31st July - 16th August 2026
Afterglow at Chester Zoo!
Afterglow is included with standard Chester Zoo admission. Alternatively, Afterglow-only tickets are available for entry from 3pm.
Experience Afterglow at Chester Zoo with late-night animals, entertainment and family fun.
LocationChester Zoo
Typical Visit Time5 Hours+
Suitable ForAll Ages & All Group Sizes
Typical Visit Time5 Hours+
LocationChester Zoo
Suitable ForAll Ages & All Group Sizes
What to Expect...
Stay later. Discover more.
Whether you’re making the most of a full day at the zoo with extra summer evening hours, or joining us from 3 – 8pm, this is your chance to experience the zoo in its golden-hour glow.
Taking place from Friday 31 July – Sunday 16 August, Afterglow is an experience like no other. Full of colour, music, fun – and, of course, animals – we’ve packed so much into these evenings so you get to stay here later, discover even more and enjoy a day to remember.
A standard zoo admission ticket includes access to Afterglow - so you can enjoy a full day at the zoo and stay on into the evening as the zoo transforms from 3 – 8pm.
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.
Event Highlights
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!
Dino discovery
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.
Jungle disco
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.
Opening Times
10:00 - 20:00 All Day Tickets
15:00 - 20:00 Afterglow only Tickets
Location Details
Full Address:
Chester Zoo, Upton by Chester Chester, CH2 1LH
Get DirectionsBy Train
Chester Zoo is a couple of miles from Chester Station and Bache Station.
By Bus
You can take the Stagecoach 1 & X1 Service from Chester to Liverpool, as well as the PR3 and 5 buses, which run seven days a week.
By Car
Chester Zoo is not far from the M56 or Chester city centre. Follow the motorway signs to Chester, then follow the brown tourist zoo signs.
Once on the A41, stay on that road until you reach a roundabout with signs for Chester Zoo. Don’t turn down Flag Lane North; it’s a dead end.
