News Release
Contact: Sondra Katzen, Public Relations, 708.688.8351, sondra.katzen@czs.org
May 28, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Note: Images of any of the events listed below are available by calling the Chicago Zoological Society’s Public Relations Department at (708) 688-8351 or emailing sondra.katzen@czs.org.
Brookfield Zoo’s Calendar of Events
(June – December 2019)
Father’s Day BBQ
(Sunday, June 16)
Bring your dad to Brookfield Zoo this Father’s Day for an all-you-can-eat barbecue buffet and then spend time visiting his favorite animals. The barbecue, which begins at noon in the Pavilions, will feature a day of fun and an extensive menu, including slow-roasted strip loin, mashed potatoes, barbecue chicken and baby back ribs, corn-on-the-cob, grilled vegetables, and homemade apple cobbler with vanilla bean ice cream for dessert. An interactive DJ will provide added entertainment. Seating is limited, and reservations are required. Pricing is $49.95 for adults and $29.95 for children ages 3 to 11. Children 2 and under eat for free. For further information and to make reservations, visit CZS.org/Events or call (708) 688-8355.
Summer Nights Concerts
(Friday and Saturdays, June 21-August 10)
At Brookfield Zoo, the summer fun is getting hotter when the sun goes down at our Summer Nights Concerts, presented by Meijer. On Fridays and Saturdays, June 21 through August 10, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. guests of all ages can relax on the zoo’s East Mall while enjoying live music, roaming performers, family entertainment presented by JULIE, Inc., and a spectacular laser light show that culminates each evening. In addition, there is enhanced dining, beer and wine gardens, and of course, appearances by the zoo’s animal ambassadors. For more information and the full concert lineup, visit CZS.org/SummerNights or call (708) 688-8000.
Trivia Night
(Wednesdays, June 26 and August 14)
Prove you are the wisest owl at Brookfield Zoo’s Trivia Night. This fun-filled evening will include music, meet and greets with the zoo’s animal ambassadors, drinks, prizes, and of course, a ton of trivia. Food will be available for purchase. Tickets, which include early entry into the zoo during regular hours of 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., are $35. Tables of six also may be purchased for $198. All ticket holders for trivia night must be 21 years of age or older. A valid ID is required for entrance. Tickets are limited. To purchase tickets or for further information, visit CZS.org/TriviaNight.
Summer Sundays – Pups Breakfast
(Sunday, July 7)
Families are invited to join their favorite Pups characters for an all-you-can eat breakfast at Brookfield Zoo’s Discovery Center. Beginning at 9:00 a.m. guests can enjoy a buffet of tasty menu items, including seasonal fruits; a variety of bagels, pastries, muffins, and cereals; fluffy scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage; French toast; breakfast potatoes; and beverages. There will be plenty of time to meet, chat, and even take photos with the popular characters. Reservations are required. The price, which includes zoo admission, is $29.95 for adults and $21.95 for children ages 3 to 11. Children 2 and under eat for free. Visit CZS.org/SummerSundaysPups or call (708) 688-8355 for additional information and to make reservations.
Paint Night at Brookfield Zoo
(Wednesdays, July 10 and July 24)
Are you a "Penguin Picasso" or "Vincent Van Goat"? Pick up your paintbrush, put on your smock, and get your palettes ready for Paint Night at Brookfield Zoo! Painting will take place in the underwater viewing gallery at Great Bear Wilderness. Participants will receive a 16-inch x 20-inch canvas and receive step-by-step instructions from a professional artist. Light bites will be provided along with a cash bar (wine and beer). Tickets are $60 per person. To make reservations, visit CZS.org/Events.
Summer Sundays – Superhero Breakfast
(Sunday, July 14)
Unleash your inner super power and speed on over to Brookfield Zoo for breakfast with a group of spectacular superheroes’. Beginning at 9:00 a.m. guests can enjoy a buffet of tasty menu items, including seasonal fruits; a variety of bagels, pastries, muffins, and cereals; fluffy scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage; French toast; breakfast potatoes; and beverages. There will be plenty of time to meet, chat, and even take photos with your favorite superhero. Reservations are required. The price, which includes zoo admission, is $29.95 for adults and $21.95 for children ages 3 to 11. Children 2 and under eat for free. For additional information and to make reservations, go to CZS.org/SummerSundaysSuperhero or call (708) 688-8355.
Summer Sundays – Princess Breakfast
(Sunday, July 21)
Put on your favorite tiara and join your favorite princesses for a truly royal time at a breakfast buffet at Brookfield Zoo’s Discovery Center. Beginning at 9:00 a.m. guests can enjoy a buffet of tasty menu items, including seasonal fruits; a variety of bagels, pastries, muffins, and cereals; fluffy scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage; French toast; breakfast potatoes; and beverages. There will be plenty of time to meet, chat, and even take photos with your favorite princess characters. Reservations are required. The price, which includes zoo admission, is $29.95 for adults and $21.95 for children ages 3 to 11. Children 2 and under eat for free. For additional information and to make reservations, go to CZS.org/SummerSundaysPrincess or call (708) 688-8355.
ZooBrew
(Saturday, August 24)
Lions, lagers and beers, OH MY! Enjoy your favorite animals and ales at Brookfield Zoo's 8th annual ZooBrew, sponsored by Blue Moon Brewing Company. The unique 21-and-over beer-tasting event, which takes place on the zoo’s East Mall, features more than 80 beers. Guests can enjoy live music as well as have the opportunity to bid on silent auction items. Full-, VIP-, and half-tasting sessions are available. Ticket prices range from $35-$90 ($25-$50 for designated driver). To purchase tickets and for additional information, visit CZS.org/ZooBrew. For more information, call (708) 688-8000.
ZooRunRun for the Animal Care and Conservation Fund
(September 8)
Sprint like a cheetah or take your time like a sloth at Brookfield Zoo’s annual ZooRunRun for the Animal Care and Conservation Fund, dedicated to protecting animals around the world. The course takes place entirely inside the zoo and features a 5K chipped-time race and a one-mile chipped-time Kids Dash for children 13 and under. Prices range from $20 to $40, plus a $3 sign-up fee. The event is presented by Aquafina and Gatorade and sponsored by DuPage Medical Group. For more information and to register, visit CZS.org/ZooRunRun or call (708) 688-8000.
Boo! at the Zoo
(Saturdays and Sundays, October 12-13, 19-20, and 26-27)
Little ghosts and goblins of all ages are sure to have a howlin’ good time at Brookfield Zoo’s annual Halloween celebration. The not-so-scary and fun-filled event, presented by Ferrara Candy Company, features candy stations, a corn maze, giant pumpkin carving demonstrations, and Halloween-themed crafts and activities each weekend. In addition, there will be special animal Zoo Chats about some of the zoo’s creepy critters. For more information, visit CZS.org/Boo or call (708) 688-8000.
Veterans Day Celebration
(Monday, November 11)
To honor the men and women who have proudly served our nation, the Chicago Zoological Society invites the public to a special Veterans Day ceremony at Brookfield Zoo's Discovery Center. The schedule of activities includes a display of military memorabilia and vehicles, a meet-and-greet with the zoo’s animal ambassadors, a special performance by the Legacy Girls and more! On Veterans Day, admission to the zoo is FREE for all guests (parking fees still apply). For more information, visit CZS.org/Events or call (708) 688-8000.
Reindeer Run
(Friday, November 29)
Grab your glow sticks and running shoes and join Reindeer Run at Brookfield Zoo. With a two-mile course entirely within Brookfield Zoo, you and your family can "fun run" and be the first to see the zoo all decked out in lights for its Holiday Magic! Stick around after the Reindeer Run for music, drinks, food, and a meet and greet with some animal ambassadors. Registration is required for the non-competitive event. For pricing information and to register, visit CZS.org/ReindeerRun.
Breakfast with Santa
(Saturdays-Sundays, December 7-8 and 14-15)
Bring the family to Brookfield Zoo for a festive all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet in the Discovery Center. Santa and Mrs. Claus along with the zoo’s costumed characters will make an appearance for photo opportunities and to visit with children. Seatings are offered at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. The cost, which includes tax, and gratuity, is $29.95 for adults and $21.95 for children ages 3-11. Children 2 and under eat for free. Reservations are required and seating is limited. For more information and to make reservations, visit CZS.org/Events or call (708) 688-8355.
Lights & Lagers
(Friday, December 6)
Stay warm while strolling through the lights of Holiday Magic by sampling a selection of beers at Brookfield Zoo’s Lights & Lagers. Enjoy the lights, music, and appearances by animal ambassadors, as you stop in buildings across the zoo for samples. Ticket prices range from $35-$45. All Lights & Lagers ticket holders must be 21 years of age or older with valid photo ID. Tickets are limited. More information at CZS.org/Events.
Brunch with Santa
(Sundays, December 8 and 15)
Head to Brookfield Zoo and bring your appetite for a delectable all-you-can-eat holiday brunch at Bocaditos. Enjoy an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus and costumed characters, who will be available for photos. Seatings are offered at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The cost, which includes tax and gratuity, is $44.95 for adults and $34.95 for children ages 3-11. Children 2 and under eat for free. Seating is limited. To make reservation or for additional information, visit CZS.org/Events call (708) 688-8355.
Holiday Magic
(Saturdays and Sundays, November 30-December 1, December 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, and 26-31)
Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic, presented by ComEd and Meijer, is Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival, and features more than one million twinkling LED lights, animated light displays, and a video light show. In addition, each evening includes a full schedule of live entertainment in the Holly Jolly Theater, professional ice carving demonstrations, singing to the animals, visits with Santa (through December 22), a skating rink (extra fee applies), and model train display. Guests can also visit many of their favorite animals. Gift shops and restaurants also will be open. For more information, visit CZS.org/Magic or call (708) 688-8000.
Zoo Year’s Eve
(Tuesday, December 31)
Ring in the New Year at Brookfield Zoo’s family-friendly Zoo Year’s Eve 2019 celebration. A live DJ sets the party tone in the Holly Jolly Theater, as do fun games, party favors, prizes, and an early countdown at 8:00 p.m. At Hamill Family Play Zoo, youngsters can make noisemakers and enjoy an early kid-friendly countdown at 8:00 p.m.—especially great for families with children ages 6 and under. For more information, visit CZS.org/Events or call (708) 688-8000.
Brookfield Zoo, located at 8400 31st Street in Brookfield, Ill., is open every day of the year from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, zoo hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (indoor animal exhibits close a half hour before the zoo closes).
Admission is $21.95 for adults and $15.95 for children ages 3-11 and seniors 65 and older. Children 2 and under are admitted free. Admission to the zoo is free on Tuesdays and Thursdays from October through December.
From early spring through late fall, Brookfield Zoo offers general zoo admission plus attraction packages at discounted rates. Group rates also are available to groups of 20 or more. For information on group rates, call (708) 688-8431.
Parking is $14 for cars and $20 for buses. (A Cook County parking tax is included).
For more details on admission packages, pricing, or to pre-purchase tickets or memberships, go to CZS.org.
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About the Chicago Zoological Society
The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society is to inspire conservation leadership by engaging people and communities with wildlife and nature. The Chicago Zoological Society is a private nonprofit organization that operates Brookfield Zoo on land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County. The Society is known throughout the world for its international role in animal population management and wildlife conservation. Its Center for the Science of Animal Care and Welfare is at the forefront of animal care that strives to discover and implement innovative approaches to zoo animal management. Brookfield Zoo is the first zoo in the world to be awarded the Humane Certified™ certification mark for the care and welfare of its animals, meeting American Humane Association’s rigorous certification standards. Open every day of the year, the zoo is located at 8400 31st Street in Brookfield, Illinois, between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and also is accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA and PACE bus service. For further information, visit CZS.org.