Brookfield Zoo's Summer Nights
BROOKFIELD, Ill. (WLS) -- Brookfield Zoo's Summer Nights runs Fridays and Saturdays through July 26, 2014.
(RELEASE)
Hours
'Til 9:00 p.m.
Admission and Parking
Admission to Summer Nights is free for zoo members. For non-members there is special after 4:00 p.m. value pricing of $14.95 for adults and $9.95 for children ages 3-11 and seniors age 65 and over. Children 2 and under are free. The after 4:00 p.m. Summer Nights admission includes a choice of one free attraction (The Carousel, Butterflies!, special 6:00 p.m. Dolphins in Action, and Stingray Bay, Hamill Family Play Zoo (closes at 5:30 p.m.) or Motor Safari (closes at 6:00 p.m.). Parking for members is free at the North Gate or $2.00 at the South Gate. Parking for non-members is half-price ($5.00).
For more information
Visit www.CZS.org/Events or call (708) 688-8000
Details
This summer, guests can chill out at Brookfield Zoo on select evenings and enjoy a variety of live music, kids' entertainment, and delicious food and beverage options all while surrounded by the coolest animals in Chicagoland. Beginning June 20 through July 26, Brookfield Zoo will stay open until 9:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays evenings for its first-ever Summer Nights.
Hot singers and bands will perform live at the zoo's East Mall stage, and guests can stroll through the zoo and see the animals in a whole new light. Many of the indoor and outdoor animal exhibits will remain open as well as up-close views with some of Brookfield Zoo's ambassador animals every hour on the hour between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m. Additionally, there will be a 6:00 p.m. Dolphins in Action each evening. (Additional fees may apply).
Great family entertainment will take place every evening of Summer Nights with five roaming performers from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., including a stilt walker, juggler and magician, each with a different theme, including the Cat in the Hat and Dr. Seuss, the Wizard of Oz, patriotic, Peter Pan, Americana, and Alice in Wonderland. Fun kids' entertainment on the East Mall Playground Stage starts at 6:00 p.m. and will feature music, puppet shows, storytellers, and even a kids' craft station.
At Stingray Bay Grill and Bayside Beer Garden, guests can choose from a unique selection of scrumptious food and beverage items, including fruit and cheese plate with crackers, dry beef salami with cheese and crackers, crudit with ranch dressing, fresh fruit platter with yogurt dip, hummus with pita bread, grilled shrimp and vegetables, and a variety of sweet treats as well as craft beers, wine, and tropical drinks.
The musicians and bands scheduled to perform at 6:30 p.m. during Summer Nights include:
Friday, July 4: Sheridan Archbold, Orchestra 33 - Twelve-year-old Sheridan Archbold will open the night and sing the Star Spangled Banner in his amazing opera voice. Afterwards, Orchestra 33, a nine piece orchestra, will perform an eclectic set of popular and legendary songs from all types of genres.
Saturday, July 5: Suburban Cowboys - This explosive show is designed for country fans that love to dance to top 40 country songs and classic country jams.
Friday, July 11: Sixteen Candles - The group's fun-loving guys fuse nostalgia and style to pay homage to all the greatest 80s hits.
Saturday, July 12: 97Nine - This super group features guitarist Dave Uhrich and performs fist-pumping classic rock hits from the 80s, 90s and today.
Friday, July 18: Your Villain My Hero - Lead vocalists Jennifer and Zigg get the crowd going with top 40 pop, club and dance music and party favorites.
Saturday, July 19: The Kevin Presebery Band - The band recreates the music of sultry singer-songwriters and the catchy hook and the rootsy Americana tracks on 70s records.
Friday, July 25: Sam Fazio - Sam's music includes a mix of swing tunes and pop classics that he sings in a soulful, yet classic style.
Saturday, July 26: Rod Tuffcurls & the Bench Press - The band's wacky and fun song range goes from the Beatles to Madonna, Queen to Miley Cyrus, and Wilson Phillips to Dave Matthews Band all performed with a contagious stage energy.
Kids' entertainment will be featured on the East Mall Playground Stage each evening at 6:00 p.m. Performers include:
Friday, July 4: RHYTHMCAMP - This drum circle from the Old Town School of Folk Music is sure to please the crowd with fun beats and great tunes.
Saturday, July 5: Wild World with Craig Sjogerman - Craig, otherwise known as Dr. Gesundheit, uses masks, music and storytelling to make biodiversity special and show how every animal has a special place in the world.
Friday, July 11: Little Miss Ann - This performance is a fun treat filled with happy music that brings upbeat songs and lots of energy.
Saturday, July 12: I'm Your Puppet Productions - Fairy Tale Trilogy puppet show
Friday, July 18: Yoga with Andrea Bunch - Andrea Bunch from Old Town School of Folk Music will lead a joyful yoga class that aims to get kids excited for yoga.
Saturday, July 19: Jan's Clan Puppets - This wacky puppet show has been entertaining the Chicagoland area for more than 25 years with loveable puppet characters performing well-known songs.
Friday, July 25: Lauren Hubert - Lauren is a Chicagoland native who followed her love of music into a career writing her own heartfelt music and performing her songs live.
Saturday, July 26: Paddy Lynn - Paddy Lynn gets kids up and moving by involving them in her fun on-stage story acting.
