Roaring Nights Concerts
Overview
The Ultimate Chicago Summer Concert Series
The ultimate summer evenings await at Roaring Nights, Brookfield Zoo Chicago's premier summer concert series! Get ready to turn up the volume for unforgettable nights of live music, dancing, and good vibes.
Looking for the best Chicagoland summer events? Get your tickets, bring your friends and family, and join us for a unique concert series that also supports animal care and conservation!
This year's artists are: Melissa Ethridge, Blues Traveler, and Nelly!
Additional Information
Every Roaring Nights ticket comes packed with more than just incredible live music. Your ticket includes:
FREE parking at the Main Entrance parking lot
Unlimited carousel rides
Unlimited Ferris wheel rides with scenic evening views
Full-day admission to the zoo on the day of the concert
Arrive early to explore the zoo, visit your favorite animals, grab dinner, and enjoy the rides before the show begins.
Melissa Etheridge: RISE
Melissa Etheridge rose to fame in the late ’80s and ’90s with Grammy®-winning rock hits like “Bring Me Some Water,” “I’m the Only One,” and “Come to My Window.” A powerhouse performer known for her raw, confessional lyrics and smoky, raspy vocals, Etheridge went on to win an Academy Award® for “I Need to Wake Up” from An Inconvenient Truth and has remained one of America’s most enduring rock artists for more than three decades.
See her live on Sunday, June 7 at 7:00 p.m. at Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
Ticket Prices: $55 members / $65 General admission
Blues Traveler
Blues Traveler formed in Princeton, New Jersey in 1987 and rose to prominence in the ’90s with their blues-infused rock sound, virtuosic harmonica work, and free-flowing live performances. Known for creative onstage segues and as pioneers of the H.O.R.D.E. touring music festival, the band scored major hits with “But Anyway,” “Run-Around,” and “Hook,” the latter two from their six-million-selling 1994 album Four.
See them live on Friday, July 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
Ticket Prices: $50 Members / $60 General Audience
Nelly
Nelly burst onto the scene in 2000 with his diamond-certified debut album Country Grammar, launching chart-topping hits like “Country Grammar” and “Ride wit Me.” The St. Louis superstar followed with Nellyville, featuring the No. 1 singles “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma,” and went on to become one of the best-selling hip-hop artists of the 2000s. A three-time Grammy Award winner known for blending rap, R&B, and pop into an unmistakable crossover sound, Nelly continues to bring high-energy performances packed with era-defining hits.
See him live on Saturday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m., opening with DJ Trife, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
Ticket Prices: $70 Members / $80 General Audience
Early Access for Conservation Pass
Want to gain early entry to your concert and get first dibs on seating, food & beverage, and the first crack at band merchandise?
For just $35, your Early Access for Conservation ticket add-on will give you exclusive entry to the East Mall 30 minutes ahead of the crowds.
Limited availability, so purchase soon!
Wine & Charcuterie Package Add-On
Elevate your Roaring Nights experience with a perfectly curated package of wine, charcuterie, and more for two!
2 Wine or Canned Cocktail/Beer (NA alternatives available)
Artisan Charcuterie & Cheese Board for Two
Fresh Seasonal Fruit & Decadent Chocolates
Roaring Nights Branded Cooler Bag – Yours to Keep!
Thank You to Our Roaring Nights Sponsors
Signature Sponsor
Roaring Nights: Know Before You Go
What's Included with My Ticket?
Every Roaring Nights ticket includes more than just amazing live music — a $60.95 added value with perks the whole group will love:
Full-day admission to the zoo on the day of the concert
FREE parking at the Main Entrance
Unlimited rides on The Carousel
Ferris Wheel rides with scenic evening views of the concert
Arrive early to explore the zoo, see your favorite animals, grab dinner, and enjoy rides before the show begins.
Concert Parking Directions
Guests may scan their tickets at either one of our two entrances (Main Entrance or South Gate Entrance) to receive a concert wristbands to enter the venue. Main Entrance lot parking is FREE with your ticket.
Wristbands are required to enter the East Mall concert venue.
Concert Venue Entry to East Mall
Early Access for Conservation begins 2 hours before showtime.
General Admission entry starts 90 minutes before the concert.
After entering the Zoo and receiving your wristband, you can access the concert venue through either of the two East Mall entrances:
East Mall (north side) near the Ferris Wheel
East Mall (south side) near the Ferris Wheel
Lines will form at both entrances. Directional signs will be posted throughout the area, and staff members will be available to help guide you.
Please note: Early Access for Conservation ticket holders may enter the East Mall starting two hours before the show and will be able to bypass the line.
Bag Checks at Venue Entry
For the safety of everyone, bags will be checked at each concert venue entry point. Prohibited items including alcohol, weapons, glass, and more will not be allowed in the venue.
Food, Beverages, and Merch
Enjoy a variety of food and drinks available for purchase at the food trucks, food stands, and various pop-up locations throughout the East Mall.
Merchandise will also be available for sale on the East Mall.
Wine & Charcuterie Package Add-On $96
Elevate your Roaring Nights experience with a perfectly curated package of wine, charcuterie, and more for two!
2 Wine or Canned Cocktail/Beer (NA alternatives available)
Artisan Charcuterie & Cheese Board for Two
Fresh Seasonal Fruit & Decadent Chocolates
Roaring Nights Branded Cooler Bag – Yours to Keep!
Designed for sharing, this package sets the mood for a memorable night under the stars. Available as an add-on with your ticket purchase. Limited availability – reserve yours early!
Bathrooms
Event bathrooms will be available for guests throughout the venue.
There are portable restrooms located behind both sides of the stage as well as standard restrooms underneath BZ Red Hots near Dolphin Bay.
Please ask a staff member if you need any help.
Concert Perks Start Here
With your membership, you’ll get $10 off concert tickets all season long and enjoy FREE admission to the Zoo every day of the year — more music, more animals, more memories.
Free Perks Included with Every Ticket
Ferris Wheel
See the Zoo from New Heights!
Open (weather permitting)
Carousel
Take a spin in one of the largest hand-carved carousels in the country!
Open (weather permitting)
Free Main Entrance Parking
Free Parking at the Main Entrance
Roaring Nights FAQs
How many tickets can I purchase?
Ticket purchases are limited to 6 tickets per concert, per transaction in place. This limit helps reduce bot activity and other unfair purchasing practices, making sure that music fans have a better chance to purchase fairly and attend the shows. Thank you for your understanding!
Where are concerts held?
Concerts take place inside the Zoo on the East Mall. Signage and staff will help guide you once you arrive.
Can I bring my own chair?
Yes. Guests are welcome to bring their own chairs for lawn seating.
Do I need a Zoo ticket to attend a concert?
Nope! A concert ticket is all you need for entry to the show.
Zoo admission is not required for evening concerts and your concert ticket includes admission to Brookfield Zoo Chicago the day of the concert.
Do members get a concert discount?
Yes! Members receive $10 off concert tickets. Just log into your account when purchasing tickets to access your member savings.
Is seating assigned?
No, tickets to the concert are for general admission lawn seating. We recommend arriving early for the best spots. Chairs and blankets are welcome!
Are outside food and drinks allowed?
Yes. Guests are welcome to bring outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcohol and glass bottles are not permitted. On hot days, we strongly recommend bringing water to stay hydrated.
Food, snacks, and beverages, including alcohol for guests 21 and over, are available for purchase inside the venue.
Are concerts family friendly?
Yes. Most shows are designed to be enjoyable for all ages, but some performances may be louder or more energetic. Hearing protection is encouraged for young children.
We also recommend listening to the artist’s music in advance to make sure the style and content are a good fit for you and your family before purchasing tickets.
What happens if it rains?
Concerts are held rain or shine. In the event of severe weather that requires a cancellation for safety reasons, the concert will not be rescheduled and refunds will not be issued.
We recommend checking the forecast and dressing for the weather.
Upcoming Events
Zoo Uncorked
Sip, savor and explore at Zoo Uncorked, our exclusive 21+ event.
Dino Dash Fun Run
Race, jog, or stroll along a 2 mile fun run course entirely within Brookfield Zoo Chicago. You'll be surrounded by larger-than-life dinosaur displays and iconic Zoo views from start to finish.
Dinos After Dark
Looking for fun things to do at night? Explore the Zoo After Dark! Whether you’ve got kids who love dinosaurs or you’re a full-grown dino fan yourself, Dinos After Dark is a one-of-a-kind after-hours Zoo and dinosaur experience you won’t want to miss.
