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A pumpkin with a surprised face sits on top of a rock. A large Polar Bear stands beside it with the stem and top of the pumpkin hanging from its mouth.

Pumpkin Palooza

Event Dates
Saturday, November 7, 2026, 9 am - Sunday, November 8, 2026, 3 pm
Sunday, November 9, 2025, 9 am - 3 pm

Pumpkin Palooza at the North Carolina Zoo, Nov. 8 & 9, 2025 

A Smashing Good Time!

Pumpkin Palooza is a fall tradition at the North Carolina Zoo where animals get tasty pumpkins for enrichment. Guests can enjoy watching the animals from around the Zoo pound, stomp, crush, and eat pumpkins.

Pumpkin Palooza is included with general admission and will be held November 7 & 8, 2026. 

A profile view of an elephant standing in a field, hoisting a large pumpkin up to its mouth with its trunk, its head it slightly angled upwards. There are lush green trees in the background.