Fall Fest Presented by Jewel-Osco is Now Open at Lincoln Park Zoo

CHICAGO (September 27, 2024) – Welcome the return of autumn in Chicago at Lincoln Park Zoo’s Fall Fest Presented by Jewel-Osco, now open to the public. Take in the sights, sounds, and smells of autumn—from pumpkin patches and hot apple cider to toasted s’mores—at this FREE admission, family-friendly festival. Celebrate the season with free musical entertainment, story times, and professional pumpkin carvers, plus autumn-themed animal enrichment and viewing opportunities.

The tenth annual Fall Fest also features several ticketed experiences for families wishing to elevate their experience. This includes limited-edition activities like the Fun Slide, Ferris wheel, inflatable attractions, and more. Guests will also be able to hop on some daily attractions at the zoo, including Lionel Train Adventure, AT&T Endangered Species Carousel, and the virtual reality Gorilla Trek experience.

Additionally, fun and festive photo opportunities will be available throughout the zoo for families to remember their time at Fall Fest. Also returning this year is the zoo’s over-the-top fall pop-up bar, Patch’s Pumpkin Bar & Grill, offering seasonal food, drinks, décor, and spectacular views of the Pepper Family Wildlife Center.

“We love welcoming guests to experience classic fall activities, right here in the heart of Chicago,” said Event Manager Meg Hein. “Whether you’re looking to pick out the perfect pumpkin, romp through the harvest maze, or embrace the crisp autumn air with a hot cup of apple cider, there’s something for everyone at Fall Fest. As an accredited arboretum, this is also an amazing time to check out the zoo’s foliage as it turns to breathtaking autumnal colors.”

Fall Fest is free and open to the public Friday-Sunday from September 27-October 27 and on Monday, October 14. The events hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. No registration is required, but attractions do require tickets and are available individually for $4 each or in bulk packages of 10 for $36 and 20 for $69. Attraction tickets will be available to purchase on grounds, or online here.

There are even more ways to celebrate autumn at the zoo throughout the season with the return of Haunted History Tours, Spooky Zoo, and Adults Night Out: Howl-O-Ween (21+). Learn more at lpzoo.org/events.

About Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org.

• Click here to download Fall Fest B-roll