Fall Fest Returns to Lincoln Park Zoo September 29 

CHICAGO (July 18, 2023) – Welcome the return of autumn in Chicago at Lincoln Park Zoo’s Fall Fest, opening to the public September 29. This FREE admission, family-friendly festival invites guests to celebrate the season with classic fall favorites like pumpkin patches and hot apple cider, combined with autumn-themed animal enrichment and viewing opportunities.

The ninth annual Fall Fest features free programming like musical entertainment, story times, large-scale chalk art, live professional pumpkin carving, stilt walkers, and seasonal décor. 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 Pepper Family Wildlife Center.

Fall Fest also features several ticketed experiences for families wishing to elevate their experience. This includes limited-edition activities like the Harvest Maze, Fun Slide, an inflatable obstacle course, bouncy house, and the fan-favorite Kiddie Wheel, among other attractions. Guests will also be able to hop on some daily attractions at the zoo, including Lionel Train Adventure, AT&T Endangered Species Carousel, and the virtual reality Gorilla Trek experience.

“We’re excited to invite families back to Lincoln Park Zoo for another fun-filled Fall Fest,” said Event Manager Meg Hein. “There’s no shortage of ways for guests to celebrate the season with us, whether that means getting cozy at Patch’s, enjoying the pumpkin patch with a festive snack or riding fall themed rides. This is also the time of year where many species spend more time outdoors enjoying the cooler temperatures and the zoo’s foliage turns to breathtaking autumnal colors.”

Fall Fest is free and open to the public Friday-Sunday from September 29-October 29 and on Monday, October 9. The events hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. No registration is required, but guests can sign up at EventBrite in early September for exclusive updates throughout the season and be entered for a chance to win attraction ticket bundles. 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 online or at the zoo.

There are even more ways to celebrate autumn at the zoo throughout the season with the return of Haunted History Tours, Spooky Zoo, and Adults Night Out: Howl-O-Ween (21+). Learn more at lpzoo.org/events.

Fall Fest is sponsored by Peoples Gas. Events like Fall fest enable Lincoln Park Zoo to remain free and open to all. To learn more about the zoo or see upcoming events, visit lpzoo.org.

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