After debuting its Roaring Nights summer concert series last year, Brookfield Zoo Chicago is going even bigger this year.
The zoo announced Wednesday that ‘80s, ‘90s and ‘00s rock bands Better Than Ezra, Tonic, Third Eye Blind and +LIVE+ will headline this year’s concerts, spaced out from June through August.
+LIVE+ will kick off the series June 21 while Third Eye Blind will take the stage July 18, both at 7:30 p.m. On August 16, an extended show will feature Tonic at 6 p.m. and Better Than Ezra at 8 p.m. to cap off the summer shows.
Attendees can also meet the zoo’s “animal ambassadors” and ride its Ferris Wheel, back this year after debuting last year for the zoo’s 90th anniversary.
Tickets went on sale Thursday, April 24 at 10 a.m. on the zoo’s website. General admission tickets start at $70 each, while passes for all three shows will be available for $175. Tickets for children aged 11 and under will be available for $15 with the purchase of an adult ticket.
Last year, with tickets starting at $45 and children coming free, The Fray, Barenaked Ladies and Gin Blossoms were the headliners. The zoo said in the announcement that last year’s shows all sold out and reached nearly 13,000 attendees altogether.
According to the announcement, the concerts are funded in part by a Preserve Route 66 grant and through sponsorship by supermarket chain Meijer. Ogden Avenue carried U.S. Route 66 from 1926 to 1976, according to the Route 66 Association of Illinois.
“Roaring Nights is a concert experience unlike any other in the city,” said Andrea Rodgers, the zoo’s senior vice president of guest experience and operations, in a written statement. “This year’s lineup is packed with talent, and we’re excited to welcome guests back for another unforgettable season of summer evenings at the zoo.”
Correction, April 25, 2025, 10:45 a.m.: A previous version of this article misstated the number of attendees at the Roaring Nights concerts last year. There were 13,000 guests across the three shows. The Landmark regrets the error.
