LAST CALL FOR SUMMER: 2 MORE CHANCES FOR ‘ZOO NIGHTS’ FUN!

Visitors enjoying a live performance of Jujuba on the concert lawn during Zoo Nights at the Oregon Zoo Friday August 12, 2022. © 2022 Fred Joe / www.fredjoephoto.com Oregon Zoo has full rights to distribute.
a freddy joe original (Photo releases via ticket language and notices on grounds)

Series closes out with entertainment by Jujuba, Aaron Nigel Smith and Red Yarn

PORTLAND, Ore. — Autumn is in the air this week and school is just around the corner, but there’s still time to enjoy an idyllic, family-friendly summer evening — or two! — at the Oregon Zoo.The last two chances to catch Zoo Nights, take place Aug. 16 and 23.

Zoo Nights — a Friday evening series filled with music, food, animal experiences and fun for all ages —features live music on the lawn starting at 6:30 p.m. and activities taking place from 5 p.m. on. Food and snacks are available plus the ever-popular elephant ears and a selection of local beer and wine for adults.

This week’s festivities include an Afrobeat dance party with Jujuba. The 10-piece ensemble features Nigerian talking drum legend Nojeem Lasisi, world-class West African and Cuban percussion, horns and a funky rhythm section.

The following week, Grammy-nominated Aaron Nigel Smith brings his kid-friendly reggae to the zoo. Also performing on both evenings is Red Yarn, with folk music and puppetry for kids of all ages.

“Portland is known for its perfect summer evenings, and once they’re here, I look for every opportunity to get outside and have a good time with the kids,” said Heidi Rahn, zoo director. “Zoo Nights is a chance to enjoy a fun evening together and learn about wildlife.”

To see video from previous Zoo Nights, go to bit.ly/ZooNights2024.

Zoo Nights is a special event and is not included with regular daytime admission. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. For more information, visit oregonzoo.org/nights.

As part of Metro, the Oregon Zoo helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. Committed to conservation, the zoo acts globally on behalf of species from pikas to polar bears. Over the past 30 years, it has prevented extinctions, expanded populations, advanced conservation science and formed powerful communities to protect wildlife in the Northwest and around the world.

Support from the Oregon Zoo Foundation enhances and expands the zoo’s efforts in advancing animal well-being, species recovery work and conservation education. To contribute, go to oregonzoo.org/give.

To plan your trip, go to oregonzoo.org/visit. For more information on getting to the zoo, visit Explore Washington Park.