Minnesota Zoo Wild Nights 2025

About the Lineup

Daphne Jane:   Daphne Jane is a queer indie pop artist originally from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Known for her storytelling lyrics and dreamy sound, Daphne Jane has been writing music in her bedroom since she was 12 years old.

Lighter Co.: Rooted in Minneapolis and forming in early 2019, Lighter Co. (formerly Zippo Man) has since garnered a reputation for their live performances. Often considered “genre-fluid,” the band is known for covering a vast sonic terrain throughout a set — and never without their suits, boots, and white Stetson.

Smells Like Nirvana: Composed of seasoned pros and die-hard fans of Nirvana, Smells Like Nirvana offers a live tribute to Nirvana. Prepare for a haunting episode of grunge-filled angst and rock prowess played without click tracks or backing tracks. It’s a rare trait in today’s contemporary musical landscape—a trait and philosophy that Nirvana lived by.

Nur-D: Nur-D is a breath of fresh air in the hip-hop world, boasting a fervent fan base across the U.S. and around the globe. If you haven't heard the name Nur-D yet you certainly will soon!
It’s easy to see why many people are calling Nur-D the next big thing out of Minnesota.

About the Lineup

The Cobra Trio: From large stage to no stage. From dancy bangers to heartfelt ballads. The Cobra Trio has dedicated their lives to providing top-level music experience.

Bloodline: Meet Bloodline, the dynamic sibling trio from the Twin Cities that’s captivating listeners with their lush, multilayered sound. Since their debut in 2018, Bloodline has been on a creative journey, marked by the release of their EP “DAZE” in 2021 and their highly anticipated sophomore album, “Moments,” in 2023. Their unique blend of experiences and musical talents creates a dreamy, pop-centric experience that transports listeners to an enchanting sonic realm.

Davina and the Vagabonds: Davina Sowers and the Vagabonds have created a stir on the national music scene with their high-energy live shows, level A musicianship, sharp-dressed professionalism, and Sowers’ commanding stage presence. With influences ranging from Fats Domino and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to Aretha Franklin and Tom Waits, the band is converting audiences one show at a time, from Vancouver to Miami and across Europe.

The Big Wu: The story goes that the Big Wu, bound for rock stardom, sold their souls for a case of Old Style beer one thirsty night long ago. The legend and the band live on. Still rocking their powerful, moving, and energizing original music for the fans. A jam band with a unique style and presence, the Wu combine strong, free-flowing improv and vocal harmonies with finely crafted songs for all tastes. Oh, and their fans are famously friendly.

About the Lineup

Colin Bracewell: A versatile Minneapolis-based, Canada-bred singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, Colin Bracewell is paving his own fresh path within the Midwest music scene. His instrumentation sets Bracewell apart from other singer-songwriters of the same genre, often adding gentle synths, a killer trumpet solo or a moody saxophone riff (of which he plays) to bring a jazzier feel that offsets lyrics of heartbreak (or amplifies them, depending on the listener).

Gully Boys: The Gully Boys origin story plays out like the perfect domino effect. While sorting vintage clothes in a Minneapolis-area thrift store in 2016, Kathy Callahan (she/her) shared her dream of becoming a vocalist with their co-worker, Nadirah McGill (they/them). After encouraging a friend from middle school, Natalie Klemond (she/her), to join the trio on bass, Nadi picked up a pair of drumsticks and counted off a cover of Best Coast’s “Girlfriend.” Gully Boys had officially been born. Having to master their instruments on the fly, the band's sound grew quickly – taking inspiration from 90's icons like No Doubt, Garbage, and Hole.

Bad Bad Hats: The Minneapolis, Minnesota duo Bad Bad Hats are named after a little-known song from “Madeline,” a beloved children’s book series about a mischievous young girl and her yellow-clad classmates. Founded by singer/songwriter Kerry Alexander and guitarist Chris Hoge, the band traffics in similarly playful concepts and warm scenes of youth. Bad Bad Hats are celebrated for crispy, lived-in melodies, big choruses that stick for days, and an easy musicianship that carries across their eclectic, wide-ranging releases.

The Cactus Blossoms: The Cactus Blossoms are a Minneapolis-based Americana duo known for their rich harmonies and vintage-inspired sound. Led by brothers Jack Torrey and Page Burkum, their music blends classic country, rockabilly, and folk, earning comparisons to the Everly Brothers. Their song “Mississippi” gained national attention in “Twin Peaks: The Return,” and they've since continued to captivate audiences with their timeless melodies and evocative storytelling.

About the Lineup

Nici Peper:

Free Fallin: Get ready for an epic live show with Free Fallin, the Tom Petty Concert Experience! Enjoy this vibrant musical journey remembering the one and only, Tom Petty. Watch as these highly skilled musicians perform his iconic hits. Perfect for those who’ve grown up to classics like “American Girl,” “Free Fallin’,” and “Mary Jane’s Last Dance.” This performance is sure to be an unforgettable and emotional ride.

Captain Fantastic:

Wookiefoot: Wookiefoot is a band, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization (www.bethechangecharities.org), a circus, a philosophy, and a community of globe-trekking bliss junkies and believers that are the fuel to keep this Tribadelic Spaceship going! Their charity organization (with the support of their community) has donated over $500,000 to relief efforts in developing nations.

About the Lineup

Alexis Rose:

DJ Jake Rudh: Jake Rudh is both a Minneapolis club and radio DJ hosting "Transmission" the program heard on 89.3 The Current every Thursday night at 10 p.m. Jake's worked in music for over 30 years including at Capitol Records, NPR, and Twin Cities alternative favorites REV 105 and Radio K. Having been voted "best club DJ" in the Twin Cities for ten straight years by the readers of City Pages magazine, he brings the varied mix of the club nights to the airwaves each week with a different theme to his show.

Sweet & Tender Hooligans:

Cloud Cult:

What food and beverage options will be available?

Each Wild Nights 2025 date will feature a unique array of local food vendors and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase. Food and beverage are not included in the cost of your ticket and are not allowed in the Llama Trek walk-through exhibit. No outside food or beverage can be brought to Wild Nights events.

Are tickets required in advance?

All tickets must be purchased online and in advance of the event. Please note that Wild Nights are 18+ adults-only events; no children or infants will be admitted.

Is there a Minnesota Zoo member discount?

Minnesota Zoo members enjoy discounted tickets and Ticket Plans for Wild Nights 2024. Log into your Member account to see your savings.

Not yet a Minnesota Zoo Member? Join today to get your discounted tickets to Wild Nights 2025! In addition to discounted events and activities, Members also receive free daily admission and contribute to wildlife conservation here at the Zoo and around the world! Check out the many benefits of Minnesota Zoo Membership and sign up on the website.

What’s the Flex Package?

With the Flex Package, you’ll receive two ticket vouchers to redeem for admission to any two Wild Nights of your choice. Decide later which ones you’ll attend, then simply scan your tickets at the gate! If you’re unsure of your summer schedule—or love making spur-of-the-moment plans—the Flex Package allows you to attend any Wild Nights dates when the inspiration strikes. Member cost for the Flex Package is $90; Non-member pricing is $110.

Buy More, Save More

This option offers a discount of $5 per ticket when purchasing 2-15 tickets at once, with prices set at $25 per night for members and $35 per night for non-members.

Is this a concert at the Zoo?

Wild Nights features a festival-like atmosphere with the opportunity to explore the entire Zoo campus, visit your favorite animals, take in diverse musical acts at multiple stages, enjoy unique food and beverage options, and engage with local artists and vendors at this adults-only event.

What animals can I see?

All animal trails and exhibits at the Zoo will be open and accessible to guests from 5 – 8 pm, including the Llama Trek walk-through exhibit and camel rides. Camel rides, llama walks, and llama feeding are available for additional fees.

Are there separate tickets for each stage?

Your Wild Nights ticket includes general admission access to all activities which operate on a first-come first-served basis. Seating is limited in some locations, so we encourage you to plan your evening accordingly.

What is included in the cost of a ticket?

Your ticket to Wild Nights includes general admission to all live music and entertainment, access to the entire Zoo campus including animal trails and exhibits (open until 8 pm), virtual trivia and themed scavenger hunt, access to food and beverage vendors and local artisans, and free event parking. Food and beverage can be purchased separately. The Llama Trek walk-through exhibit will be open; Camel rides, llama walks, and llama feeding are available for additional fees.

Can I bring my own food and beverage?

Outside food and beverage is not permitted at Wild Nights events.

Is Wild Nights weather dependent?

Wild Nights is rain or shine. If there is severe weather and the event needs to be canceled, ticket holders for that evening will be contacted by Zoo Guest Services.

Does the Zoo offer Group ticket sales to Wild Nights 2025?

Yes! If you would like purchase 16 or more single tickets or Ticket Packages for your group, please contact [email protected]

Sponsor Spotlight Bonfe is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of Wild Nights at the Minnesota Zoo, a summer series that brings the Twin Cities together for music and fun. As a locally owned company, Bonfe is all about supporting the community they proudly call home—whether it’s keeping your home comfortable or helping create experiences like Wild Nights that bring people together. They’re excited to be part of something that makes summer in the Twin Cities even better. Enjoy the music, the energy, and the great company—Bonfe has your home covered when you get back.