Virginia Weavers
• Activity tables throughout the Zoo
• Visiting Organizations:
  • Chesapeake Bay Foundation
  • Tidewater Compost

Activities free for Virginia Zoo Members

• Virginia Zoo Express train rides
• Popcorn giveaway at the Membership Gazebo

Activities available for an additional cost ($)

• Oysters from Norfolk Raw Bar Co.
  • Add on ticket required and supply is limited
    • $20 for 1 dozen oysters in advance
    • $30 for 1 dozen oysters at event
• Fall Beer Garden ($)
• Fairy Hair from The Fairy Hair Company ($)
• Face Painting from Artfully Yours ($)
• Live portraits from RUBYSTARART ($)
• Hayrides with the Virginia Zoo Horticulture Department ($ – donated to the Horticulture Fund)
• 5 – 8pm: Virginia Zoo Express train rides ($)
• Virginia Zoo Gift Shop open with blankets, candles, and fall themed merch available for purchase
  • Buy One, Get One 50% off hoodies available
• Fall themed vendor market ($):
  • Norfolk Candle
  • The Sarcastic Hermit
  • Cray House Works
  • B43K Deliveries
  • Flutterby Soap Company
  • Maison Soleil
  • Coastal Virginia Weavers
  • Juniper & Jam
  • Literature & Libations
  • Stitched by Nature
  • Hunger Condiment Shop
  • Easy Crumb Easy Dough

Food & Drinks (extra cost)

• Food Trucks ($)
  • Buzz Stop
  • Munchies & Such
  • J&K Style Grill
  • Salsa Libre
  • P.O. Folks Southern Cuisine
  • S’mores Amore
• Virginia Zoo Specialty Cocktails (while supplies last) at the Event Pavilion Bar: All drinks will be served in a 12 oz cup, $10 per drink.
  • Spiked Apple Cider: Tarnished Truth Discretion Bourbon, Fresh Apple Cider, Cinnamon, Star Anise, & Orange Slices.
  • Pumpkin Pie Cream Cocktail: Tarnished Truth Bourbon Cream, Vanilla Vodka, Pumpkin Puree, Pumpkin Pie Spices, Simple Syrup.

💲Ticket Prices💲

Member pre-sale beginning 8/8, public tickets on sale starting 8/15.

Please note, prices may increase as the event date nears, so don’t wait — early birds get the best deal!

🍁 Member Adult (18+): $28

🍁 Member Child (2-17): $13

🍁 Non-Member Adult (12+): $38

🍁 Non-Member Child (2-11): $18

🍁 Children under 2 are free but require a ticket reservation

Thank you to our sponsor

Dollar Bank

Event Reminders

• Limited number of tickets available. Advance ticket sales end when sold out (get yours early!). If tickets remain on the day of the event, gate sales may be limited to credit card transactions only.
• Tickets are non-refundable. All sales are final. Should a ticket holder be unable to attend the event, the purchase will be considered a donation.
• As an outdoor venue, events are rain or shine unless otherwise indicated. If any changes are made, an announcement via an email to our members and/or ticket holders and on the Virginia Zoo social media channels will be issued prior the event.
• The Zoo is a smoke-free facility; no smoking is allowed inside the Zoo. This also includes e-cigarettes and vaping. Inability to follow this rule will result in dismissal from Zoo grounds without a refund.
• By purchasing an event ticket, you agree to abide by the Virginia Zoo’s Rules & Policies.