Brookfield Zoo has an exciting lineup of events for 2026 including Glow Wild. (Photo courtesy of Brookfield Zoo.)
Around the world of wildlife conservation, few places buzz with as much energy as Brookfield Zoo Chicago. As we look ahead at the 2026 season, the zoo is blending high-tech spectacle with high-energy entertainment. From glowing lantern trails to hip-hop icons on the lawn, here is everything you need to know about the year’s most anticipated events.
Scarlett macaw and blue and gold macaw at Brookfield Zoo. (Provided photo)
Kicking off the spring season from March 19 through May 10, the zoo introduces its first-ever lantern festival, Glow Wild. Every Thursday through Sunday evening, the grounds transform into an illuminated wonderland featuring over 70 massive, handcrafted animal lanterns. This isn't just a walk in the park; the event includes live music and storytelling sessions. Best of all, your Glow Wild ticket includes unlimited rides on the carousel and the Ferris wheel, offering a bird's-eye view of the glowing landscape.
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The zoo’s summer concert series, Roaring Nights, is returning with a heavy-hitting lineup that spans genres. Set against the backdrop of the park's lush greenery, these shows offer a unique festival vibe:
- Melissa Etheridge (June 7): Start the summer with rock royalty.
- Blues Traveler (July 24): A night of jam-heavy harmonica and hits.
- Nelly (July 25): The Grammy-winning rapper brings his signature energy to the zoo for a high-octane Saturday night.
For those who prefer their fun on the move, the Dino Dash arrives on May 30. This new family-friendly fun run encourages participants of all ages to channel their inner prehistoric beast, costumes aren't just welcome; they’re highly encouraged. It’s a rare chance to race through the zoo’s winding paths before the crowds arrive.
Great eats at Brookfield Zoo. (Provided photo)
Beyond the special events, 2026 marks the first full season of the Tropical Forests habitat. This three-acre masterpiece is home to western lowland gorillas, orangutans, and gibbons. Visitors can even engage in a "tug-of-war" interactive to see how their strength stacks up against a primate’s.
For a more personal touch, the zoo’s daily adventures continue to thrive:
- Morning Penguin Feedings: See the colony get their breakfast.
- Giraffe Feedings (1:00 p.m.): Get eye-to-eye with the tallest residents.
- Seal & Sea Lion Training (3:00 p.m.): A free daily session showcasing the intelligence of these marine mammals.
As the year winds down, the zoo will host its traditional Boo! at the Zoo (October 3–25), ensuring that the 2026 season ends with just as much excitement as it began. Whether you are there for the music, the lanterns, or the animals, Brookfield Zoo Chicago is proving that a century into its mission, it still knows how to surprise its guests. (For more info, click here.)
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