By Reese Bentzinger

Northeast News Editorial Assistant

Normally, the only frights the zoo offers is a scarily good time.

But for three weekends in October, the zoo will host Hoots and Howls, which will jam-packed with unique Halloween-related events.

Swing by on October 6th or 7th, and you might catch the cheetahs having enrichment sessions to stimulate their instincts. The weekend will also give you the chance to meet some of your favorite Star Wars characters!

Perhaps one might prefer to chat with Black Panther or Ant-Man instead. If they head to the zoo on the 13th or 14th of October, they’ll get the opportunity to do just that. Moving forward, Elephant and Piggie from Mo Willem’s bestselling books will be making a special appearance on October 20 and 21.

If a cold glass of beer or some wine is more appealing, the sixth annual Brew at the Zoo & Wine Too will take place on October 20 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. This 21+ event will have a food truck and live music in addition to the beverages.

On the weekend before Halloween, one can give their costumes a test drive at Boo at the Zoo, which offers Trick-or-Treating as well as other Halloween frights.

Other activities include a hay bale maze, a pedal tractor, and a chance to take a trip on the Scare-O-Cel. There’s only so many events that offer you the chance to see elephants and river otters smashing pumpkins, so be sure to check out Hoots and Howls at the Kansas City Zoo this October.