The Zoo’s Calendar is Packed with Wild Celebrations to Close Out Summer 2026
Philadelphia, PA –Philadelphia Zoo announces its jam packed calendar of events to end the summer of America’s 250th anniversary at America’s First Zoo. Philadelphia Zoo’s End-of-Summer Spectacular runs Tuesday, August 18 through Sunday, September 13 with select events happening over the four weeks. Specialty events include a visit from a viral musician seen by millions online playing music for animals with his signature pink guitar; the return of the region’s wildest beer festival featuring 60+ breweries, distilleries and more; a chance to explore the Zoo and see what the animals are up to after hours; a new art festival with 30+ vendors inspired by the natural world; a picnic with Mama and Papa Bear of the Berenstain Bears plus a chance to take a favorite teddy bear for a checkup; and the chance to see more than 100 truly wild rides. Tickets to each event supports the Zoo’s mission to flourish as an urban oasis where people and animals thrive, transformative memories are made, and passion for conservation helps save wildlife. Tickets available exclusively on the Zoo’s website, philadelphiazoo dot org. Philadelphia Zoo is located at the corner of 34th Street and Girard Avenue in Philadelphia’s historic Fairmount Park at 3400 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
“Philadelphia Zoo is a place where there is always something new to discover, experience and remember,” said President & CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman. “No two visits are quite the same, and our end-of-summer celebrations give families and friends even more reasons to come together, experience the wonder of wildlife and make lasting memories. And with every visit, you’re helping us provide exceptional care for our animals and protect species in the wild.”
Each event is tailored to the interest of a variety of audiences. See the full rundown below of the Zoo’s End-of-Summer Spectacular:
For those who love music and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities:
PLUMES Visit to Philadelphia Zoo
Thursday, August 20
Friday, August 21
Times Vary by Experience
Celebrated by millions across the globe for his unique sound and special connection with animals, Loris Assadian—better known by his social media name, PLUMES—will visit Philadelphia Zoo as a guest to play his signature pink guitar and sing for the Zoo’s animals. This is the artist’s first appearance at a U.S. Zoo. By regularly singing for animals, PLUMES raises awareness about the beauty of the animal world and the importance of its preservation. This unique opportunity provides additional enrichment for the Zoo’s animals; part of the Zoo’s animal care program includes giving animals opportunities to experience something new, like a performance by a world-famous musician.
During his visit, the Zoo is offering the opportunity for guests to experience one of PLUMES intimate performances during ticketed events:
When Animals Listen: A Rare Encounter with PLUMES
Thursday, August 20 & Friday, August 21
Experience PLUMES special connection with animals as he plays for the Zoo’s giant tortoises, big cats and beautiful birds inside the Wings of the World aviary. Tickets include:
An intimate musical performance
An exclusive up-close animal experience following the performance
A personal opportunity to meet PLUMES
A souvenir T-shirt
The opportunity to attend one session or multiple unique encounters, each featuring a different animal and musical performance.
The following sessions are available:
Thursday, August 20
10:00am: Giant Tortoises
12:00pm: Wings of the World
2:00pm: Big Cats
Friday, August 21
10:00am: Giant Tortoises
12:00pm: Wings of the World
Tickets begin at $125, Save $25 if you purchase two sessions; $50 if you purchase all three.
Limited tickets available at philadelphiazoo dot org.
When Animals Listen: An Evening with PLUMES
Thursday, August 20
6:00-9:00pm
As twilight settles over America’s First Zoo, enjoy an elegant stroll after hours while savoring handcrafted cocktails, chef-inspired hors d’oeuvres, and artfully prepared desserts as PLUMES serenades the Zoo’s animals in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Throughout the evening, experience intimate live musical performances woven into the natural beauty of the Zoo, creating unforgettable moments where music, wildlife, and conservation come together in extraordinary harmony. Premium tickets for this one-night event are extremely limited to ensure the intimate atmosphere. Tickets available at philadelphiazoo dot org
About PLUMES:
PLUMES is a French artist who dedicates his talent to a cause close to his heart: animal protection. By regularly singing for animals, he movingly raises awareness about the beauty of the animal world and the importance of its preservation. Through his music, he conveys a beautiful message of love and respect. His touching performances and captivating melodies awaken the conscience while offering moments of pure emotion; he is steadily gaining visibility on social media, winning over an ever-growing global audience captivated by his unique blend of music and advocacy—an artistry that speaks to both the heart and the mind. Authentic and sincere, PLUMES is undoubtedly an artist to watch closely. Come discover him and let yourself be swept away!
For the party animals:
Summer Ale Festival
Saturday, August 22
7:00-10:00pm (taps close at 9:30pm)
The wildest beer festival in Philly returns to Philadelphia Zoo after being postposed due to severe weather. The Zoo is bringing more than 100 beers, ciders, seltzers, mead, spirits, and non-alcoholic options (including new vendors)—plus local food trucks and live music—to its 42-acre campus for the wildest festival of the season. Performing this year are Philly-based bands Nik Greeley and the Operators, Echo Kid, and Moonroof. Summer Ale Festival is the only beer celebration in the region where guests can visit animals like big cats, great apes, and more. Experience a different side of the Zoo at this one-of-a-kind, adults-only event. Summer Ale Fest is limited to those 21 or older with valid identification; no children, including infants, permitted. Tickets are available exclusively through the Zoo’s website and will not be available for purchase at the door. Taps close at 9:30 PM. This is a rain or shine event.
Tickets still available at philadelphiazoo dot org.
For those who like to stay out late:
Philadelphia Zoo After Hours presented by Surfside
Friday, August 28
4:00-8:00pm
The Zoo is staying open late to celebrate the end of summer with a relaxing evening with family and friends. Guests are invited to see the all-new Carey Bear Country, the Zoo’s $25 million transformation to enhance the lives of the bears that live there as well as create new ways for guests to connect with them. Enjoy Zoo attractions like the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel (only here through 2026!) and unwind to live music from Jeni Englund on Impala Lawn. Guests can arrive early and stay late. Please note: the final permitted Zoo entry time is 7:00pm. The Zoo closes at 8:00pm. The event is included with the purchase of general admission or membership at philadelphiazoo dot org.
For the Art Lovers:
Philadelphia Zoo Art Festival
Saturday, August 29
11:00am – 4:00pm
Celebrate the end of summer in full color at the Zoo’s new Art Festival! Discover handmade treasures inspired by the beauty of nature, enjoy live music from Seth Aaron Jones, light bites, and support over thirty local artists and makers–including the Zoo’s very own animals! Philadelphia Zoo Art Festival is happening Saturday, August 29 from 11:00am – 4:00pm under the tent on Impala Lawn and is perfect for the whole family. Vendors will accept payment via cash, card, or third-party payment processing platforms such as Venmo; this will vary by vendor. Philadelphia Zoo Art Festival is included in general admission or membership and is a rain-or-shine event. Tickets at philadelphiazoo dot org.
Vendor List (subject to change):
Alex Spielman Photography: wildlife photography of birds, landscapes and more
Ally Messer: greeting cards, prints, needle-felted soft sculptures, wearable accessories
ARTrageous Brush & Flow: upcycled denim ties featuring animal/zoo-inspired themes
Artwork by Keith Renard: one-of-a-kind hand-painted, upcycled teabag paintings using watercolor
Beaumonde Originals: fine art wildlife and nature photography, greeting cards, jigsaw puzzles
Creations by Marziani: whimsical local jewelry and accessories using found objects
Dark Ember Creations: handcrafted wooden bowls
Deb Putter Photography: floral photography and local landscapes
Eddie & Andy: handbags, tote bags, belt bags, wristlet wallets, keychains
EM Davis Photography: macro floral photography, cards, framed pieces
Fromsoft Wool: wool-felted sculptures, felted plants, whimsical animals, fantasy landscapes
GrayFite Ceramics: handmade ceramic horseshoe crab sculptures, ceramic tiles, earrings
Greater Philadelphia Chapter of AAZK: paintings created by Philadelphia Zoo’s own animals
Handmade StoreByElifUS: crochet animal amigurumi, crochet keychains, nature-inspired crochet pieces
Jenny Keefer: fine art prints, hand-etched Plexiglas designs
Julia Siragusa: colored-pencil drawings, fine art prints, hand-painted glassware
Kelly’s Custom Plush & Crochet: plushies, plants, hair barrettes, bags
Laevera Ceramic Flowers: ceramic flowers, vases, gift sets
Lillian Mya Art: oil paintings, paintings on wood, magnets, animal artwork
Mahara by Bushra: crochet plushies, keychains, bag charms, animal cartoon characters
Marian Howard: fine art photography
MohrDoesArt: acrylic paintings, animal portraits, stickers, prints
Molly Creamer Art: acrylic paintings, prints
Nicster Art Studio, LLC: giclée prints, notecards, pen-and-ink drawings, colored-pencil artwork
Oweee Baby: handmade reversible hats for infants and toddlers
Paula Conrow Designs: enameled jewelry using various techniques
Paula Rhoads Creative: acrylic landscape paintings, floral paintings
Rare Bird Handmade: small-batch jewelry made from found treasures
Raven and Root Studio: porcelain earrings, necklaces, bookmarks, pins, magnets
Sofia Soper: ceramic jars, spoon rests, trinket trays, flower vases, ceramic figurines
The Art of John Zeggert: acrylic paintings, oil paintings, fine art prints, photography
Way Outside Studios: polymer clay food-themed magnets, jewelry, sculptures, stickers
Yarnimals: crocheted plushies and animals
Yellow Cloud Studio: hand-beaded bird charms, bird-themed earrings, bracelets, necklaces
For those who love their teddy bear:
Teddy Bear Picnic featuring the Berenstain Bears
Saturday, September 5
10:30am -2:30pm
Mama and Papa Berenstain Bear are stopping at the Zoo for a picnic! Bring the whole family (and some favorite stuffies) for the Zoo’s Teddy Bear Picnic, celebrating the opening of the all-new Carey Bear Country. The event, under the tent on Impala Lawn, includes meet-and-greets with Mama and Papa Bear, a Scavenbear Hunt with paw-some prizes, a Teddy Bear Clinic with the Zoo’s Veterinary Team, live music, lawn games, bear-themed face paint and caricature designs. Guests can also purchase and exclusive picnic basket (available for pre-order only) that includes:
Limited-edition copy of the beloved book “The Berenstain Bears: Welcome to Bear Country” featuring a sticker made specially for Philadelphia Zoo
Custom Philadelphia Zoo-branded picnic blanket
Teddy Bear Bandana to color for a stuffed friend – one per child
15% off of a stuffed friend at any Zoo retail location – one per child
“Bear Paw Pass” to hop in the fast lane to meet the Berenstain Bears
Handwoven picnic basket to keep
Option to add on a picnic lunch for up to six (6) guests featuring gourmet sandwiches, chips, cookies, fruit salad, and water
By adding a picnic basket, guests can purchase up to six (6) discounted admission tickets
General admission or membership is required to attend Teddy Bear Picnic. With the purchase of a picnic basket, a picnic lunch and discounted admission tickets are available to add on at checkout (limit of six guests per basket).
Tickets at philadelphiazoo dot org. Email events@phillyzoo dot org for questions
For those who love a wild ride:
Philadelphia Zoo Car Show Presented by Pep Boys!
Sunday, September 13
9:30am – 5:00pm
Guests are invited to enjoy a day of wildlife and wild rides at Philadelphia Zoo’s first car show presented by Pep Boys! Featuring nearly a dozen classic cars parked throughout the Zoo and more than 100 cars in the Giraffe Lot on Girard Ave., kids, families and car enthusiasts alike are invited to learn about these classic and high-end cars while learning about easy actions all car owners can take to help protect the planet. The car show is supported by Cannon Ball Car Club and is included in general admission or membership. Tickets at philadelphiazoo dot org.
About Philadelphia Zoo
At Philadelphia Zoo, the Zoo moves around you! Pioneering Zoo360, a first-in-the-world system of animal exploration trails, Philadelphia Zoo has inspired more than 70 zoos around the globe to design new ways to invite animals to travel and roam through their own campuses. Passing through treetops, crossing over pathways and connecting habitats, Zoo360 provides Philadelphia Zoo’s beautiful big cats, playful lemurs, and lively monkeys innovative ways to explore and marvel at one another and our guests. Visit the all-new Carey Bear Country, home to Andean and sloth bears, meet Mommy the Galapagos tortoise and her world-famous hatchlings at the Reptile & Amphibian House, our quickly-growing orangutan infant in PECO Primate Reserve, the Ankole cattle hillside, Amur tigers at Big Cat Falls, Victorian crown pigeons at McNeil Avian Center, and hippos, zebras and white rhino throughout African Plains. Share a space with critically endangered lemurs as you wander through Lemur Island, look up as you feed the world’s tallest animal at Giraffe Experience, or get up-close as you hand-serve colorful birds their meals at Wings of Asia. Philadelphia Zoo is one of the region’s foremost conservation and education organizations and home to endangered, and in some cases extinct, animals in the wild. At Philadelphia Zoo, our mission is to flourish as an urban oasis where people and animals thrive, transformative memories are made, and our passion for conservation helps save wildlife. Philadelphia Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is a non-smoking facility. For more information, visit philadelphiazoo dot org. Facebook: PhiladelphiaZoo; Instagram: @philadelphiazoo; X (formerly Twitter): @phillyzoo; TikTok: @philadelphiazoo