Chester Zoo is staying open ‘after hours’ this summer so you can see the nocturnal animals

Chester Zoo is keeping its gates open late into the evening across two special weeks this summer.

The UK’s biggest charity zoo has, once again, announced the return of Afterglow for the summer, which is known and loved for offering visitors the rare opportunity to explore the zoo and its 30,000 animals after hours… but for the first time, daytime visitors can now enjoy the hugely popular event without needing a separate ticket.

Unlike previous years, visitors will no longer need to leave Chester Zoo‘s grounds and return with a separate event ticket.

Instead, guests can spend the entire day exploring the zoo before enjoying Afterglow‘s evening programme, all as part of a standard admission ticket.

Afterglow offers you the unique chance to encounter some of the world’s most endangered species during golden hour – which, for many animals, is one of their most active periods.

From 3pm until 8pm each day, giant elephant, giraffe, and peacock puppets will welcome visitors into the zoo, while life-sized dinosaurs roam the site with theatrical performances and interactive encounters.

The programme also features giant bubble displays, comedy street theatre, fairground rides, and live music performances.

A number of special experiences designed just for adults are on the lineup this year too, including quizzes in Chester Zoo’s very own pub and an adults-only silent disco inside one of the zoo’s oldest animal habitats.

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Chester Zoo’s Afterglow returns for 2026, running on exclusive dates between 31 July – 16 August from 3pm until 8pm, with tickets now on sale ranging in price depending on whether or not you buy a full-day ticket or just for the afternoon into evening slot.

And the best bit? Every ticket helps fund conservation projects protecting threatened species in more than 20 countries.

They’re already selling fast, so ook your tickets online in advance here.

Featured Image – Chester Zoo