Rock Into the Evening

Nighttime Zoo

May 22* – August 9, 2026

Activities and entertainment begin at 3:30 p.m. daily**

As the day winds down, your unforgettable adventure is only just beginning. During Nighttime Zoo, the San Diego Zoo is open until 8 p.m. Swing by for live music, spectacular entertainment, and one-of-a-kind moments with your favorite wildlife that’s perfect for the whole family.

Join us all summer long to soak up the last season of Nighttime Zoo. You’ve celebrated with us for more than 25 years, and the curtains are closing on this family-favorite experience. But there’s good news! Debuting in 2027, we’re excited to welcome a brand-new seasonal festival—so get ready to make new generational memories over and over again!

*Members, join us for your exclusive preview on May 22. Nighttime Zoo opens to all guests May 23.

**No Nighttime Zoo entertainment is scheduled for Saturday, June 13 or Thursday, July 9.

Special Entertainment

FRONT STREET

Rock & Roar

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

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.

Zoolamoves

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

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.

The Chameleons

4:30, 5:30, & 6:30 p.m. (30 min)
Outside Front Plaza & 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.

Whimsical Wildlife Characters

4–7 p.m.
Along Front Street (continuous)

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

Dr. Harry & Friends

4, 5, & 6 p.m.
Front Street/Main Entrance

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

Jambo Dunia!

7:45 p.m. (15 min)
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.

WILDLIFE EXPLORERS BASECAMP

Dr. Zoolittle's Exploration Station

4:30, 5:30, & 6:30 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.

The Explorers

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

Enjoy the a cappella four-part harmony of this talented group of vocalists as they sing wildlife-themed tunes about the world we share.

OUTBACK

Summer Songs

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

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.

URBAN JUNGLE

Bounce-a-Roo Bonanza

3:30, 4:30, 5:30, & 6:30 p.m. (15 min)
Behind Sydney’s Grill

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

AFRICA ROCKS

Amazing Acrobats of Tanzania

3:45, 4:45, & 5:45 p.m. (15 min)
Africa Rocks Stage

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