Colfax Marathon

Run to Raise Funds for DZCA

Exercise for you – Enrichment for animals!

Join Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance at the 2025 Colfax Marathon and run for a cause! Every contribution will help support animal enrichment, helping ensure our animals stay active and healthy. No matter which race you choose, your participation makes a difference–and as a thank-you for your commitment, you can earn exciting prizes through your fundraising efforts! The more runners we have, the more support we can provide for the animals in our care.

Event & Fundraising Timelines

Fundraising Timeline

Date Range: December 8–May 16 (or until race sells out)

Colfax Marathon Event

Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025
Time: Race dependent

Details

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is thrilled to be a part of the 2025 Colfax Marathon! Support animal enrichment and wildlife conservation by:

  • Running in any race for DZCA
  • Fundraising to enhance animal care and enrichment
  • Making a direct donation to help our animals stay active and healthy

Every step, every mile, and every donation makes a real impact for the animals who call DZCA home!

How to Run for DZCA

  1. Visit the Colfax Marathon website
    Select Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance as your Charity Partner and follow the prompts. See Registration Process
  2. Any race counts!
    Choose any race—5k, 10-Miler, Half or Full Marathon—and make a difference. Already registered? You can still designate DZCA as your charity. Need help? Email support@denverzoo.org.
  3. Get wild swag
    Fundraise for Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance or make a direct donation to earn exclusive swag and help our animals thrive!

How to Fundraise for DZCA

  1. Set up your fundraiser
    Use any platform you like! We recommend Community First Foundation.
  2. Spread the word
    Share your fundraiser with friends, family, and colleagues to help support Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance and enrich the lives of our animals!
Penguins swimming

Make a Direct Donation

Want to support Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance and earn race-day swag? You can now donate any amount directly to support the Zoo’s mission! But if you give $500 upfront, you’ll receive a race bib plus exciting prize inclusions. Your donation helps provide world-class care for 3,000+ animals and supports our critical conservation efforts here in Colorado and across the globe!

Please note: Images of prizes, including shirts and behind-the-scenes experiences, are for illustrative purposes only. Actual prizes may vary in design, style, or availability.
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance reserves the right to substitute any prize with a comparable alternative based on availability.

Zoo Lights Adult Night 

Adult Night 

Enjoy a night out at Zoo Lights without the kids! Whether you’re going for a date or gathering with friends, Adult Night is just for kids at heart, ages 21 and up. Tickets include one drink ticket and a whole bunch of holiday fun (just without the little ones!)

In partnership with:

SCHEDULE

Event Date:

November 22, 5:00–9:00 p.m

ADMISSION

Ticket Price: $30, includes one drink ticket

Zoo Lights Sensory-Friendly Night  

Zoo Lights

Sensory-Friendly Night

Join us for an inclusive evening for guests living with sensory processing disorders! Enjoy a variety of accommodations including reduced crowds, low-volume music, quiet rooms and more, just for those who may feel overwhelmed by typical light experiences.

Sponsored By:

SCHEDULE

Tickets On Sale:

On sale now!

Event Date:

December 31, 5:00–8:00 p.m. 

ADMISSION

General Admission Pricing:

Adults + Seniors: $20.00
Youth: $10.00
Youth 2 and Under: Free

DETAILS

Accommodations include:  

• Reduced crowds
• No strobing effects and increased light around campus
• Low-volume music (including the Conservation Carousel and Train)
• Available quiet rooms
• Available sensory kits

Zoo Lights

With 80 acres boasting over three million lights, we’re still the one making spirits bright. We’re still your fave for family fun. We’re still the place where tradition stands tall, where romance runs wild—and where our sparkling features spark your brilliant smiles!

Presented By:

Your Front Range Toyota Stores Logo 2024

DATE & TIME

November 23–January 5
Beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas
Sunday–Thursday 5:00–8:00 p.m.
Friday–Saturday 5:00–9:00 p.m.

DETAILS

Tickets on sale now!
See pricing details below.

Member Discount Pricing

November 23–29

Adults + Seniors: $20.00
Youth: $13.00
Youth 2 and Under: Free

General Admission Pricing

November 23–29, December 2-5, 9–12, 16–19, January 1–5  

Adults + Seniors: $25.00
Youth: $18.00
Youth 2 and Under: Free

Peak Pricing

November 30, December 1, 6–8, 13–15, 20–24, 26–30  


Adults + Seniors: $28.00
Youth: $21
Youth 2 and Under: Free

Make Your Experience Extra Bright
With Unique Enhancements JUST for Zoo Lights! 

Now is your chance to make this one-of-a-kind holiday experience better than ever! Save when you pre-order Zoo Lights treats online, including snacks, beverages and festive glow items, ONLY available during Zoo Lights.

Winter Warmer
Souvenir Cup 

New year, new souvenir. Your choice of hot cocoa or cider + discounted refills. 

$9.99 On Site
$8.99 Online 

Beer Tour
Package 

Includes a souvenir beer cup with your choice of beer and a soft pretzel.  

$19.99 Online

Sweet Treats
Package
 

Includes a Souvenir Cup of hot cocoa or cider and your choice of a sweet treat.

Up to $19.97 On Site
$15.99 Online 

Glow Bulb
Necklace  

Complete your outfit with the perfect Zoo Lights accessory.  

$9.99 On Site
$8.99 Online

Sweet ‘n’ Salty
Package
 

Includes a Souvenir Cup of hot cocoa or cider and your choice of popcorn.

Up to $17.98 On Site 
$14.99 Online 

Glow Snowflake
Spinner  

Keep the holiday glow going even after you go home!  

$9.99 On Site
$8.99 Online

Sponsored By:

Special Nights to Enjoy Zoo Lights

Sensory-Friendly Night

December 31 | Our Sensory-Friendly Night will be tailored to guests with sensory processing disorders (SPD) who may feel overwhelmed by typical light experiences.

Adult Night

November 22 | Enjoy a night out at Zoo Lights without the kids! Whether you’re going for a date or gathering with friends, Adult-Only Night is just for kids at heart, age…

Adopt an Animal  

Bring home a snuggly new friend for the holidays and support our conservation efforts worldwide.

Capybara

Capy Holidays! Adopt your very own, plush “guinea big” or give the gift of snuggles while supporting DZCA.

Hippopotamus

Tiny hippos are all the rage these days! Surprise the pachyderm lovers in your life with a plush pal for the holidays.

Boo at the Zoo Sensory-Friendly Night

Join us for an inclusive evening for guests living with sensory processing disorders! Enjoy a variety of accommodations including reduced crowds, low-volume music, quiet rooms and more.

Date & Time

October 31, 2024
5:00–9:00 p.m. 

ADMISSION

Tickets go on sale September 9 for DZCA members and September 16 for the general public. 

General Admission Pricing
Adults: $25.20  
Seniors: $22.05 
Youth: $18.90  
Kids Two and Under: Free 

DETAILS

Accommodations include:  

• Reduced Crowds
• No strobing effects and increased light around campus
• Low-volume music (including the Conservation Carousel and Train)
• Costumed characters are pre-positioned and will not roam
• Available quiet rooms
• Available sensory kits

Monster Masquerade Adult Night

Don’t miss our most popular Adult Night of the year: Monster Masquerade! Celebrate the Halloween season with creepy-crawly Animal Ambassadors, trivia, cool character photo ops, a costume contest and a live DJ. Get your tail down here!

In partnership with the CO Lottery

SCHEDULE

October 24
5:00–9:00 p.m. 

ADMISSION

Price: $30

DETAILS

Adult Night 
21+

• One complimentary drink
• Live DJ
• Carousel karaoke
• Costume contest
• Animal Ambassadors
• Festive photo ops
• Beastly bevvies
• Seasonal snacks

Boo at the Zoo

Boo at the Zoo

 This beloved trick-or-treating experience is back and better than ever! This timed, ticketed event is designed to minimize crowds and maximize fun. Enjoy mysterious cryptid creatures, candy stations, seasonal snacks and maximized Halloween fun for little ones and everyone. With something magical around every corner, it’s the best place in town to trick-or-treat!

In partnership with:

DATE & TIME

October 4–5, 11–13, 18–20, 25–27 
5:00-9:00 p.m. 

Sensory-Friendly Night:
October 31 
5:00-9:00 p.m. 

ADMISSION

See pricing details below. 

Tickets Available for Members September 9 @ 9:00 a.m. 

Tickets Available for the Public September 16 @ 9:00 a.m.

DETAILS

• Complimentary reusable trick-or-treat bag
• Optional $5 candy bag for kids two and under
• Nine candy stations
• Cryptid creatures and costumed characters
• Animal Ambassadors
• Festive photo ops
• Seasonal snacks

Pricing

October 2024 Calendar
October 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
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23
24
25
26
27
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30
31
Peak Pricing 

October 18–20, 25–27 
Adults: $28 
Seniors: $28 
Youth: $21 
Kids Two and Under: Free 

Candy bag for kids two and under: $5

ADOPT AN ANIMAL 

Bring the Legend Home: Adopt Your Own Bigfoot Plush! 

Available onsite only 9/27–10/31

Recent Cryptids + Creatures Spotted on Campus 

You never know what you’ll see lurking about during Boo at the Zoo—especially after dark. Stay vigilant and don’t let your eyes deceive you! You might even see all of our elusive and mysterious cryptids… 

BIGFOOT  
Sighted: Carousel

Seven feet tall and completely covered in shaggy fur, this ape-like creature prefers the solitude of mountain forests—but is rumored to be quite friendly! 

MERMAID 
Sighted: Sheep Mountain 

Unlike the sirens, who lured sailors to their deaths, this friendly mermaid is standing by to educate our human guests about her mysterious and misunderstood people. 

FAIRY  
Sighted: Carousel Meadows

A lover of all things autumn and Halloween, this ethereal creature travels between realms, spreading magic wherever she goes. 

WEREWOLF  
Sighted: Bear Mountain

One of the most ancient and  
far-ranging and cryptids, this  
shape-shifting man-beast has been spotted in nearly every  
part of the world.

UNICORN
Sighted: Denver Zoo Railroad

While this horned creature is a global symbol of purity and grace, our local rainbow steed, Dazzle, is responsible for bringing the magic of the season to our campus!

CHUPACABRA  
Sighted: Near Primate Panorama

A mammalian creature that appears like a large dog with mange, they suck the blood out of their prey to survive.

Don’t miss our other events this season:

FAQs

  • What are the dates and times for Boo at the Zoo?

    Boo at the Zoo takes place October 4–5, 11–13, 18–20, 25–27 from 5:00-9:00 p.m. Our Boo at the Zoo Sensory-Friendly Night takes place on October 31 5:00-9:00 p.m.

  • Will Boo at the Zoo offer trick-or-treating and candy?

    Yes! Your Boo at the Zoo ticket includes one complimentary reusable trick-or-treat bag. For kids two and under, an additional trick-or-treat bag will be available for purchase for $5. The trick-or-treating experience includes access to nine candy stations located across the campus. For those with dietary restrictions, tokens can be collected from each candy station which can be redeemed at allergy redemption station located at Pinnacol African Penguin Point.

  • Can my family wear costumes?

    Absolutely! We love costumes—especially animal costumes. But since both Wild Fall and Boo at the Zoo are all-ages events, masks that covers your eyes are not permitted and full masks are not permitted for guests ages 12+. Please refrain from outfits that are scary, gory, overly graphic or promote violence. Anything resembling a weapon is not permitted, including fake swords, knives, or facsimile guns, along with flashlights. 

  • Will Boo at the Zoo be scary for my little ones? 

    Nope! While there will be some characters in costume, none of them will be frightening—and our creatures won’t ever sneak up on you. If you prefer to avoid somebody like Bigfoot, for example, simply check the schedule of events to find out where and when he might be lurking around.

Wild Fall

Included with daytime admission, Wild Fall brings the spirit of the “falloween” season to life! With creepy-crawly Animal Ambassadors, pumpkin carving and mysterious creatures like Bigfoot walking among us, it’s fall fun for all ages.

In partnership with

Date & Time

September 27 – October 31
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. 

ADMISSION

Included with daytime zoo admission.

Members visit anytime—no reservations required!

DETAILS

Enjoy the Fall season with your favorite animals! 

Cryptids Spotted on Campus 

You never know what you’ll see lurking about during Wild Fall. Stay vigilant and don’t let your eyes deceive you! You might just catch a glimpse of some of our most elusive and mysterious cryptids… 

BIGFOOT  
Sighted: Sheep Mountain 

Seven feet tall and completely covered in shaggy fur, this ape-like creature prefers the solitude of mountain forests—but is rumored to be quite friendly! 

MERMAID 
Sighted: East of Stingray Cove 

Unlike the sirens, who lured sailors to their deaths, this friendly mermaid is standing by to educate our human guests about her mysterious and misunderstood people. 

FAIRY 
Sighted: Carousel Meadows 

A lover of all things autumn and Halloween, this ethereal creature travels between realms, spreading magic wherever she goes. 

Bigfoot’s been spotted at DZCA!  Dive into a world of fun educational activities and explore our rustic retail shop filled with all things Bigfoot. Inspired by our mission, this elusive legend is ready to help protect wild spaces that creatures like him call home!

Available onsite only 9/27–10/31

Bring the Legend Home: Adopt Your Own Bigfoot Plush! 

Available onsite only 9/27–10/31

Don’t miss our other events this season:

Become a member today and get two free Boo at the Zoo tickets!*  

*Tickets must be used in the 2024 season. Not valid with Zoo Pride, The HERD or Gift of Membership. Not valid for Monster Masquerade. Boo at the Zoo offer valid from September 6 at 9:00 a.m.–October 21 at 11:59 p.m. MT.

FAQs

  • What are the dates and times for Wild Fall?

    Wild Fall runs throughout the Zoo’s daytime operational hours, September 27—October 31. This “falloween” experience is spread over the Zoo’s 80-acre campus, with multiple moments of mystical surprise and delight to enjoy…and lots of amazing animals to discover.

  • Will Wild Fall offer trick-or-treating and candy?

    No, our daytime Wild Fall experience, which takes place September 27—October 31 during regular Zoo hours, does NOT offer trick-or-treating and candy. For a trick-or-treating experience, join us for our separately ticketed evening event, Boo at the Zoo! Click here for details.

  • Can my family go trick-or-treating at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance?

    Yes! In order to provide a sweet, spirited and satisfying experience for everyone, we’re excited to announce the return of Boo at the Zoo! This is a separate ticketed event that takes place ONLY on select evenings in October. Boo at the Zoo is $20 for ages 3+, with FREE admission for little ones ages 0-2. Limited admission and timed entry ensure that all guests can fill their reusable trick-or-treat bag with 30–40 pieces of candy.   

    DATES: October 4-5, 11-12, 18-19 and 25-26, with members-only on October 27 and a sensory-friendly night on October 31. Tickets go on sale September 9 for Members and September 16 for the general public.  

    NOTE: our daytime Wild Fall experience does not offer trick-or-treating. 

  • Can my family still wear costumes at Wild Fall and Boo at the Zoo? 

    Absolutely! We love costumes—especially animal costumes. But since both Wild Fall and Boo at the Zoo are all-ages events, please refrain from wearing a mask that covers your eyes, and kindly stay away from outfits that are scary or gory. Eerie, spooky, creepy, mysterious and WILD are all fine! 

  • Will Wild Fall be scary for my little ones? 

    Nope! While there will be some characters in costume, none of them will be frightening—and our creatures won’t ever sneak up on you. If you prefer to avoid somebody like Bigfoot, for example, simply check the schedule of events to find out where and when he might be lurking around.

CELEBRATE COLORADO

Join us in celebrating Colorado at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance! From July 26 to August 4, we’re excited to offer fantastic deals as part of Celebrate Colorado week.

SCHEDULE

July 26 to August 4

2:00p.m.–4:00p.m.
Monday – Friday

2:00p.m.–8:00p.m.
Saturday & Sunday

ADMISSION

During this week, enjoy 50% off admission after 2pm every day. This is the perfect opportunity to checkout our Summer Extended Hours on Saturdays and Sundays from 4-9 p.m.

DETAILS

Experience live music, yard games, new menu delights, and of course, awe-inspiring animal demos.

Join today to name the pup!

Now is the perfect time to become a member or renew your membership! During Celebrate Colorado, all new members and renewals will receive a special opportunity to vote on the name of our newest baby sloth girl.

Summer Adult Night

Beat the heat and the crowds! Join us on July 25 for Summer Adult Night. This adults-only evening includes live music, silent disco, carousel karaoke, animal demos, trivia, lawn games, and exclusive food and drinks. Enjoy one complimentary beverage from one of our themed lounges!

DATE + TIME

July 25, 2024
4:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

ADMISSION

General Admission Price

Paid reservations are required for members and non-members.

DETAILS

This event is recommended for adults age 21 and over.

Guests under the age of 18 will not be permitted.

Valid IDs must be shown to redeem drink vouchers for alcoholic beverages.

Schedule of Events

Schedule of Events

5:00–8:45 p.m.

Musicians

Songbird Stage (across Primate Panorama), Gates Amphitheater

Silent Disco

Explore the Shore

Carousel Karaoke

Conservation Carousel

6:00 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.

Animal Ambassadors

Wildlife Plaza

5:45 p.m.

Primate Demo

Great Apes

6:30 p.m.

Primate Demo

Great Apes

7:00 p.m.

Trivia

Zoo Gardens