Calendar & Events

Calendar & Events

Featured Events

Adults Night Out: Crafted

21+

Friday, August 21

Chicagoland crafters, this one’s for you! Adults Night Out: Crafted is a night for craft enthusiasts ages 21+ to get hands-on with your favorite crafts and hang out with the local creative community. Bring your latest work in progress, start up a new project, and make new connections in a supportive environment.

Learn More

Coming Soon

 

Fall Fest

All Ages

September 25–November 1

Chicago’s favorite free and family-friendly festival is back at Lincoln Park Zoo for another season of harvest-time fun!

Learn More

’80s vs. ‘90s Night at the Zoo Hosted by River North Fests

Ages 21+

Saturday, September 19

Relive the days of mixtapes and boomboxes at ’80s vs. ’90s Night hosted by River North Fests! Expect karaoke, cocktails, and kickin’ it old school.

Get Tickets

Did You Know?

Buying tickets to events is a way to support animal wellbeing at Lincoln Park Zoo and conservation efforts to save species in the wild.

All Ages

Saturdays, May–October

9–10 a.m.

Ages 16+

Sound Meditation With Jay Taylor

Lie back, relax, and sink into an immersive sonic landscape with sound meditation facilitator Jay Taylor. Learn more.


September 25–November 1

10 a.m.–5 p.m.

All Ages

Fall Fest

Chicago’s FREE fall celebration returns to Lincoln Park Zoo with a full slate of harvest-time fun!


November 20–January 3

4:30–9 p.m.

All Ages

ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd

With over 3 million lights, ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd is Chicagoland’s favorite holiday tradition. Learn more.


Sunday, December 6

Matinee and Evening Shows

All Ages

Chris White Jazz Trio Tribute to A Charlie Brown Christmas

Experience the Chris White Jazz Trio’s performance of Vince Guaraldi’s classic soundtrack, A Charlie Brown Christmas.


January 2, 2027

All Ages

New Year’s ReZoolutions


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Just for Adults

 


Friday, August 21

6:30–10 p.m.

Ages 21+

Adults Night Out: Crafted

Bring your creativity and come chill at the zoo with your favorite crafts, cocktails, and community.


Saturday, September 19

6:30–10 p.m.

Ages 21+

River North Fests Presents ’80s vs. ’90s Night at the Zoo

Relive the days of mixtapes and boomboxes at ’80s vs. ’90s Night hosted by River North Fests! Expect karaoke, cocktails, and kickin’ it old school. Learn more.


October 23–24

6:30–10 p.m.

Ages 21+

Zoo Brews: Howls and Growls

An adults-only Halloween party with unlimited samples of craft beers and ciders at themed “trick or treat” stations. Learn more.


Thursday, December 10

6:30–10 p.m.

Ages 21+

Adults Night Out: Naughty or Nice

Save the date, check it twice, then decide: Naughty or Nice? This light-hearted and kid-free holiday party will be equal parts sweet and spicy.


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Just for Kids

 

Multiple dates

Ages 2–4 with an adult

9:30–10:30 a.m.

LEAP: Learn, Explore, and Play

Join us for a morning of investigating and exploring the natural world through play. Learn more.


Summer 2026

9 a.m.–3 p.m., Weekdays

PreK–5

Conservation Camp

Campers, rising grades PreK-5, will explore the zoo and learn about animals and how we care for them. Learn more.


Summer 2026

9 a.m.–3 p.m., Weekdays

Grades 6–8

Summer Zoo Crew

Through team-building and immersive learning, campers will explore the relationships between animals, humans, and ecosystems. Learn more.


Saturday, October 17

Spooky Zoo

Enjoy a free trick-or-treat experience around the zoo. Learn more.


March 27, 2027

Spring Egg-Stravaganza


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Members Only

 

Second Saturday from March–October

8–10 a.m.

Members

Early Bird Member Morning

Join us for a series of members-only hours at the zoo! Learn more.


Thursday, November 19

Members

Member Preview Night at ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd


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All Abilities

 

Third Friday of Each Month

10:15–11:15 a.m.

All Who Benefit

Memory Enrichment

Join us for a welcoming program for people living with dementia and their loved ones and care partners. Learn more.


Sunday, April 26

8–10 a.m.

All Who Benefit

Sensory-Friendly Mornings

These free mornings give guests access to the entire zoo before regular opening hours. Learn more.


Sunday, June 28

10 a.m.-2 p.m.

All Who Benefit

Sensory-Friendly Days at Farm-in-the-Zoo

Enjoy the Farm-in-the-Zoo for all who benefit from visiting without crowds and other sensitive environmental elements. Learn more.


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Tours and Encounters

 

Second Thursday of Each Month

6–7 p.m.

Ages 16+

Sunset Garden Tours

Join a zoo expert for a relaxed evening in the gardens at Lincoln Park Zoo—after hours! Learn more


May 28–October 31

10–11 a.m.

Ages 6+

Malott Family Penguin Encounter

Experience the zoo from inside the African penguin habitat! Learn more.


June 16–November 15

3–4 p.m.

Ages 13+

Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House

Experience Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House like you never have before! Learn more.


September 29–October 28

7–8:15 p.m. & 8:30–9:45 p.m.

Ages 16+

Haunted History Tours

Join Adam Selzer, for walking tours that dig into the zoo’s cemetery roots and its allegedly haunted history.


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