Fall Events, Festivals & Fun Await at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Fall Events, Festivals & Fun Await at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Mark your calendars for the Zoo’s much-anticipated lineup of events through 2025 for guests of all ages

Brookfield, Ill. — Brookfield Zoo Chicago is set for fun-filled festivities with a packed lineup of can’t-miss fall and winter events for guests of all ages. This year’s festivities are expected to be bigger and brighter than ever, with something for everyone — from community events to Halloween thrills and holiday celebrations.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends until the start of Holiday Magic on November 21, with exclusive after-hours access available through select events below. All the information guests need to plan a visit today, including open attractions and habitats, is available at brookfieldzoo.org/visit.

Sept. 7: Sixth Annual First Responders Day

Brookfield Zoo Chicago invites guests to celebrate and show appreciation for firefighters, police officers, Emergency Medical Services workers and other first responders with a day of special activities, meet and greets with dogs from local K-9 units, “touch a truck” experiences and demonstrations for all ages. The sixth annual event will include an American flag displayed by local fire departments, a ceremonial parade at 11 a.m. featuring bagpipes and the opportunity to interact with representatives from up to 50 local agencies and organizations—including the 100 Club of Illinois, which supports families of fallen law enforcement officers and firefighters. The celebration is free with Zoo admission.

Sept. 12: Frontera Farm to Table Dinner

Celebrate the flavors of our region at the 4th Annual Frontera Farm-to-Table Dinner! Held at the new James & Elizabeth Bramsen Tropical Forests, this unique culinary experience features Chef Rick Bayless and local celebrity chefs cooking up an unforgettable evening of delicious sips and bites. The immersive experience includes a captivating demonstration of culinary artistry while building connections to Zoo’s conservation efforts and the beauty of the natural world. All proceeds from the event benefit the Frontera Farmer Foundation and Brookfield Zoo Chicago. This is a ticketed, after-hours event.

Sept. 20: Zoo After Dark: Animal Adoption Adventure

Experience the Zoo like never before with an unforgettable after-dark experience where conservation meets celebration. Animal Adoption supporters and guests who purchase event tickets will have exclusive access to make memories under the moonlight with evening animal viewing, Zoo Chats, Vet Talks, a scavenger hunt, live music and more from 4-8 p.m. Event admission includes free parking, free carousel and motor safari rides, and discounts on both food and merchandise purchases.

Sept. 27: Hispanic Heritage Fest

Hispanic Heritage Fest returns to Brookfield Zoo Chicago, where guests are invited to delight in live music by Trabuco Salsa Band, delectable cuisine, cultural performances and more! This event is included with Zoo admission and features programming throughout the Zoo — including bilingual story times and a bilingual dolphin presentation at 2:30 p.m. as well as Zoo Chats featuring animals native to Latin America.

Sept. 28: Oktoberfest

Prost! to Oktoberfest at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, where the Carousel Plaza will feature family-friendly fun with polka music, dancing, games, giveaways and more. This German-style event sponsored by Leinenkugel’s, Revolution Brewing and the Yuengling Company is included with Zoo admission and will feature a special seasonal menu with bratwurst, specialty beers, pretzels with cheese and more available for purchase.

More Fun to Come!

This seasonal schedule of events will be complemented by a new Wild Connections experience with moon jellies, new arrivals and free Zoo Adventure Passport! (ZAP!) Programs available on an ongoing basis both in person and online for multi-generational learning opportunities. Additional experiences specific to middle school and high school aged youth are also available through our King Conservation Leadership Academy.

For more information about upcoming events and to buy tickets, a full look at the Zoo’s guest-favorite events is available at brookfieldzoo.org/events—including more holiday fun and a preview of the spring 2026 lineup! The best way to stay in the know of what’s new at the Zoo and receive exclusive invites is through a Brookfield Zoo Chicago membership. More information is available at brookfieldzoo.org/membership.

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