Oregon Zoo Is Set To ring in summer with music, food, fun

Summer ‘Zoo Nights’ series will feature live local music, animal activities and more  

PORTLAND, Ore. — Nothing says summer in Portland like a warm evening outdoors with good food and live entertainment. Over the course of 10 Fridays this summer, Zoo Nights, presented by TriMet, will offer local music, food carts, activities for all ages, and the chance to get to know some of the Oregon Zoo animals active during twilight hours.

“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 and come together for wildlife.”

Zoo Nights takes place every Friday from mid-June through mid-August, with live music on the lawn at 6:30 p.m. and activities taking place from 5:30 on. The series kicks off June 16 with Grupo Masato’s dance-party mix of chicha, cumbia and Afro-Peruvian music.

Other upcoming dates include the honky-tonk country stylings of Robert Henry (June 23), country-bluegrass from Jackstraw (June 30), salsa and Latin jazz courtesy of Pa’lante (July 7), global dance legends DJ Anjali and the Incredible Kid (July 14), party-time covers band Hit Machine (July 21), zydeco by the Too Loose Cajun Band (July 28), classic soul star Ural Thomas and the Pain (Aug. 4), the Grateful Dead–inspired Garcia Birthday Band (Aug. 11), and Jujuba’s Afrobeat dance party (Aug. 18).

Also on hand: food and snacks from Verde Cocina, Alchemy Sandwich Co., Eleni’s Kitchen Ethiopian Food, Getta Gyro and more — plus the ever-popular elephant ears and a selection of local beer and wine.

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/zoonights.

As part of Metro, the Oregon Zoo helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. Committed to conservation, the zoo is working to save endangered California condors, northwestern pond turtles, Oregon silverspot and Taylor’s checkerspot butterflies, and northern leopard frogs.

Support from the Oregon Zoo Foundation enhances and expands the zoo’s efforts in conservation, education and animal welfare. Members, donors and corporate and foundation partners help the zoo make a difference across the region and around the world. 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.