Celebrate the changing colors and the autumn season in Chicago at Lincoln Park Zoo’s Fall Fest, kicking off September 30. This free admission, family-friendly fest invites guests to enjoy the fresh, crisp fall air and partake in harvest fun, from picking the perfect pumpkin to devouring sweet treats and festive drinks. In addition to autumn-themed animal enrichment and musical entertainment, the zoo’s over-the-top fall pop-up bar, Patch’s Pumpkin Bar & Grill, returns to offer seasonal food, drinks, décor, and spectacular views of Pepper Family Wildlife Center. Fall Fest is free and open to the public Friday-Sunday from September 30-October 30 and on Monday, October 10. The event’s hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. No registration is required but guests can sign up at EventBrite for exclusive updates throughout the season and be entered for a chance to win attraction ticket bundles. To keep the spirit of the season going, the zoo is offering various special events throughout the fall: 

• Join author, podcaster, and host of Mysterious Chicago Tours, Adam Selzer, for a spine-tingling walkabout that digs into the zoo’s cemetery roots and locations from throughout its allegedly haunted history during Haunted History Tours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout October.  

• Too old for trick-or-treating, but want to enjoy spooky season shenanigans of your own? Head to Adults Night Out: Howl-O-Ween on October 27 for a night of festive fun.  

• Spooky Zoo, hosted by the Auxiliary Board of Lincoln Park Zoo, returns October 22 for trick-or-treating and activities for families. 

To learn more about the zoo or see upcoming events, visit lpzoo.org.