Afterglow
Afterglow (proudly sponsored by Nuii) returns for unmissable evenings of colour, music, dancing and wonder. Discover the zoo after hours.
Friday 31 July - Sunday 16 August
Excludes Monday 3 & Monday 10 August15:00 - 20:00
Full day ticket, 10am - 8pm or evening only ticket, 3pm - 8pm
Full day tickets starting from £28
(Family tickets also available for full day admission)
Evening only tickets starting from £14
Members go free, with a £10 ticket offer for friends & family
What's waiting across the zoo?
Visit the Afterglow zones between 3pm and 8pm to see the zoo in a different light. With something for everyone to enjoy - from roaming dinosaurs and giant puppets, to silent discos, a cocktail bar and pub quiz.
You’ll find food, fun and feel-good moments wherever you go.
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. Catch a live show, dig for fossils or see dinosaurs come to life in virtual reality.
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.
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
What's happening and where?
You’ll begin your Afterglow journey with a bright, bold and beautiful greeting at the main entrance where you’ll meet our charming peacocks, stilt walking elephants and NEW for this year – giant giraffe puppets.
All designed to give you the warmest of welcomes and to get you in the spirit of the evening.
You’ll find dino discovery on the Stableyard Lawn (near The Oakfield), where there’ll be a bunch of dinosaur-themed activities to enjoy, including:
• Dino meets & greets
• Dino dig
• Dinosaur VR
• Ranger Academy
• NEW for 2026 – Angie the Ankylosaurus
This a must-see zone for dino lovers of all ages (including grown-ups!) – and there’ll be plenty of photo opportunities so make sure to check the schedule and find out who will be around. Don’t forget to visit the fairground while you’re here.
Get your dancing shoes on and make your way to the exhibition space between the penguins and chimpanzees (formerly home to our Planet Shark, Native, and Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibitions).
At our silent jungle disco you can choose from one of three channels in our silent disco – and enjoy a playful, vibrant party atmosphere, complete with UV face painting, themed décor, LED batons and stage lighting.*
*Over 18s only between 6:30 - 7:30pm.
Make your way to the education lawn (past Realm of the Red Ape) for sounds of summer. Where a selection of international artists drawing on styles from across the globe will be playing in an intimate and relaxed setting.
As well as performances, you’ll also have the chance to join workshops and learn a few new dance moves (no pressure!)
There’s so much talent in this line-up all brought together by artist-led carnival organisation, Global Grooves.
You'll also find one of our pop-up bars in this area for you to enjoy whilst the sounds of summer surround you.
You’ll find the laughter hub near June's food court, right beside the children’s play area (not far from the penguins).
Comedy shows, giant bubbles, stilt walkers and lots of silliness - as well as some fun photo opportunities – there’ll be smiles galore as you catch the comedy acts as they roam.
Join our Rangers in Heart of Africa from 5-8pm for talks and activities. Including Maasai Olympic-style games, hands-on experiences in the endocrinology lab, and roaming puppets bringing the space to life.
The perfect way to learn more about the animals and the conservation work protecting them.
Plus, enjoy cocktails over looking the mixed savannah in our view top area.
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.
Frequently asked questions
We recommend booking early as demand is high. You can book a full day ticket here, or an Afterglow evening ticket here.
Afterglow is free for Chester Zoo members.
