San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s Autumn Festival Brings Fall Vibes to the Valley
The Safari Park is leaning hard into autumn every Saturday and Sunday in October with their Autumn Festival, and honestly, it’s a smart move for a venue that doesn’t get as much seasonal love as the main zoo.
You get live music, a walk-through maze, country dancing with scarecrow hosts, and fall-themed food that goes beyond the usual festival fare.
Activity Highlights
The A-MAZE-ing Autumn Adventure is a walk-through maze with wildlife clues, which adds an educational layer to what could just be wandering around lost.
The Autumn Festival Jamboree brings country dancing with scarecrow hosts, and the Not-So-Scary Scarecrows do juggling and bouncing performances that keep things entertaining without being intense.
Live music comes from multiple sources—the Ash Meadows duo plays guitar and mandolin in Nairobi Village, while The Barn Owls handle country and bluegrass performances.
Safari Park Radio does live broadcasts with trivia and conservation segments, and the Safari Parker shows on Condor Ridge feature facts about burrowing owls.
The Reflections lantern ceremony happens in the evening with music and lights, which could be a nice way to end the day if you’re sticking around that long.
Food and Drink Situation
The culinary offerings actually sound decent—Teriyaki Pork Chop Sandwich, crab cakes, and caramel apple churro fries hit different flavor profiles beyond just “festival food.” Fall-flavored beverages include both alcoholic and nonalcoholic options, so there are choices for everyone.
The Member Preview Advantage
Members get exclusive preview access on Saturday, October 4, which typically means fewer crowds and shorter waits for activities. If you’ve got a membership, that’s probably your best bet for experiencing everything without feeling rushed or stuck in lines.
See you there!
The Safari Park is a solid 30-45 minute drive from most of San Diego, so factor that into your planning. But if you’re already members or looking for fall activities that feel more substantial than pumpkin patches, this delivers on atmosphere and programming.
📆 Saturdays and Sundays: October 4–5, 11–12, 18–19, 25–26 (Members preview: Saturday, October 4)
🎟️ Buy tickets here
ℹ️ More info here
See you there, San Diego!
