Autumn festival

October 5–6, 12–13, 19–20, 26–27

AUTUMN FESTIVAL

We’re celebrating the return of the season of color during Autumn Festival, every Saturday and Sunday in October at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. There’s fascinating wildlife, special entertainment, and delicious culinary comforts for everyone to enjoy. Head on over with family and friends to create heartwarming memories with good ol’ fashioned fun!

SAFARI BASE CAMP

Safari Park Radio 197.2

Safari Park Radio

  • Saturdays and Sundays
  • 9 a.m. to close (continuous)
  • Near Barking Deer Pizza & Beer, Safari Base Camp

The Safari Park’s own radio station broadcasts an upbeat, modern country soundtrack perfect for fall days. Listen for interactive trivia games and the “Did You Know?” segments about the fascinating conservation efforts you make possible to save, protect, and care for local wildlife through our Southwest Conservation Hub.

CONDOR RIDGE

Safari Parker character waving.

Safari Parker

  • Saturdays and Sundays
  • 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. (30 minutes)
  • Burrowing Owls, Condor Trail

Safari Parker, our explorer and adventurer extraordinaire, will entertain everyone with facts about burrowing owls, how they’re vital to our delicately balanced ecosystem, and how your support is helping this species thrive through our Southwest Conservation Hub.

NAIROBI VILLAGE

robert the zebra

Robert the Zebra

  • Daily
  • 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:15 p.m., and 2:15 p.m. (30 minutes)
  • Denny Sanford Wildlife Explorers Theater, Nairobi Village

Our fun and playful virtual wildlife ambassador interacts with guests of all ages and offers tips on how everyone can help protect nature and wildlife.

Ash Meadows

  • Saturdays and Sundays
  • 1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m., and 4:15 p.m. (30 minutes)
  • Oasis on the Rocks, Nairobi Village

This talented duo features the unique musical combination of acoustic guitar and mandolin, filling the autumn air with their relaxing sounds.

two performers dressed as scarecrows on stage

Autumn Festival Jamboree

  • Saturdays and Sundays
  • 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m., and 5 p.m. (30 minutes)
  • Village Playground, Nairobi Village

Join our scarecrow hosts for a good ol’ fashioned country dance party that’s sure to get your toes tappin’ and your boots scootin’!

Two scarecrow characters.

Not-So-Scary Scarecrows

  • Saturdays and Sundays
  • 2:45 to 5:45 p.m. (continuous)
  • Village Playground, Nairobi Village

Look for our happy-go-lucky scarecrows as they show off their juggling and bouncing skills in their own silly ways.

Family walks in a hay maze

A-MAZE-ing Autumn Adventure

  • 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (continuous)
  • Village Playground, Nairobi Village

Our Not-So-Scary Scarecrows will greet young wildlife explorers, who will love navigating this fun, walk-through maze. As they make their way through the twists and turns, they’ll discover clues to identify Southwest wildlife.

Barn owl band.

The Barn Owls

  • Saturdays and Sundays
  • 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 5:45 p.m. (30 minutes)
  • Village Playground, Nairobi Village

Our talented trio of country musicians will keep everyone entertained with their down-home and bluegrass musical stylings. 

Lanterns floating on water at the Safari Park

Reflections

  • Saturdays and Sundays
  • 6:45 p.m. (7 minutes)
  • Lagoon Loop, Nairobi Village

Take a musical and colorfully lighted journey around the world as our lantern ceremony ends your autumn evening in a celebration of people, wildlife, and the planet we all share.

ShopZoo Safari Summer on the Savanna
Safari Summer on the Savanna

Outfit Your Herd for Adventures

SDZWA adventures botswana elephant
SDZWA Adventures

Come Travel with Us!

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!