What to KnowZootoberfest 2026Sept. 19 and 2010 a.m. to 5 p.m.Included with zoo admission; food and drinks are additionalA braid bar, live music, and animal talks are on the celebratory roster
Many animals famously possess distinctive and delightful lazing-about styles, and how we do love them for it, for a lovely loll is always a wonderful thing to behold.
A dog may favor its back, with its legs sticking up in the air, while a cat curls up into a perfect little fur pancake.
And at the zoo? Lions and lizards and koalas may be seen trying out all sorts of interesting leg placements, even, on occasion, looking a bit like a pretzel.
But a different sort of pretzel will rule one of Southern California’s best-known beastie bastions, a goodie that will play a tempting role in a larger seasonal celebration.
It’s Zootoberfest, which is summoning the summer-concluding spirit on Sept. 19 and 20.
The name of the party reveals where it will be: LA Zoo is the spot, and your admission gives you a crack at the colorful fun.
For sure, the mega pretzels associated with Oktoberfest fun will be available for purchase, and beverages, too, but activities and entertainment are included with your entry price.
This happening is a new offering from LA Zoo, so if you’ve been to some of their fall-inspired festivities before some of the sights and sounds may be fresh.
On the busy roster? Lawn games, a braid bar, and presentations by keepers, meaning you’ll learn some nifty animal facts along the way.
Beer will be for sale for the 21+ guests, while root beer floats will also be part of the sippable scene. The food, too, will pay appetizing ode to some of the traditional treats of Germany, the sorts of merry munchables you might find in Munich at this time of the year.
As for the music? For sure: It’s dance-ready and oompah-deep, so don your clogs or whatever boots you like to kick up and live it up at this LA Zoo debut, a new event with fall flair, animal cuteness, and, oh yes, giant pretzels.
If you’re sniffing out more autumn-tastic adventures at the Griffith Park destination, look to late October and the very first day of November: Boo at the LA Zoo rolls out the pumpkins for critters to gnaw on Oct. 24, 25, 31, and Nov. 1.