Afterglow
Afterglow brings unmissable evenings of colour, music, dancing and wonder to the zoo with late opening hours. Afterglow 2026 has now finished - check back for updates about future Afterglow evenings.
What visitors say about Afterglow
Six zones. Six ways to enjoy Afterglow.
This year there are six zones to visit while you’re here, all with a different theme to explore. From animal puppets, a dino dig and mosaic brick building, to silent discos, music workshops and comedy shows, you’re in for a real treat this summer. If you're interested in a particular performer, our staff members on the night will be more than happy to help with where and when to find them!
Meet charming peacocks, stilt walking elephants and NEW for this year – giant giraffe puppets.
You'll find roaming dinosaurs on the Stableyard Lawn. Dig for fossils, experience dinosaurs in virtual reality, or meet them up close.
Choose from one of three channels and enjoy a vibrant party atmosphere in our silent disco.
Enjoy a selection of international artists drawing on styles from across the globe, playing in an intimate and relaxed setting.
Enjoy comedy shows, giant bubbles, stilt walkers and lots of silliness.
Join our Rangers in Heart of Africa for games and activities. Plus cocktails in our savannah pop-up bar.
Download the Afterglow map
If you prefer, download our Afterglow map before your visit, or collect a printed copy from the Main Entrance when you arrive.
And much, much more...
And that’s not all. You’ll find mosaic brick building in the Picnic Lodge next to Spirit of the Jaguar, a cocktail bar in Heart of Africa, and an adult-only quiz taking place in The Oakfield.
Plus, many of our indoor habitats will remain open into the evening, alongside Treetop Challenge, Off Road Adventure and the Lazy River Boat Trip*.
And from 3-5pm, don’t miss the chance to explore Islands, where our Ranger team will be talking all about incredible Indonesian species, their unique habitats, and the challenges they face in the wild.
So, if summer is calling and you’re looking to make the most of your day, book now and add the perfect experience to your summer plans.
*Please note, indoor habitats and these activities will close 7 / 7:30pm
Members go free to Afterglow
Join today and enjoy entry to all Afterglow evenings. Members go free and don't need to book tickets, plus you'll enjoy unlimited zoo visits all year.
Afterglow 2026 is proudly sponsored by Nuii
When did you last satisfy your appetite for adventure? Nuii is an ice cream adventure that takes you to a place a little wilder than the everyday.
At Nuii we are constantly searching the globe and challenging ourselves to discover new flavours. All our ice creams are bursting with exciting textures and flavours, using the smoothest creamiest dairy, encased in indulgent chocolate.
You can sample some of Nuii's delicious ice-creams between 3-6pm at their activation zone.
Frequently asked questions
Afterglow 2026 has now ended. Keep an eye on this page for updates on tickets for future Afterglow evenings.
Afterglow is free for Chester Zoo members.
