The Colchester Zoological Society has officially announced the return of its popular Halloween event, Shriek Week, which will take place during the October half term in 2026. Families can visit the zoo for the seasonal activities from 24 October to 1 November 2026.
Located on Maldon Road in Stanway, the site is accessible via junction 26 of the A12. The Halloween festivities are included with standard zoo admission, meaning there is no additional charge for the planned activities. Zoo members can gain entry by presenting their valid membership on the day, while other visitors are encouraged by the society to book their tickets online in advance to secure the best pricing.
Shriek Week was first launched in 2020 as a daytime alternative to the zoo’s evening events. While the full schedule for 2026 is still being finalised, previous years have featured family-friendly entertainment such as dance parties, craft sessions, and themed scavenger trails. The event is designed to be suitable for children of all ages as they explore the 60 acres of parkland and lakes.
This event forms part of the wider operations of the zoo, which transitioned into a charitable trust in February 2025. The organisation, which houses over 150 species, continues to focus on its conservation work and was recognised in 2025 with both the International Explorer Award and a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award.
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