Conservation Rocks at the Minnesota Zoo!

Wild Nights are back! This summer grab your crew to experience an evening that's sure to show you conservation rocks! Explore and enjoy an evening filled with live local music, artisan vendors, food, drink, and access to your favorite trails and habitats.

Wild Nights is an 18+ festival series, taking place every other Thursday from May 25 - September 14. We can't wait to see you there!

Treetop Trail will be open until 9:30pm!

Event Information

• 6 –10 pm
• Live music on three stages
• Access to all animal trails and exhibits until 8 pm (outdoor animal habitats will close at 7:30 pm on 8/31 and 7 pm on 9/14)
• Virtual trivia & scavenger hunt
• Local food, beverage, and artisan vendors
• Silent dance party
• Free parking

Ticket Information

Tickets are limited and stage seating is first come, first served. Advance, online ticket purchase is needed to attend. Single tickets are $30 for members and $40 for non-members. Ticket packages begin at $75 for members and $105 for non-members.

Want to purchase more than 15 tickets or ticket packages? We’re here to help with group sales! Contact [email protected] or call 952.431.9585 for personal assistance in making group ticket purchases.

Pricing subject to change.

Upcoming Dates

Thursday, May 25 — Music Theme: Indie Rock

Music Lineup

Yam Haus – 8:15 pm (Amphitheater stage)

Kiss the Tiger – 6:45 pm (Amphitheater stage)

DJ Astrolex – 6:00 – 6:45 pm // 7:45 – 8:15 pm (Amphitheater stage)

Gully Boys  – 8:30 pm (Crossroads stage)

The Swongos – 7 pm (Crossroads stage)

DJ Matty Matt – 6 – 10 pm (Lakeside Terrace)

Thursday, June 8 — Music Theme: Global Beats & World Music

Music Lineup

Malamanya - 8:30PM to 9:45PM, Amphitheatre

The Gentlemen's Anti-Temperance League 7:30PM to 8:30PM, Lakeside Terrace

Siama's Congo Roots 6:45PM to 8:00PM, Crossroads

Pan Dimensions Steel Drum Band 6:45PM to 8:00PM, Amphitheatre

Maria Isa 8:30PM to 9:30PM, Crossroads

Djwilliam El Buenon 6:00PM to 7:30PM, Lakeside Terrace

Thursday, June 22 — Music Theme: Indie Soul & Rhythm & Blues

Music Lineup

Chastity Brown 8:30PM to 9:45PM, Amphitheatre

FènixDion 6:45PM to 8:00PM, Amphitheatre

DJ Astrolex 6:00PM to 6:30PM // 8:00PM to 8:30PM, Amphitheatre Host

The Jorgensens 6:45PM to 8:00PM, Crossroads

Kelly Kidd & Britton Buchanan 8:30PM to 10:00PM, Crossroads

Dueling Pianos 6:00PM to 10:00PM, Lakeside Terrace

Thursday, July 6 — Music Theme: Americana & Alt Country

Music Lineup

The Cactus Blossoms 8:30PM to 9:45PM, Amphitheatre

Barbaro 6:45PM to 8:00PM, Amphitheatre

Chicken Wire Empire 8:30PM to 10:00PM, Crossroad

JoJo Green 6:30PM to 8:00PM, Crossroads

Turn Turn Turn 8:30PM to 9:45PM, Lakeside Terrace

Trapper Schoepp 6:15PM to 8:00PM, Lakeside Terrace

Presenting Sponsor:

 

Thursday, July 20 — Music Theme: Blues, Soul & Jazz

Music Lineup

Joyann Parker Band 8:30PM to 9:45PM, Amphitheatre

Corey Medina & Brothers Band 6:45PM to 8:00PM, Amphitheatre

Hurricane Harold & TC Blues All Stars featuring Erin McCawley 8:30PM to 9:30PM, Crossroads

The Paul Renz Trio/Lessmeister Jazz Combo 6:30PM to 8:00PM, Crossroads Performer

Aces & 88’s Dueling Pianos 6:00PM to 10:00PM, Lakeside Terrace Performer

Presenting Sponsor:

Thursday, August 3 — Music Theme: Hip Hop & Reggae

Music Lineup

Nur-D 8:30PM to 9:45PM, Amphitheatre

Fanaka Nation 6:30PM to 8:00PM, Amphitheatre

DJ Astrolex 6:00PM to 6:30PM // 8PM to 8:30PM, Amphitheatre Host

iLLism 8:30PM to 9:30PM, Crossroads

Ka Lia Universe 7:15PM to 8:30PM, Crossroads

Pelly 6:30 PM to 7:15PM, Crossroads

Dred I Dread 7:30PM to 9:30PM, Lakeside Terrace

DJ Virgo 6:00PM to 7:30PM // 9:30PM to 10PM, Lakeside Terrace Host

Daniel the Violinist 6:00-7:30 / 8:30-9:30, Treetop Trail

Thursday, August 17 — Music Theme: 80s, 90s & New Wave

Music Lineup

Information Society 8:30PM to 9:30PM, Amphitheatre

DJ Jake Rudh 6:30PM to 8:30PM, Amphitheatre

Mallrats 90’s 8:30PM to 9:45PM, Crossroads

DJ Shane Kramer  6:45PM to 8:00PM, Crossroads

Polka Police 6:00PM to 10:00PM, Lakeside Terrace

Indecent Proposal 6:00-7:30, Treetop Trail,  9:00-10:00, Lakeside Terrace

Presenting Sponsor:

Teacher Open House

On Thursday, August 17th from 6-8pm, we’ll be hosting an Open House for all of you Educators attending Wild Nights that evening! We’ll have Zoo staff ready to answer your programming questions, examples of class activities, and the opportunity to explore some of our classrooms. Visit us near the Guest Services desk for more information – we hope to see you there!

Thursday, August 31 — Music Theme: Funky Jam & Boogie

Music Lineup

Frogleg 8:15PM to 9:45PM, Amphitheatre

Mae Simpson 6:45PM to 7:45pm, Amphitheatre

DJ Astrolex 6:00PM to 6:45PM // 8:00PM to 8:30PM, Amphitheatre Host

Ellis Cleve 8:30PM to 9:45PM, Crossroads

Samantha Grimes with Nancy Bongos Long 6:45PM to 8:00PM, Crossroads

Patchouli 7:00PM to 8PM // 8:30PM to 9:30PM, Lakeside Terrace

Djwilliam El Buenon 6:00PM to 7PM // 8PM to 8:30PM // 9:30PM to

10:00PM, Lakeside Terrace Host

Daniel the Violinist 6:00-7:30 / 8:30-9:30, Treetop Trail

Amphitheater Stage Sponsor:

Thursday, September 14 — Music Theme: MASH UP

Music Lineup

Kat Perkins 8:30PM to 9:45PM, Amphitheatre

Chris Kroeze 6:45PM to 8:00PM, Amphitheatre

DJ Astrolex 6:00PM to 6:45PM / 8:00PM to 8:30PM, Amphitheatre

The High 48s 8:30PM to 9:45PM, Crossroads

The Roe Family Singers & Friends Jamboree 6:45PM to 8:00PM, Crossroads

Steam Machine 7:00PM to 8PM // 8:30PM to 9:30PM, Lakeside Terrace

Djwilliam El Buenon 6:00PM to 7:00PM // 8:00PM to 8:30PM // 9:30PM to 10:00PM, Lakeside Terrace Host

Daniel the Violinist 6:00-7:30 / 8:30-9:30, Treetop Trail

 

Presenting Sponsor

Food Trucks & Artisans

Food Trucks

Central Plaza

- Cali Dip N Eats

- Egg Roll Queen

- Meson

- Hopper’s Mini Donuts

Upper Plaza

- Wet Taco

- T-Rex Cookies

Tiger Walkway

- Pigs Unlimited

- Finer Meats n Eats

Crossroads

- VBJ

- Que Tal

Artisans

• Fuzzbutt Boutique

• So Me by Jamelah Cooper

• Liny's Herbal Boutique

• Imani's Unique Sweets

• Off the Hook Crochet

• Enchilados

• Yareth Soap and Candles

• Chantico

• Nite Dot Art

• Nature's Syrup

• Thrift Wicks Candle Co

Crossroads Stage Series Sponsor:

Lakeside Terrace Stage Series Sponsor:

FAQs

What food and beverage options will be available?

Each Wild Nights 2023 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.

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.

Can I cancel or change my ticket to another day?

Wild Nights is a rain or shine event with activities available both outdoors and indoors. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferrable.

If you’re unsure of your summer schedule—or love making spur-of-the-moment plans—consider a Flex Package. Our Flex Package allows you to attend any three Wild Nights dates. Member cost for the Flex Package is $135; Non-member pricing is $165.

Is there a Minnesota Zoo member discount?

Minnesota Zoo members enjoy discounted tickets and Ticket Plans for Wild Nights 2023. 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 2023! 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 Pick 3+ Package?

With the discounted Pick 3+ Package, you’ll select 3 (or more) Wild Nights dates at the time of purchase and save $5 per date. The Package comes with 1 ticket to 3 (or more) nights. You must select at least 3 dates—but you can add all the way up to 9 dates to your Package at the same discounted rate!

If you’re buying more than one Pick 3+ Package in the same transaction, please note the dates you select will be the exact same for each Package. Tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged for alternate nights once you’ve made your selections.

 

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 three different 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 6 – 8 pm. The Llama Trek walk-through exhibit and camel rides are available seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend; when open, camel rides, llama walks, and llama feeding are available for additional fees.

Will the Treetop Trail be open?

Yes! The Treetop Trail will be open during Wild Nights and close by 9:30 pm. The Treetop Trail will close if certain weather situations arise, including lightning, thunderstorms, or high winds.

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.

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 2023?

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

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