Fifth Annual Fall Fest Returns to Lincoln Park Zoo

Fifth Annual Fall Fest Returns to Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo is embracing autumn in Chicago with the fifth annual Fall Fest, kicking off Sept. 27. This exciting, FREE admission, family-friendly celebration lets guests experience harvest fun in the heart of the city, from picking the perfect pumpkin to ‘swimming’ in the corn pool.

In addition to the free offerings at Fall Fest, including singalong sessions with Mary Macaroni and the Impastas and autumn-themed animal enrichment daily, Fall Fest features ticketed experiences: a corn maze to explore and thrilling rides to conquer, like the obstacle course that features a 12ft slide! The festival will also include a 65-foot Ferris wheel, a large corn pool, multiple bounce houses, professional pumpkin carvers, and educational activities.

“Lincoln Park Zoo is dedicated to connecting people with nature,” said events director Josh Rupp. “At Fall Fest, guests can enjoy the changing of the seasons in their urban backyard. It’s a celebration not to be missed!”

In true fall fashion, pumpkins will be available for purchase throughout the entire month of October at pumpkin patches located in front of the Gift Shop, at Lionel Train Adventure, and on the Park Place Terrace. Pumpkins vary in price depending on size.

Fall Fest is a free event open to the public Sept. 27 – 29, Oct. 4 – 6, 11 –14 (Indigenous Peoples’ Day), 18 – 20 and 25 – 27. The event’s hours are 10 a.m.—5 p.m. Tickets are required for attractions and are available individually for $3 each or in bulk packages of 10 for $27, or 20 for $51. All zoo buildings will remain open with regular hours during this time and all daily programing will continue as well.

Additional Fall Events at the Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo’s Auxiliary Board will host the 33rd annual Spooky Zoo, Saturday, Oct. 26. This FREE event allows children to celebrate Halloween in a safe and family-friendly environment. It will include an animal education zone, arts and crafts, and, of course, trick-or-treating. Tickets for Fall Fest rides will remain available for purchase during Spooky Zoo as well.

Too old for trick-or-treating, but still want to join in on the holiday fun? Adults Night Out: The Great Pumpkin Glow on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 6:30 – 10 p.m. is an ages 18-and-older event for the kid at heart. Enjoy the zoo covered in pumpkins galore, unique animal chats, and a wine, beer, or spirit in hand (for those ages 21+) without kids and crowds. Tickets are available in advance for $15 ($12 for Lincoln Park Zoo members—not a member? Join today at lpzoo.org/membership) or $20 at the door, if tickets remain. Adults Night Out: The Great Pumpkin Glow is sponsored by Fat Tire by New Belgium Brewing.

In the mood for something spooky? Join Adam Selzer, host of Mysterious Chicago Tours, for spine-tingling walkabouts that dig into the zoo’s cemetery roots and locations from throughout its allegedly haunted history. Haunted History Tours take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout October.

Events like Fall Fest enable Lincoln Park Zoo to remain free and open 365 days a year. For more information on Lincoln Park Zoo or upcoming events, visit lpzoo.org/events.

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