SPOOKtacular In-Person & Virtual Costume Contest 

SPOOKtacular In-Person Costume Contest

Show off your awesome creative skills by participating in the SPOOKtacular Costume Contest at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, October 21, and Sunday, October 22, zoo guests are invited to swing by the Chautauqua Amphitheater (by Expedition Café concession stand) as we check out the fabulous fashions of our visiting goblins and ghouls! All zoo guests are welcome to view the spooky styles; no participation is required.

Time: Gather at 3:30 p.m. and contest to begin at 4:00 p.m. each day (Sat. and Sun) 

Divisions

The SPOOKtacular Costume Contest will be judged in three divisions by a team of celebrity Zoo judges. Each division will award a zoo swag prize package to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place costume winners.

  • Infants Division (ages 2 & under) - Limit of 30 entries 
  • Child Division (ages 3-12 years) - Limit of 30 entries 
  • Adult Division (ages 13+ years)

Rules & Participation Regulations

  • All attendees to the SPOOKtacular Costume Contest must pre-purchase an advanced ticket online or pay regular admission at the gate. There is no additional cost to participate in the costume contest.
  • Put together a creative, spooky, or funny costume and wear it to Sunset Zoo’s SPOOKtacular. All costumes are welcome, and creativity is highly encouraged…homemade or purchased is perfect. Just remember this is a family-friendly event, so please keep costumes rated “G.” For the safety of our animals and guests, costumes with loud sounds, gas or electric motors, or smoke will not be permitted on zoo grounds.
  • To participate in the contest, arrive at the Zoo’s Chautauqua Amphitheater at 3:45 pm on Saturday, October 21, or Sunday, October 22, to receive your SPOOKtacular Costume Contest bib that we’ll delicately pin to your costumed attire. The zoo judges will use this to identify the winners during your division walk across the stage. Limit one entry per person per day.
  • Zoo staff will start lining up divisions at 3:45 p.m. So don’t be tardy to the party! Our contest emcees will take it from there and direct you to your stage debut.
  • Our team of expert zoo judges will award prizes to the top three costumes in each division.

SPOOKtacular Virtual Costume Contest


Unable to Attend the SPOOKtacular Costume Contest in person? No worries! Sunset Zoo will offer the SPOOKtacular Virtual Costume Contest. CLICK HEREto submit a picture of your fantastic costume securely and confidentially. Or scan one of our many QR codes throughout the Zoo to offer while you are attending the event. Winners will be contacted by October 24 via email.

Divisions

The SPOOKtacular Costume Contest will be judged in three divisions by a team of celebrity Zoo judges. Each division will award a zoo swag prize package to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place costume winners. 
  • Infants Division (ages 2 & under)
  • Child Division (ages 3-12 years)
  • Adult Division (ages 13+ years)

Rules & Participation Regulations

  • Entries are required to attend Sunset Zoo’s SPOOKtacular in person. Your picture MUST be taken inside the Zoo to be considered.
  • Put together a creative, spooky, or funny costume and wear it to Sunset Zoo’s SPOOKtacular. All costumes are welcome, and creativity is highly encouraged…homemade or purchased is perfect. Remember this is a family-friendly contest, so please keep costumes rated “G.”
  • To participate in the virtual contest, CLICK HERE to submit a picture of your fantastic costume securely and confidentially.
  • Virtual entries are accepted from 5:00 p.m. Friday, October 20, until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, October 22.
  • Our team of expert zoo judges will award prizes to the top three costumes in each division.