Knoxville Prepares for Final Weekend of BOO! at the Zoo Halloween Festivities

Knoxville’s Halloween Festivities: BOO! at the Zoo Returns

Knoxville, get ready for some fang-tastic fun as BOO! at the Zoo, a beloved Halloween celebration, creeps back into town for its final weekend! Running from October 24 to 27, this thrilling event will take place from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. each evening at Zoo Knoxville, located at 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive.

Thrills and Chills for All Ages

Celebrating its **38th year**, BOO! at the Zoo is a traditional highlight for families in the area. This year, visitors can embark on a 21-station Treat Trail, where trick-or-treaters can collect delectable goodies as they wander through the zoo. And that’s not all! Guests will groove the night away at the Monster Mash dance party, which promises plenty of lively tunes and boogie-worthy beats.

For those with a fascination for the prehistoric, don’t miss the special Planet Predator exhibit, featuring lifelike animatronic dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. It’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!

Special Character Nights Added Fun

To make this event even spookier, special character nights are in store! On October 26, get ready to meet some iconic characters from the “Star Wars” universe, and on October 27, popular princesses will be making magical appearances throughout the zoo. It’s the perfect opportunity for photos and making memorable moments.

Extras and Einstein’s Creations

Looking for a little adventure? Don’t miss the Soaring Eagle zip line and the whimsical BOO! Choo Train, both of which are weather permitting. Additionally, guests can indulge in seasonal treats from zoo restaurants, with exclusive menu items available just for this special occasion. Who can resist a delicious caramel apple or Halloween-themed cupcake?

Tickets and Accessibility

Tickets for BOO! at the Zoo are priced at $15 per person for everyone aged 3 and up, while little ones aged 2 and under can join in the fun for free! Plus, parking at the zoo is complimentary. You can purchase tickets online at booknoxville.com, over the phone by calling 865-637-5331, or the old-fashioned way at the zoo’s box office during regular hours, which run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

If you’re a Zoo Knoxville member or part of the Circle of Friends, you’ll be happy to know that you can snag a $1 discount on tickets and enjoy express entry to the treat trail! The zoo encourages everyone to buy tickets online in advance to secure your spot, as ticket availability each night will be limited to ensure a spooky and safe experience.

Crazy D’s BBQ and Southern Grill: Back on the Road

While Halloween festivities are taking over Knoxville, let’s not forget about the blossoming food scene in the area. Meet Derek Graham, a local entrepreneur who learned valuable lessons in the food industry after winding paths led him to start his own food truck, Crazy D’s BBQ and Southern Grill.

The Journey Begins

Graham, a 1995 graduate of Halls High School, ventured into the food business about seven years ago, amidst a time when food trucks were just starting to catch on. He quickly established a following with mouth-watering barbecue offerings. After years on the road, he opened a brick-and-mortar location, which initially thrived before challenges hit.

“The rent was going up, and people weren’t coming in,” Graham explained. “I couldn’t afford to stay.” After the closure of his restaurant, he returned to the mobile food scene this past April with a revamped menu. No ribs or brisket this time around; just delicious pork and chicken barbecue sandwiches, burgers, and even soft-serve ice cream!

Lessons Learned

Graham shared how essential it is to understand your community and market when selecting a location. “I would pay more attention to the location,” he said, reflecting on the ups and downs of running his restaurant. He realized that the novelty of new menu items sometimes led to a decline in support.

Even through setbacks, Graham remains committed to serving incredible food to the community. “I’ve got some pretty good barbecue and some good sauces,” he boasts. “I’ve got people from the Corryton area who will follow me to West Knoxville just to get that barbecue.”

With food stops updated regularly on social media, keep an eye out for Crazy D’s BBQ as it crosses Knoxville serving happiness, one delicious sandwich at a time!