Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is preparing for one of its most popular annual events. The Harvest Moon Festival offers guests a rare chance to experience the zoo after hours. It features activities for all ages and serves as a key fundraiser for animal care and conservation efforts. The event is open to the public and zoo members alike.

The festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Attendees can look forward to nocturnal animal activities, animal meet-and-greets, a hay maze, s'mores, bounce houses, and a DJ Glow Party.

Tickets are available at HarvestMoonFest.givesmart.com. For guests, adult tickets are $15, children ages three to 17 are $10, and children two and under are free. Zoo members receive discounted pricing, with adults at $10 and children ages three to 17 at $5.

The Harvest Moon Festival is more than just a fun night out. As a nonprofit organization, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo depends on events like this to care for more than 250 animals that live there.

Funds raised go toward animal diets, veterinary care, and enrichment programs. These programs are designed to keep the animals active, healthy, and engaged. The zoo also uses the support to run educational programs that help people learn about wildlife and inspire them to protect the natural world.

Each year, the AGCZ conservation committee selects a cause to highlight at the festival. This year, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to SAFE — Saving Animals From Extinction — with a focus on the American Red Wolf Program.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo made history this year by becoming the first zoo in the state to join the SAFE American Red Wolf Program as a partner facility. The zoo is caring for red wolves until they are ready to be paired for breeding or released into the wild. Two brothers, Jenkins and Walker, now live at the zoo as part of that effort.