Brookfield Zoo Chicago Offers Exciting Fall Lineup
Festive events and seasonal celebrations await

Brookfield, Ill. – Brookfield Zoo Chicago is gearing up for an exciting fall season with a mix of new and returning events, including the annual Zoo Run, a vibrant Hispanic Heritage Fest, and Oktoberfest. A last chance to see some winged wonders and an opportunity to meet new feathered friends. From family-friendly Halloween festivities to a 21-and-over only after-hours event, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this autumn at the Zoo.
 
And, for a limited time only, families can get a head start on their fall adventure at the Zoo by purchasing a 90^th Anniversary Fall Fun Pass for $90. The specially priced offer, which is good through September 8, includes free general admission for two adults and children under age 18 in a single household as well as free parking in the Zoo’s north parking lot, located at 8400 31^st Street, Brookfield. The Fun Pass is valid through December 31, 2024. To purchase a Fall Fun Pass, visit BrookfieldZoo.org.

Chicken Coop at Hamill Family Play Zoo – open now
The Zoo’s Hamill Family Play Zoo is now home to several American breeds of chickens, including partridge rock, barred rock, golden Wyandotte, and silver laced Wyandotte. Located in the Chicken Coop in the northeast section of the backyard area, the eye-catching feathered birds can be seen either outdoors or inside their coop. A colorful graphic illustrates how to tell the differences between hens and roosters as well as where chickens can be found around the world—everywhere, except Antarctica and Vatican City. Hamill Family Play Zoo is free with general admission.
 
Last Chance to Experience Butterflies! – through September 2
Time is quickly running out to see hundreds of winged wonders at the Zoo’s Butterflies! habitat. Before they flutter away for the season on September 2, experience the beauty of a variety of butterflies native to North America, including swallowtails, painted ladies, and Monarchs. The screened-in habitat, which is landscaped in a colorful palette of flowering plants as well as water features, offers a tranquil setting to observe these insect marvels. Admission $3-$4.
 
Frontera Farm-to-Table Dinner – September 6
Join renowned Chef Rick Bayless for an unforgettable evening of flavor and adventure at Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s 3^rd annual Frontera Farm-to-Table Dinner on Friday, September 6, at 6 p.m. Savor a delightful evening of cocktails and appetizers before dining on an adventure of farm-to-table cuisine. The evening also features a visit from the Zoo’s animal ambassadors and concludes on a sweet note with a Ferris Wheel dessert reception in celebration of the Zoo’s 90^th anniversary. Proceeds benefit the Frontera Farmer Foundation and Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s conservation efforts. Space is limited for this unique experience that combine the best of food, nature, and entertainment while supporting a worthy cause. The cost is $330 per person. To make a reservation, go to BrookfieldZoo.org/Events.
 
Zoo Run – September 8
Whether you choose to run or stroll at a leisurely pace in Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s annual Zoo Run, you’ll help support the more than 3,000 animals that slither, hop, swim, fly, swing, and walk at the Zoo 365 days a year. The fun-filled event on Sunday, September 8, features a chip-timed 5k race at 8:30 a.m. followed by a chip-timed 1-mile race for kids ages 4-13. Each runner receives a commemorative Zoo Run swag, bib containing timing chip, and snacks and beverages. Runners can bring along family and friends for free to cheer them on and visit the animals after the races! Proceeds from the event benefit the Zoo’s Animal Care and Conservation Fund. To register and for further information, including pricing, visit BrookfieldZoo.org/Events or call (708) 688-8000.
 
Cat Awareness Weekend – September 14 and 15
For the purr-fect weekend, bring the family to Brookfield Zoo Chicago for Cat Awareness Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, September 14 and 15. During the weekend-long event, guests can learn about the Zoo’s cats—big ones and small ones—including snow leopards, African lions, Amur tigers, and desert and forest species—during special zoo chats presented by the animal care specialists. Also joining the festivities will be the Zoo’s volunteer educators, who will be at an exploration station with educational and cat biofacts on display for guests to view.
 
First Responders Day – September 15
Join Brookfield Zoo Chicago in celebrating and showing appreciation for firefighters, EMS workers, police officers, and other first responders on Sunday, September 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. At the Zoo’s Roosevelt Fountain guests can meet with representatives from many local agencies in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs who will be on hand to showcase the vehicles and equipment they use to keep their communities safe. Additionally, zoogoers can take photos with first responders as well as meet K-9 and therapy dogs from throughout the region. Youngsters will receive special giveaways (while supplies last) to remember their day. For more information visit, BrookfieldZoo.org/Events.
 
Hispanic Heritage Fest – September 21
Delight in live music, delectable cuisine, cultural performances, and more at Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Hispanic Heritage Fest on Saturday, September 21. Throughout the day, zoogoers can enjoy performances by Ballet Folklórico de Chicago, Grupo Folklórico Venada, La Escuelita Bombera de Corazón, Daniel Ochoa, and the Trabuco Salsa Band. Families can attend bilingual story times and play games presented by several local community libraries as well as learn about animals native to the Latin American region during special zoo chats. Also joining the festivities, will be representatives from local organizations and vendors, who will be at the Community Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There, guests can learn about an array of opportunities and assistance offered in surrounding neighborhoods. For a complete schedule of events, visit BrookfieldZoo.org/Events.
 
Virtual Reality Film—"Jinx” – September 18-October 31
Guests can experience a new virtual reality (VR) film that’s arriving just in time for Halloween. Beginning September 18, “Jinx” will join the line-up of available films through October 31. Featuring a ghost train ride, Jinx, the master of mystery, will take travelers through his strange and captivating world with some thrills, scares, and rollercoaster ups and downs. Just over 6 minutes in length, the film is viewed through personal headsets with immersive sound and high-tech motion seats. The cost is $8 ($6 for Zoo members).
 
Oktoberfest – September 28
Prost (Cheers) to Oktoberfest and the season of donning your lederhosen and enjoying live polka music at Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Oktoberfest, presented by Leinenkugel’s. The festive event, which takes place on Saturday, October 28, is free with general admission. Zoogoers can also pick up sponsor giveaways while taking in the sounds of Oktoberfest on the East Mall. Additionally, a seasonal menu featuring bratwursts, sausages, pretzels with beer cheese, and more is available for purchase. For more information, visit BrookfieldZoo.org/Events.
 
Fall Recycling Day – September 28
Those who were not able to clean out their basements, garages, and attics this past spring still have time this fall to bring unwanted electronics, textiles, and books to Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s fall recycling event on Saturday, September 28. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., representatives from the Zoo and its partner organizations—eWorks and USAgain—will be available to collect and recycle a variety of items. Drop off recyclables in the Zoo’s main parking lot (8400 31^st Street, Brookfield). For a complete list of acceptable recyclables, visit BrookfieldZoo.org/Events.
 
Boo! at the Zoo – October 5-6, 12-13, and 19-20
Have a howlin’ good time at Brookfield Zoo’s annual Boo! at the Zoo on Saturdays and Sundays, October 5-6, 12-13, and 19-20, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Halloween celebration will be filled with tricks and treats for the entire family. Each weekend, ghouls and boils of all ages can join in the costume parade to show off their Halloween attire. At the Nature Stage, zoogoers will be amazed at the antics of a magician demonstrating his hocus-pocus skills. Additionally, guests can take a hayride, a spin on The Carousel decked out in Halloween-themed décor, or a ride on the 90^th Anniversary Ferris Wheel for a spectacular view of the beautiful fall colors. Also joining in the fall event will be animal care staff who will present special zoo chats about not-too-creepy critters. And, guests can get sweet treats at candy stations located throughout the park as well as watch some of the animals devour and smash their own treats—pumpkins. For more information about Boo! at the Zoo activities, visit BrookfieldZoo.org/Events.
 
Zoo After Dark: BOOs & Brews – October 19
Dress up in your favorite costume attire and have a ghoulishly fun time at Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s new 21-and-over after-hours Boos & Brews. Enjoy the Halloween-themed dance party, eerie entertainment, frightening animal experiences, and chilling specialty food and drinks. For additional information, including pricing, visit BrookfieldZoo.org/Events.

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About Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Celebrating 90 years as a global leader in animal well-being and conservation, Brookfield Zoo Chicago 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 ArbNet. For more information, visit www.brookfieldzoo.org.