LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Merry, not scary fun, is coming to the Louisville Zoo. 

The zoo's beloved "Boo at the Zoo" is returning for a 43rd year, with tickets on sale now. This year's event will open Saturday, Sept. 28 and run Thursday through Sunday nights until Oct. 27, with the fun starting at 5 p.m. and going until 10 p.m. Guests must enter at their ticketed time by 9 p.m. 

Tickets include zoo admission, parking, Spooktacular Carousel, “not-so-itsy-bitsy” Spider House and the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow attraction, with other highlights including live music, photo opportunities and trick-or-treating for guests 11 and under. They are $13.50 for non-members and $7 for members. Children 2 and under do not need a ticket.

Popular nights are expected to sell out quickly, the zoo said, and visitors are encouraged to purchase their tickets as soon as possible. A limited number will also be available at select Meijer stores for $11.50 through Sept. 20. 

Children and adults are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costumes and bring their own trick-or-treat bags; however, a select number of reusable bags will be available at the zoo's gift shop for $2. The zoo will close early on "Boo at the Zoo" days for regular daytime visitors, with gates closing at 3 p.m. and guests being allowed to stay until 4 p.m. While guests may catch a glimpse of the zoo's animals, the zoo said most will not be viewable in the evenings so they can rest and maintain their normal schedules. 

Special dates include sensory-friendly hours Sunday, Oct. 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with fewer lights and lower music, and an allergy-friendly night Wednesday, Oct. 23, which will feature peanut-free treat booths and non-food treats such as stickers and pencils. Proceeds from "Boo at the Zoo" support the zoo's animal care programs and conservation education.

The Louisville Zoo is open daily year-round, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Summer hours, which run through Sept. 22, are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.