Music is coming back to the Oregon Zoo this summer. These are the performers

If you’ve ever wanted to listen to a Tom Petty tribute band while polar bears play nearby, you’re about to get your chance.

ZooNights is

coming back to the Oregon Zoo

this summer, with music, food, activities and, of course, animals, for people of all ages.

It’s unlikely big concerts are coming back to the zoo.

Zoo director Heidi Rahn

told The Oregonian/OregonLive in 2024 that those big concerts were financially risky and not aligned with the zoo’s mission.

ZooNights is a smaller, more family-friendly series. Activities starting at 5 p.m. and live music on the lawn beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The event will run Friday nights from June 20 through Aug. 23, except for one special Thursday night ZooNights event on July 3 to avoid the Fourth of July holiday.

Performers include Tom Petty tribute band Petty Fever and Garcia Birthday Band, among many others.

Still not sold? There will also be alcohol and elephant ears. Plus actual elephants.

Tickets must be purchased online in advance and are separate from standard admission. They are $26 for adults and $21 for kids 2-11 years old. For more information and to buy tickets, visit

oregonzoo.org/nights