Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Event Lineup: Fall Fest, Spooky Zoo, Haunted History Tours, Zoo Fiesta, and More!  

CHICAGO (August 28, 2025) – As the leaves turn to a lion’s mane-yellow, welcome the return of autumn in Chicago at Lincoln Park Zoo’s Fall Fest. Opening September 26, take in the sights, sounds, and smells of autumn—from pumpkin patches and hot apple cider to toasted s’mores—at this FREE admission, family-friendly festival. There are even more ways to celebrate the season with a full lineup of new and returning fall events for families and adults alike!

The eleventh annual Fall Fest, supported by Peoples Gas, features musical entertainment and professional pumpkin carvers, plus autumn-themed animal enrichment and seasonally decorated gardens. There will also be several ticketed experiences for families wishing to elevate their experience. This includes limited-edition activities like the Fun Slide, Ferris wheel, inflatable attractions, and more. Guests will also be able to hop on some daily attractions at the zoo, including Lionel Train Adventure, the Endangered Species Carousel, and the virtual reality Gorilla Trek experience.

Additionally, fun and festive photo opportunities will be available throughout the zoo for families to remember their time at Fall Fest. Also returning this year is the zoo’s over-the-top fall pop-up bar, Patch’s Pumpkin Bar & Grill, offering seasonal food, drinks, décor, and spectacular views of the lion prides at Pepper Family Wildlife Center.

“Fall Fest has become a cherished tradition here at the zoo, with families coming out each year to enjoy classic fall activities,” said Event Manager Meg Hein. “With a pumpkin patch, classic rides, and tasty treats, you don’t have to leave the city to experience the magic of autumn. Plus, you’re even able to catch some of the animals getting in on the fall fun with special enrichment items like pumpkins!”

Hosted by the zoo’s Auxiliary Board, on Saturday, October 18, families are invited to don their best costumes for daytime trick-or-treating at Spooky Zoo Presented by Comer Children’s Hospital and Peoples Gas. This free, festive, and accessible experience features spooky animal chats and learning activities, free trick-or-treating with sustainably sourced candy, kid-friendly entertainment, and free carousel rides, plus all the regular offerings at Fall Fest.

Fall Fest is free and open to the public Friday-Sunday from September 26-October 26 and on Monday, October 13. The events hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., No registration is required, but attractions do require tickets and are available individually for $4 each or in bulk packages of 10 for $36 and 20 for $69. Attraction tickets will be available to purchase on grounds, or online here.

There are even more ways to celebrate autumn at the zoo with an array of special events:

Haunted History Tours (Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout October): Dig into the zoo’s cemetery roots and spot important locations from its supposedly haunted past on one of these spooking walking tours with Adam Selzer.

New! Zoo Fiesta (Saturday, October 11): Delight in the animals, cultures, and conservation efforts of Latin America at this 21+ event celebrating Latinx and Afro-Latino cultures and communities. Enjoy free cultural performances, live music, and chats highlighting animals native to Central and South America, plus specialty food and beverages for purchase with after-hours access to the zoo.

Spooky Zoo Presented by Comer Children’s Hospital and Peoples Gas (Saturday, October 18): This free, festive, and accessible Halloween event, hosted by the Auxiliary Board of Lincoln Park Zoo, features spooky animal chats and learning activities, free trick-or-treating with sustainably sourced candy, kid-friendly entertainment, and free carousel rides, plus all the regular offerings at Fall Fest. Costumes are welcome and encouraged!

Adults Night Out: Howl-o-ween Presented by Grey Goose Vodka and Patrón Tequila (Friday, October 24): Get in the Halloween spirit at this 21+ event featuring a haunted trail, Halloween-themed animal chats, free face-painting, a live DJ, and seasonal food and beverages for purchase, plus after-hours access to the zoo. Costumes are welcome and encouraged!

About Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org.

• Click here to download Fall Fest B-roll