Zoo’s Harvest Fest returns, promising spectacular fall fun

        Get ready for the Toledo Zoo’s most anticipated fall event, as Harvest Fest makes its return. Running the entire month, the zoo has transformed into a magical autumn wonderland, brimming with massive pumpkin displays, seasonal foods, and a jam-packed schedule of fall-inspired activities that cater to visitors of all ages.
        Guests can indulge in an array of festivities, from live musical performances to mesmerizing animal demonstrations, hands-on pumpkin carving, and exclusive family and adult-only nights. Educational experiences such as horticulture tours and fall-themed workshops will also enhance the seasonal fun.
        Harvest Fest runs Monday-Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (zoo closes at 5 p.m.) and Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (zoo closes at 9 p.m.).
        Featured Harvest Fest events include:
        • Oct. 17 and 18: Little Boo presented by Meijer, (separate fee, reservations required). Calling all little ghosts and goblins. Little Boo is designed for toddlers and preschoolers, offering safe trick-or-treating throughout the zoo, animal shows, bounce houses and strolling magic. Costumes encouraged.
        • Oct. 19 and 20: Pumpkin Path presented by Ohio Council of Community Schools (separate fee, reservations required). Children of all ages are invited to trick-or-treat through the zoo’s enchanting Pumpkin Path. This 40 year tradition features pumpkin displays, character appearances and live musical entertainment. Pumpkin Path is all-inclusive, with a designated sensory area, and offering non-food treats at every candy station.
        • Oct. 24: Fall Fur All Family Night (included with zoo admission). A magical evening of fall fun from 4-8 p.m. featuring family-friendly activities, character meet-and-greets, seasonal treats, giant pumpkin displays.
        •Oct. 25: F & M Bank Roar & Pour (adults-only, separate fee, reservations required). Sip and stroll through the zoo’s gardens, sample fine bourbons and whiskeys paired with gourmet bites, enjoy live music, and visit the outdoor cigar lounge for a perfectly paired fall experience. Must be 21+ to attend.
        • Oct. 28: Pumpkin Stomp & Chomp. Watch as your favorite zoo animals get into the autumn spirit, smashing and munching on pumpkins and other Halloween enrichment.
        Ongoing Harvest Fest activities
        In addition to the featured events, every visit to Harvest Fest is filled with seasonal surprises, all included with Zoo admission:
        • Pumpkin-carving demonstrations on Saturdays and Sundays.
        • Animal demonstrations on Saturdays and Sundays.
        • Pumpkin-carving classes on select Sundays (pre-registration required).
        • Character meet-and-greets on Saturdays and select Sundays.
        • Live musical performances on Saturdays and select Sundays.
        Harvest Fest will have an extra layer of excitement with all our adorable animal additions. The latest arrivals include Murphy, the snow leopard; Akyli, the orangutan, and, of course, Kirkja, the African elephant calf, who continues to warm hearts daily.
        Visit toledozoo.org/harvest-fest for more details.