Join us at Brookfield Zoo Chicago this fall for a new, vibrant Hispanic Heritage Fest on Saturday, September 21. Delight in live music, delectable cuisine, cultural performances, and more—all included with your Zoo admission for a day of celebration and exploration!  

 

Hispanic Heritage Fest Activities & Lineup: 

Enjoy festive music all-day from DJ Fire as well as performances at the East Mall by: 

• • 10:00 a.m.: Ballet Folklórico de Chicago  

• • 10:45 a.m.: Grupo Folklórico Venado  

• • 11:30 a.m.: Ballet Folklórico Sones Mexicanos  

• • 1:00 p.m.: La Escuelita Bombera de Corazón  

• • 2:00 p.m.: Daniel Ochoa  

• • 3:00 p.m.: Trabuco Salsa Band  

 

Stop by the East Mall from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to engage with our community groups and vendors including: 

• • Old National Bank 

• • U.S. Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García 

• • Illinois State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes   

• • Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya 

• • Brookfield Zoo Chicago Education & Community Engagement  

• • Alex Velázquez-Brightbill Arts  

• • Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council  

• • Casa Alegre MedTec  

• • Community Support Services, Inc.  

• • El Valor  

• • Family Focus – Cicero 

• • Family Focus – Nuestra Familía  

• • Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network 

• • Increase The Peace Chicago Social Service  

• • Jaqui Arte  

• • Latinos Homeschooling  

• • Los Amigos Books 

• • Mujeres por Espacios Verdes   

• • National Youth Advocate Program 

• • Oak Street Health  

• • PCCCArts 

• • The Loft at Eight Corners  

• • UChicago AdventHealth 

• • Virginia Martinez – Adventures with Abuela 

• • ¡Viva! Los Libros 

• • West40  

 

Experience bilingual and Spanish-language story times, music, and games for the whole family at the Hamill Family Nature Plaza: 

• • 10:30 a.m. Story time with Maywood Public Library   

• • 11:15 a.m. Story time with Berwyn Public Library   

• • 12:00 p.m. Story time with Chicago Public Library - Back of the Yards Branch   

• • 12:45 p.m. Kids music with Brookfield Zoo Chicago Education & Community Engagement 

• • 1:30 p.m. Lotería game with Lyons Public Library   

• • 2:15 p.m. Story time with local author Virginia Martinez Adventures with Abuela  

 

Look for signs that highlight the Spanish-speaking countries and regions of the world that are the natural ranges of the animals entrusted to Brookfield Zoo Chicago.  

 

Take part in animal experiences and Zoo Chats offered in Spanish, in English with Spanish supports, or through dual language presentations: 

• • 11:00 a.m.: Hamill Family Wild Encounters – Llamas and Eastern Screech Owls 

• • 11:30 a.m.: Feathers and Scales – Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake 

• • 12:15 p.m.: Sea Lion Cove – California Sea Lions 

• • 12:45 p.m.: King Scholars: Moving Chats (Amur Leopard to Snow Leopard)   

• • 2:30 p.m.: Living Coast Plaza – Andean Condor    

• • 3:00 p.m.: Living Coast – Rays & Sea Turtles 

• • 4:00 p.m.: Dolphins in Action* 

Spanish interpretation supports provided by Cicero Community Collective 

*Separate fees apply 

 

Explore the taste of a variety of Hispanic dishes at East Mall food locations.