Experience the roaring rhythms of the night at Brookfield Zoo Chicago with three nights this summer of music, food, and fun among the animals. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is celebrating its 90th anniversary with a summer concert series featuring a sensational pop-rock lineup that includes The Fray, Barenaked Ladies, and Gin Blossoms—immersed within Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s beautiful landscape and diverse wildlife. Every ticket purchased contributes directly to Zoo animal care, as well as education programming and global conservation efforts. Read on to find out everything you need to know about these Brookfield Zoo concerts.
Roaring Nights Headliners
Concert-goers who attend any of the Brookfield Zoo concerts can dance the night away to live music on the Zoo’s East Mall when Meijer® presents Roaring Nights over three summer evenings. The series begins with hits from the Fray, followed by irresistible tunes from Barenaked Ladies and finally, award-winning 90s chart-toppers Gin Blossoms.
Saturday, June 22: The Fray
Enjoy high-energy crowd-pleasers including “How to Save a Life” and “You Found Me” under the stars at Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
Friday, July 12: Barenaked Ladies
Sway to the band’s breezy melodies and can’t-help-but-sing-along hits including “Pinch Me,” “One Week,” and “The Big Bang Theory” against the backdrop of the Zoo’s lush greenery.
Saturday, July 27: Gin Blossoms
Dust off those early 90s dance moves for feel-good classics including “Hey Jealousy,” “Til I Hear It From You”, and “Found Out About You.”
What to Expect While Your There
Animal Encounters & Special Zoo Experiences
Look for Brookfield Zoo Chicago animal ambassadors on the East Mall between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. on concert nights and visit several of the Zoo’s animal habitats, including the newly renovated Seven Seas Underwater Viewing Gallery, Sea Lion Cove, Big Cats, Hamill Family Wild Encounters, Desert’s Edge, and Clouded Leopard Rainforest, that will be open until 7 p.m. You can even take an evening spin on the landmark carousel until 7 p.m. or enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the onstage entertainment and the Chicago skyline from the Zoo’s Anniversary Ferris Wheel.
Dine & Drink Under the Stars
Roaring Nights offers a variety of delicious dining options, from tacos and BBQ to burgers and hot dogs, to enjoy while listening to the music, along with a variety of adult beverages. You can visit Tacos Caja, The Coop food trucks, Nectar, Graze, and the beer garden, or try a delightful “Conservation Cocktail” crafted with sustainable and locally sourced ingredients.
Choose from a Variety of Ticket & Pricing Options
Attending Roaring Nights requires purchasing a separate concert ticket in addition to your regular zoo admission. Select individual concert tickets, a special 90th-Anniversary Bundle, or make the most of your Brookfield Zoo Chicago experience with a VIP Package that includes admission, concert tickets, and exclusive benefits, including drink tickets, VIP lounge access, a Roaring Nights souvenir, and more. Tickets and packages can be purchased online or at the zoo on the day of the event—buy yours in advance to avoid long lines and ensure availability.
Brutus Package: The Brutus Package Includes early access to the park (zoo admission) before 5:00 p.m., access to the East Mall concert venue at 5:30 p.m., a Roaring Nights-branded souvenir item, light appetizers and drinks (two drink tickets) from 6:00-7:30 p.m., access to the VIP lounge and bathrooms throughout the concert, and game space. Price ranges from $160-$170.
Titus Package: The Titus Package includes early access to the park (zoo admission) before 5:00 p.m., access to the East Mall concert venue at 5:30 p.m., a Roaring Nights branded souvenir item, seating in the Beer Garden, and private beverage and snack vending in the Beer Garden. Price ranges from $90-$100.
90th Anniversary Bundle: The 90th Anniversary Bundle is available for a limited time only. This promotional offer includes tickets to all three concerts for just $90. With every individual adult ticket purchased, one child 12 and under is free. Tickets purchased individually range in price from $45 to $55. Save $65 when you buy tickets to all three concerts in a bundle. VIP ticket packages are excluded from this special offer.
Click here to buy tickets.
Tickets are Limited
Purchase your VIP Package, 90th Anniversary Bundle, or individual Roaring Nights Concert Series tickets in advance at brookfieldzoo.org/roaringnights. General admission tickets and fees for easy on-site parking and access to the carousel and Ferris wheel are also available online at brookfieldzoo.org/onlineticketing.
Join the Celebration at Roaring Nights
This summer, celebrate Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s 90th Anniversary and share an unforgettable experience with your whole family. Roaring Nights offers three incredible concerts in June and July with great bands, unique animal encounters, and family fun—all while supporting wildlife conservation efforts.
Purchase Tickets Now at brookfieldzoo.org/roaringnights
About Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Brookfield Zoo Chicago is located on 31st Street in Brookfield, Illinois, 15 miles from the Chicago Loop and less than 10 miles from the center of Oak Park. Celebrating 90 years as a global leader in animal well-being and conservation, Brookfield Zoo Chicago & the Chicago Zoological Society inspires conservation leadership by igniting emotional connections for people with wildlife and nature, locally and globally.
The Zoo is a private nonprofit organization that operates on 235 acres of land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County and is home to more than 3,500 animals representing over 500 species, including many of Earth’s most endangered. Brookfield Zoo Chicago was the first zoo in the world to be awarded the Humane Certified™ certification mark for the care and welfare of its animals, is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, and Arb Net. For more information, visit www.brookfieldzoo.org.