lion puppet
Rock into the Evening at

Nighttime Zoo

May 25–September 2

Member Preview: May 24, 2024
Activities and entertainment begin at 4 p.m. daily.*

When the sun goes down, your wild adventure is only just beginning! The San Diego Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. all summer long, and a whole new world wakes up after dark during Nighttime Zoo. Join us for live music, spectacular entertainment, one-of-a-kind moments with your favorite wildlife, and more unforgettable fun that’s perfect for the whole family.

For additional information on Nighttime Zoo, see the Seasonal Events section of the San Diego Zoo's FAQ page.

*No Nighttime Zoo entertainment is scheduled on Saturday, June 15, or Thursday, August 22.  On August 22, San Diego Zoo hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Special Entertainment

Guitarist

Rock & Roar

  • Daily
  • 4:30, 5:30, 6:30, & 7:30 p.m. (30 min.)
  • Front Street Stage, Front Street

The Zoo’s in-house rock and pop band plays top hits from yesterday and today that are sure to get everyone on the dance floor.

Kids jumping

Zoolamoves

  • Daily
  • 5, 6, & 7 p.m. (30 min.)
  • Front Street Stage, Front Street

Join our high-energy hosts as they get guests of all ages up and grooving! These fun interactive dances will have your toes tapping and energy pumping.

 Brass band

The Chameleons

  • Daily
  • 5, 6, & 7 p.m. (30 min.)
  • Outside Front Plaza and Sweet Shack

This talented brass ensemble presents their unique brand of musical entertainment, playing a variety of songs from the Beatles to Broadway in their interactive performances.

flamingo puppet

Whimsical Wildlife Performers

  • Daily
  • 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. (continuous)
  • Along Front Street

Meet, greet, and get photos with our fanciful, bigger-than-life wildlife puppets and other wildlife-themed performers that are sure to bring the smiles.

Elephant puppet

Jambo Dunia!

  • 8:30 p.m. (15 min.)
  • Along Front Street

Live music, fanciful wildlife puppets, dancers, and acrobats make up this dazzling, interactive celebration of Africa’s savannas and all who share these vibrant ecosystems.

dr zoolittle

Dr. Zoolittle's Exploration Station

  • Daily
  • 5, 6, & 7 p.m. (25 min.)
  • Wildlife Explorers Basecamp Stage

Join Dr. Zoolittle for this fun and interactive presentation exploring nature, parallel play with wildlife, and our conservation efforts around the globe. 

singing group

The Explorers

  • Daily
  • 4:30, 5:30, 6:30, & 7:30 p.m. (30 min.)
  • Wildlife Explorers Basecamp Stage

Enjoy the a cappella, four-part harmony of this talented group of singers as they perform wildlife-themed songs about the world we share!

Acoustic guitar

Summer Songs

  • Daily
  • 3:45, 5, & 6:15 p.m. (45 min.)
  • Boardwalk Beer Garden, Australian Outback

After a long day of exploration, relax with the soothing sounds of acoustic guitar and vocals as our performer entertains with a wide variety of songs from across the decades.

Acrobat on trampoline.

Bounce-a-Roo Bonanza

  • Daily
  • 4:30, 5:30, 6:30, & 7:30 p.m. (15 min.)
  • Behind Sydney's Grill, Urban Jungle

Check out our jumping, bouncing, acrobatic group of animal-themed performers as they show off their astonishing athletic skills in this high-energy trampoline show.

acrobats

Amazing Acrobats of Tanzania

  • Daily
  • 4:45, 5:45, & 6:45 p.m. (15 min.)
  • Africa Rocks Stage, Africa Rocks

With an incredible mix of eclectic acrobatic skills and high-energy fun for all ages, this troupe from Tanzania will share their jaw-dropping talent that will leave you amazed. 

percussion performers

Vibrant Rhythms

  • Daily
  • 5, 6, & 7 p.m. (45 min.)
  • Africa Rocks Stage, Africa Rocks

Feel the drumbeats of the savanna as musicians and dancers showcase music from across East Africa. 

dr harry & friends

Dr. Harry & Friends

  • Daily
  • 5, 5:30, 6, & 6:30 p.m.
  • Upper Gardens, Africa Rocks & Australian Outback

Dr. Harry Lion and Friends will meet and greet guests of all ages, bringing their special brand of Zoo fun to everyone they see.

Shopzoo holiday collection
Wild Wonderland

Add some spots and stripes to your holidays

Hotel with pool
Creature Comforts

PREFERRED HOTELS

Groom and bride embracing as a giraffe looks on in the distance.
Wild Weddings

Picture Your Special Day at the Park!