10/2/2026

Zombie Zoo Tempe, AZ Is Now Open: Halloween Gets Wild in 2026

Zombie Zoo Tempe is officially open. World of Illumination's new drive-through Halloween show welcomed its first cars on Wednesday, September 30, at Tempe Diablo Stadium, and the zoo's residents are up and dancing. Halloween in Tempe is getting a little more colorful this year, and there's a whole zoo of creatures responsible for it. Known for our Christmas light shows, we're excited to give Arizona families another reason to gather in the car, turn up the music, and spend an evening surrounded by glowing displays. Only this time, the reindeer have been replaced by zombies, the holiday music has taken a Halloween turn, and the animals are ready to party.

If you've visited one of our holiday shows before, you already know that we love bringing imaginative worlds to life through lights and music. Zombie Zoo takes that same approach and gives it a playful Halloween twist. It's spooky enough for the season without losing the fun that makes our shows enjoyable for the whole family. Below you'll find what's waiting inside, how to pick your night in October, and a quick checklist for your first trip through.

Zombie Zoo Tempe at a Glance

Status: Now open through November 1, 2026
Where: Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Dr., Tempe, AZ 85282
Nights: Most nights through November 1; the ticket calendar shows every open date
Hours: Gates at 6:30 PM, last entry at 10:00 PM (open until 10:30 PM on select nights)
Tickets: Sold online, priced per car, cost varies by night
Drive time: About 20 to 30 minutes

The Zoo Is Awake: Zombie Zoo Tempe Is Now Open

The story behind Zombie Zoo begins at a very unusual animal park, where the residents have been resting peacefully beside an old graveyard. That changes at midnight on Halloween, when Tumba the Gorilla decides it's time for a celebration. He stomps the ground, beats his chest, and wakes every animal from its grave for one night of music and dancing under the moon.

Fortunately, these zombies have a different idea of what it means to haunt someone. They're much more interested in having a good time than frightening anybody, which makes Zombie Zoo a great introduction to Halloween fun for younger children. The show is billed as "a family friendly Halloween adventure," which sums it up nicely.

Along the way, a swirling jack-o'-lantern vortex tunnel sets the Halloween mood, while towering spooky trees, cobweb-draped habitats, and bamboo groves glowing with spirit lanterns add a little mystery. Desert mummies and savannah zombies bring their own personalities to the celebration, and DJ Monkey keeps the party going with a Halloween soundtrack that plays through your car radio. When the moon begins to fade, Tumba takes a bow, and the animals return to their graves until next Halloween.

The result is a Halloween world that feels delightfully strange without becoming scary. Plenty of Halloween attractions lean on jump scares and haunted houses. Zombie Zoo is for families who would rather see a dancing zombie than have one jump out at them. KTAR's preview of the show called out the same highlights: the glowing habitats, the vortex tunnel, and a graveyard that dances.

Halloween Without Leaving Your Seat

Anyone who's spent an October afternoon in Arizona knows that traditional fall activities don't always come with traditional fall weather. Pumpkin patches and outdoor festivals can still be surprisingly warm, and walking around in a Halloween costume isn't always as comfortable as it sounds. A drive-through light show is a different way to spend an October evening, especially for families who want a seasonal outing without hours on their feet.

At Zombie Zoo Tempe, the entire experience happens from the comfort of your vehicle. Parents can bring younger children who aren't quite ready for haunted houses, grandparents can join the adventure without worrying about long walks, and groups of friends can enjoy the displays together while listening to the synchronized soundtrack. There's something especially fun about watching everyone's reactions as each new scene comes into view, from a child spotting a favorite animal to an adult laughing at one of the zoo's unusual residents.

Best Nights to Visit Zombie Zoo Tempe in October

With the gates open, the main decision left is which night to go. A few things to weigh:

Weeknights usually move faster. World of Illumination says weeknights tend to move quicker than weekends, so a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday visit is a smart pick for families with early bedtimes.
Prices change by night. Tickets are priced per car and vary by date, so compare a few nights on the Zombie Zoo ticket calendar before you choose.
Halloween lands on a Saturday this year. Since Tumba's party starts at midnight on Halloween, Saturday, October 31 is a fun night for fans of the story. If that's your plan, grab your ticket sooner rather than later.
Late starts still work. Last entry is 10:00 PM, so a visit after practice or a late dinner is doable.
Don't wait for the final weekend. The last night is Sunday, November 1, and once the zoo goes back to sleep, it's gone for the season.

Families throughout Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and Phoenix can make an evening of it by grabbing dinner before the show or stopping for a Halloween treat afterward. Tempe Diablo Stadium is conveniently located near major East Valley roadways, making it an easy drive from across the metro area. And if plans change, date changes are free. If the new date costs more, you cover the difference; all other sales are final.

Your First-Timer Checklist

A little planning can make your first trip through Zombie Zoo even more enjoyable. Run through this list before you head out:

Buy your ticket online. Tickets are online-only. One ticket covers everyone in your car.
Check your FM radio. Our team will show you how to tune in when you arrive. The radio station FAQ has the details.
Plan to dim your headlights. Turning them off or down during the show helps everyone see the displays. Here's the headlights FAQ.
Pack snacks. Nothing is sold on site, but outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are welcome.
Bring the dog if you like. Pets are welcome as long as they stay inside your vehicle.
Ride together. You can't consolidate cars at the park, so combine before you arrive, and check the vehicle restrictions if you drive something oversized. Bringing a team, class, or office? Take a look at group events.
Costumes are optional. Kids can ride in costume if they want to join the zombies in the Halloween spirit, but comfortable clothes work just as well.
Have your camera ready. Photos are encouraged, so tag yours with #WorldofIllumination.

And don't let a cloudy forecast change your plans. Zombie Zoo runs rain or shine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zombie Zoo Tempe open now?

Yes. Zombie Zoo opened Wednesday, September 30, 2026, and runs through November 1. Check the ticket calendar for open nights. Cars can enter from 6:30 PM until 10:00 PM.

How much does a ticket cost?

One ticket covers one car, no matter how many people are inside, so the whole carload rides on a single ticket. Prices vary from night to night, and the ticket calendar shows the current price for every date.

Can I change my night after I buy?

Yes. Date changes are free. If your new night costs more, you pay the difference.

How long does the drive take?

Plan on about 20 to 30 minutes from the first scene to the last, depending on traffic that night.

Let the Halloween Fun Begin!

Bringing Zombie Zoo to Tempe is an exciting chapter for World of Illumination. Halloween gives us so many opportunities to have fun with lights, music, and unusual characters, and we love seeing Arizona families make memories with us in October. Make it a family outing, a Halloween date night, or simply something different on a school night. With Tumba leading the party and an entire zoo of glowing creatures joining in, this is one Halloween gathering you won't want to miss.

When the zoo goes back to sleep on November 1, the stadium switches seasons. Reindeer Road, our Christmas show, opens at the same spot on November 13 and runs through January 3, 2027.

Ready to join the animals after dark? Choose your date on the ticket page. We can't wait to welcome you!