Celebrate summer at the zoo Fridays through August at ZooNights! Each evening is filled with live music, food carts, keeper chats and activities for all ages. Plus, animal encounters offer the chance to get to know wildlife up close. Experience the zoo after hours, with plenty of tasty treats like the zoo’s ever-popular elephant ears, as well as local beer and wine for adults.
There’s no better place to enjoy a summer night in Portland. Take a stroll through the beautifully forested grounds or spread out a blanket in the amphitheater and enjoy live music. Every ticket purchased helps the Oregon Zoo protect endangered species at home and around the world. Gather friends, bring the family or take a date and come together for wildlife this summer at ZooNights!
Music lineup:
- June 19: Andy Stokes
- June 26: Eagle Eyes
- July 3: Roll On
- July 10: Satin Love Orchestra
- July 17: Norman Sylvester
- July 24: Ural Thomas & the Pain
- July 31: Hit Machine
- August 7: Garcia Birthday Band
- August 14: Taken by the Sky
- August 21: Jujuba
Entertainment and activities for June 19
5 to 9 p.m. Experiment PDX (Central Plaza)
5 to 9 p.m. Lawn games (amphitheater)
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Live music: Andy Stokes (amphitheater)
6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Likeness of You, caricature and face-painting artist (Central Plaza)
5 to 9 p.m. Rides: train and carousel (Discovery Plaza)
Keeper chats and animal activities for June 19
5 p.m. Mountain goat or black bear keeper chat
5:30 p.m. Condor keeper chat
6 p.m. Giraffe keeper chat or activity
6:30 p.m. Seal or sea otter keeper chat or activity
Food and beverage
Beer and Wine (amphitheater)
Brat Haus (Elephant Plaza)
Briskets and Gravy (Elephant Plaza)
Elephant Ears (Elephant Plaza)
Cantina Bowl (amphitheater)
Cool Treats (amphitheater)
Dippin' Dots (Elephant Plaza)
Getta Gyro (amphitheater)
Growler's Pizza and Beer (Elephant Plaza)
Portland Pretzel and Popcorn Co. (Elephant Plaza)
Shave Ice Co. (Elephant Plaza)
Six Stix Gourmet Pretzels (Elephant Plaza)
Trailhead Snacks (Central Plaza)
ZooNight ticket prices
| ZooNight ticket type | Admission |
|---|---|
| Adult (12+) | $26.00 |
| Group rate (when you buy four or more tickets) | $23.40 |
| Child (2-11) | $21.00 |
| Member Adult (12+) | $21.00 |
| Member Child (2-11) | $17.00 |
| Income-Assistance Admission (up to 4 tickets per qualifying individual) | $13.00 |
Visit our help center for answers to frequently asked questions.
Lawn chairs and blankets
For the enjoyment of all guests, please limit your chair height to 33” and seat height to 10” or lower. Blankets should be 6’x6’ or smaller. Tents or umbrellas must be lowered on the amphitheater lawn during the show.
Host your private event during ZooNights
Book a private event space to hold your party during ZooNights. With live music, a dedicated catering staff, and a focus on sustainable Northwest cuisine, ZooNights is an unforgettable location for company outings, special celebrations and picnics.
For more information, please submit an inquiry form.
Together for Wildlife!
Every ticket purchased helps the Oregon Zoo protect endangered species at home and around the world. Learn more
ZooNights FAQs
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Can I bring my own seating to ZooNights?
Lawn chairs and blankets are allowed. For the enjoyment of all guests, please limit your chair height to 33” and seat height to 10” or lower. We recommend that blankets be 6’x6’ or smaller. Tents or umbrellas must be lowered on the amphitheater lawn while the show is in progress.
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Do you have an ADA area for ZooNights?
We do have an ADA seating area for the event. It is first come first serve - as is all of our seating.
Guests using mobility devices are also welcome to sit outside of the designated ADA area with their party. Please be considerate of those who may be sitting behind you. We invite guests with chairs or devices over 33" to consider a location towards the back of the amphitheater or on the sides as to not obstruct the stage view.
If you have trouble finding a spot for your group, please feel free to reach out to any staff member for assistance.
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May I bring my own food and drinks to ZooNights?
Yes. You may bring in outside food and non-alcoholic drinks for your visit. Please note that glass containers are prohibited.
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Can my group perform at ZooNights?
Thank you for your interest! Our 2026 ZooNights entertainment has been finalized and we are not booking any additional artists for this event series.
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Do you accept cash?
The zoo is cashless. We accept credit/debit cards and touchless payment methods. Cash-to-card machines, also known as reverse ATMs, are available inside the zoo and free to use.
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How do I get to the zoo?
Located in Washington Park, just west of downtown Portland, the zoo is easily accessible by car, rideshare or taxi, public transportation, bicycle or foot. Visit our location and parking page for more information on accessing the park.
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Where do I park?
A limited amount of parking is available in the lot adjacent to the zoo and throughout the park. Visitors can pay for parking at pay stations with coin or card, or through the Parking Kitty app.
Park & Ride is just 8 minutes away and two exits west of the Oregon Zoo at the Sunset Transit Center. 600+ FREE parking spaces are available. MAX train from Sunset Transit Center to the zoo arrives every 10 minutes or less. TriMet fare is required on MAX.
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Where do I enter the zoo?
Please enter through the main entrance, which is located near the Washington Park MAX station and adjacent to the main parking lot.
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Where is rideshare pickup?
Rideshare pickup is located just south of the main zoo entrance, in front of Conservation Hall.
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Can I enter ZooNights if I came to the zoo for daytime admission?
Special events like ZooNights are ticketed separately and are not included with daytime admission tickets. All visitors with a daytime admission ticket, including members, must exit the zoo when it closes to prepare for special events.
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Will I see animals?
Some animals may be visible, but most will be off view as keepers wrap up their evening tasks before the zoo closes.
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Will the train and carousel be open for ZooNights?
The zoo's train and carousel will operate during the event. Tickets may be purchased online, or on-site at each ride’s ticket booth during your visit.