Pretzels and polka and beer, oh my! Oktoberfest at the Zoo is the all-new beer fest that’ll help you kick off the fall season. Don’t drink beer? No problem. Wine, seltzers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available! Bring your lederhosen and get ready for the “Prost” with the most at Lincoln Park Zoo.
At this adults-only (21+) evening, guests can enjoy adult beverages, pretzels, bratwursts, and more while viewing the zoo’s lush gardens and dynamic animal habitats for more than 170 species. Die Musikmeisters, Chicago’s No. 1 German Band, will perform on Main Mall. Meanwhile, a live DJ gets the party going on South Lawn for those looking to dance the night away! Don’t expect kids or strollers—this event is for adults only. Take a break from your usual routine and do something different; spend a night celebrating with your friends!
Event tickets include exclusive after-hours, limited capacity access to Lincoln Park Zoo.
THIS EVENT WILL FEATURE
- Die Musikmeisters performing live on the zoo’s Main Mall
- A Live DJ on the South Lawn playing pop and party hits
- Pop-up bars serving Oktoberfest beers and other adult beverages throughout the zoo
- Concession stands serving up giant pretzels and bratwursts as well as your favorite zoo foods
- Lawn games and plenty of spaces to relax and refresh with friends and family
- After-hours access to Lincoln Park Zoo’s gardens and animal habitats
River North Fests events at Lincoln Park Zoo help keep the zoo free and open to all 365 days a year. Support the zoo while sipping an adult beverage!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What parts of the zoo will be open, and will I see animals?
Oktoberfest at the Zoo will take place throughout Lincoln Park Zoo’s buildings and grounds.
Animals that live at Lincoln Park Zoo always have the choice to be indoors or out, in view of the public or not. This is a zoo policy that promotes positive animal welfare. We hope many animals will choose to be outside, but they may choose to spend their evening indoors.
Is this event accessible?
Yes! To learn about accessibility at Lincoln Park Zoo, please visit lpzoo.org/accessibility.
What are the age restrictions for this event?
21+. No one under this age will be permitted into the event. All guests must have a ticket.
Can I purchase tickets at the door?
Maybe. If tickets remain available, a limited number of tickets will be for sale at the door at a higher price. We highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance, though, as this event always sells out quickly!
I am a member. How can I apply my membership benefits?
Members get 10% off registration for all zoo events. To redeem your member discount:
- Click “REGISTER NOW” at the top of the website.
- Click “TICKETS.”
- In the top-right-hand corner, select “ENTER PROMOTIONAL CODE.”
- Enter the first three digits of your Lincoln Park Zoo membership number.
- Select “APPLY CODE.”
- Select the number of tickets you need and proceed to checkout.
Can I transfer my tickets or get a refund? What happens if there is inclement weather?
All Lincoln Park Zoo event tickets are non-refundable. If you are not able to make it to the event, feel free to give your ticket to a friend or family member. All events will be held rain or shine. Please dress accordingly!
How do I enter the event and can I re-enter once checked in?
Enter the zoo at the East Gate on Cannon Drive and Fullerton Parkway (the zoo’s parking lot) or the West Gate at Stockton Drive and Webster Drive. Tickets can be scanned on your smartphone or on a printed sheet of paper. Re-entry is not permitted.
What items are prohibited at this event?
Lincoln Park Zoo has a strict policy of restricted items for this event. Please make note of the below items that are restricted for this event:
- NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR BEVERAGES
- No water bottles, beverage containers, cans, or bottles
- No folding chairs
- No luggage of any kind
- No animals (with the exception of service animals)
- No coolers (unless medically required)
- No illegal substances
- No noisemakers or balloons
- No Segways or motorized scooters
- No thermal containers
- No weapons
- No remote-controlled aircrafts or drones
- No items deemed dangerous or inappropriate
Alcohol purchased outside the zoo is prohibited, and we ask that you refrain from smoking tobacco and cannabis inside the gates for the health and safety of our animals and visitors. Lincoln Park Zoo’s Code of Conduct can be found here.
No firearms or weapons of any kind are allowed, except for on-duty police or security personnel. For the safety of guests, staff, volunteers, and animals, all purses, bags, and other items carrying personal belongings are subject to inspection upon entry.
