Celebrate Earth Month and the arrival of spring at our first-ever Spring Fest—a weekend filled with fun, fresh air, and unforgettable experiences. Enjoy live performances, savor seasonal food and drinks, shop from art vendors, and explore family-friendly activities for all ages.

Looking for the best spring festival near Chicago? Spring Fest is your ultimate destination to welcome the season with vibrant energy, delicious food, and exciting activities.

Mark your calendar and make this spring celebration one to remember! This event is FREE with general admission and/or membership to Brookfield Zoo Chicago.

Live Music on the East Mall

Our incredible music lineup is bound to put a spring in your step! Join us on the East Mall for FREE concerts throughout the weekend from some of your favorite local performers:

Schedule:

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Wild Daisy
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Are You Ready For It?
2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. American English
4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Wedding Banned

Shop the Art Fair!

Step into a world where creativity blooms in every corner! The Spring Fest Art Fair will showcase stunning works for sale by local artists, with an emphasis on a connection to the animal world. Wander through vibrant booths filled with one-of-a-kind paintings, sculptures, handmade jewelry, and so much more. Whether you're a seasoned art lover or just looking for something unique, there's something here for everyone!

Celebrate Trees!

At Spring Fest, Bartlett Tree Experts will be offering a complimentary Tree Doctor Clinic with tips and resources on growing and keeping your trees healthy. Additionally, on Sunday, April 13 at 11 a.m. Bartlett will cohost a community tree planting, just west of the Carousel.

Welcome, Rainbow Cone!

Join us at Spring Fest for the official launch of our new partnership with The Original Rainbow Cone at Brookfield Zoo Chicago! Through spring and summer, you'll be able to purchase a wide range of treats from this legendary 100-year-old ice cream brand, right here at the Zoo. Check out the Rainbow Cone location on the East Mall!

Family-Friendly Fun!

Celebrate spring, conservation, and the beauty of the natural world with our Spring Colors and Wild Impressions stations! Color in vibrant animal designs and add your fingerprint to our collaborative masterpiece. Create one-of-a-kind butterfly finger puppets at the craft station in the Hamill Family Play Zoo. Delight in our special onsite activation from Grizz Pest Management. And, explore our special Spring Fest photo ops throughout the Zoo!

Experience Zoo Chats!

Our Animal Care professionals will provide free Zoo Chats throughout the weekend! Make sure to stop by the following habitats to hear more about some of your favorite residents of Brookfield Zoo Chicago:

Schedule:

10:15 a.m. Turtle Chat at Hamill Family Play Zoo
11 a.m. Archerfish and Epaulette Shark Chat at The Living Coast
11 a.m. Koala Chat at Hamill Family Play Zoo
11:30 a.m. Bird Chat at The Swamp
12 p.m. Prairie Chicken Chat at the North America Prairie Aviary
12:15 p.m. Sea Lion Chat at Sea Lion Cove
2:15 p.m. African Painted Dog Chat at Habitat Africa
2:30 p.m. Rhino Chat outside Pachyderm House
2:30 p.m. Echidna Chat at Australia House
3 p.m. Native Herp Chat at Feathers and Scales

Free Birding Tour!

Learn the secrets of successful birdwatching from our seasoned professionals! This FREE 30-minute tour through the zoo will be offered twice per day of the event. We have now reached capacity for our birding tour signups.

PURCHASE ZOO TICKETS