Lincoln Park Zoo to Host Zoo Fiesta Event Celebrating Latine Cultures and Communities on October 11

CHICAGO (September 29, 2025) – ¡Vamos a la Lincoln Park Zoo! Zoo Fiesta at Lincoln Park Zoo on October 11 welcomes guests to delight in the animals, cultures, and conservation efforts of Latin America. A play on “su fiesta,” Zoo Fiesta brings cultural performances, music, specialty foods, and animal chats to the zoo for a lively evening celebrating Latine cultures and communities. This event is 21 and up, so attendees can mix and mingle with fellow adults, or explore everything the zoo has to offer without children present.

Included with ticket purchase, guests can get in touch with their creative side with Latine-inspired activities. OPEN Center for the Arts will be at Zoo Fiesta leading wearable art crafting sessions, Casa Michoacan will have sugar skulls available to decorate, and the Center of Peruvian Arts will be hosting dance performances and a workshop. Guests can enjoy performances by the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance Youth Ensemble’s The Latin Music Project and DJs will keep the party going with music all night long.

Throughout the evening, zookeepers will be hosting animal chats in Spanish and English highlighting native wildlife in Central and South America and how Lincoln Park Zoo plays a role in their conservation. The festivities continue with free rides on the Giant Fun Slide, Ferris Wheel, and Endangered Species Carousel. Lawn games and a special photo opp will also be available across zoo grounds.

“Here at Lincoln Park Zoo, we’re always looking for ways to welcome Chicagoans from all over the city to the zoo for a fun and unique experience,” said Desiree Lambert, Director of Events. “We’re excited to celebrate Latine cultures at Zoo Fiesta with a lively party—and a side of learning!”

Guests can indulge in the flavors of Latin America with specialty food items available exclusively at the event. The menu includes tacos, tortas, elotes, tamales, and quesadillas, plus Corona and Modelo beers, available to purchase at restaurants throughout zoo grounds. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will also be available to purchase.

Univision Chicago is the Official Media Partner of Zoo Fiesta. The event is part of the Chicago Cultural Alliance’s Journey Chicago October 2025 program. This month-long festival of cross-cultural events at Chicagoland cultural heritage institutions showcases the diversity of the city’s food, art, music, dance, and culture.

Zoo Fiesta will be emceed by Omar Ramos. Perhaps better known in Chicago as Omarcillo, Ramos is an energetic and multifaceted DJ who hosts the daily afternoon drive on Latino Mix. He also is a play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Bears and Chicago Fire, as well as the host of Contacto Deportivo.

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.