Wild Summer Nights Concert Series

Wednesdays in July and August | 5 -8 p.m. | Concert Begins at 6 p.m.

More Time. More Zoo. Every Wednesday night. Zoo hours extended until 8 p.m.

Free with Zoo admission I Free for members

Event Series Event Series (See All)

Join the fun at our Wild Summer Nights Concert Series!

Experience an unforgettable evening of live music, engaging Zookeeper Chats and so much more. With a lineup of local artists playing a mix of genres, there’s something for every music lover to enjoy. Don’t miss out on the perfect summer night at the Zoo!

Summer Concert Series Schedule

  • July 9 – Steve Somers Band (Blues)
  • July 16 – Enchanted Princess Party (children’s music)
  • July 23 – KGB Motown Band (Motown)
  • July 30 – Your Generation in Concert (pop through the ages)
  • Aug. 6 – Olivia Van Goor (jazz)
  • Aug. 13 – Second Wind (classic rock)
  • Aug. 20 – Ashley Lynn Experience (country)
  • Aug. 27 – Rondo String Quartet (strings)

Stay tuned for more details!

Make Your Summer Nights Wild

Every Wednesday night this summer, Wild Summer Nights offers three extra hours to explore the Detroit Zoo. Enjoy full access to habitats, buildings and attractions through 8 p.m. — plus live music from local artists starting at 6 p.m. in the Main Picnic Grove.

Whether you stay for the music, the carousel or a peaceful evening walk past the animals, this is your chance to make the most of a Michigan summer night — all included with your admission.

Don’t forget to bring your own blanket or chair to relax and enjoy the show!

New This Year: Evening-Only Admission

Guests arriving after 6 p.m. on event nights will enjoy reduced admission at the gate.
No pre-purchase needed, just show up and save:

  • $13 for general admission
  • $12 for youth and seniors

New This Year: Evening-Only Admission

Guests arriving after 6 p.m. on event nights will enjoy reduced admission at the gate.
No pre-purchase needed, just show up and save:

  • $13 for general admission
  • $12 for youth and seniors

What to Expect

  • 10-14 3oz. tastings depending on ticket type
  • A premium selection of summer cocktails, craft beers, wine and zero-proof drinks
  • A complimentary welcome drink courtesy of Griffin Claw Brewing Co.
  • Exclusive after-hours access to the Zoo until 10 p.m. (full Zoo access ends at 8)
  • Access to Dragon Forest, an immersive mythical walk-through experience
  • Interactive Connection Station centered on the eastern massasauga rattlesnake
  • Live music from local artists Phoenix Theory and Devyn Mitchell
  • Optional VIP experience starting an hour before general admission
  • Oversized lawn games and golden-hour photo ops
  • Food available for purchase
  • Educational Zookeeper Chats with our staff

What to Expect

Sips & Bites

  • Food and beverage pop-ups + retail open late

Exclusive Access

  • Access to animal habitats and buildings until 8 p.m.
  • All rides and attractions open until 8 p.m.

Main Picnic Grove Live Music

  • Live music in the Main Picnic Grove from 6-7:30 p.m.

Wild Summer Nights 2025 Music Lineup

Concerts are held at the Main Picnic Grove.

July 9, 2025

Steve Somers Band (Blues)

July 16, 2025

Enchanted Princess Party (Kids/Pop)

July 23, 2025

KGB Motown Band (Motown)

July 30, 2025

Your Generation In Concert (Pop/Rock)

Aug. 6, 2025

Olivia Van Goor (Jazz)

Aug. 13, 2025

Second Wind (Classic Rock)

Aug. 20, 2025

Ashley Lynn Experience (Country)

Aug. 27, 2025

Rondo String Quartet (Strings)

What's New

This year, Summer Sips is raising a glass to the Michigan Summer by increasing the number of tastings from six 5 oz cups to 10 3 oz cups, giving you even more opportunities to sample and discover new favorite brews.  

Ticket Options

Choose the Experience That’s Right for You
Members now get 10% off events—including Summer Sips! 🎉 Click here to learn more and become a member today

General Admission

Standard admission to Summer Sips.

$55
$49.50
  • Admission to the Zoo  

  • Ten (10) 3 oz. beverage tastings

  • Food available for purchase

Member - $49.50Non-Member - $55

VIP

All the benefits of general admission plus so much more!

$95
$85.50
  • Early Admission to the Zoo at 6 p.m.

  • Fourteen (14) 3 oz. beverage tastings

  • An exclusive commemorative gift

  • Access to the VIP Lounge (located in the Main Picnic Grove) and exclusive food options

Member - $85.50Non-Member - $95

Designated Driver

All the fun of Summer Sips without the alcohol.

$35
$31.50
  • Admission to the Zoo

  • Unlimited soft drinks

  • Unlimited access to non-alcoholic tasting selections

Member - $31.50Non-Member - $35

Designated Driver VIP

All the benefits of designated driver plus so much more!

$75
$67.50
  • All the same features as the DD ticket

  • An exclusive commemorative gift

  • Access to the VIP Lounge (located in the Main Picnic Grove) and exclusive food options

Member - $67.50Non-Member - $75

Members Get More

With a Detroit Zoo membership, you’ll enjoy great perks such as unlimited daytime admission, free Zoo parking, endless education, a 10% discount on ticketed events PLUS complimentary admission to events like Wild Summer Nights.

Four Nights. One Pack. Endless Fun.

Want more to do at the Detroit Zoo? Lock in four unforgettable nights with our limited-time 2025 After Hours 21+ Event Series Pass for $210, which includes general admission to Zoo Brew, Summer Sips, Spooky Spirits and Polar Beers. Sip, stroll and celebrate the seasons with exclusive, 21+ after-hours access, craft drinks, live entertainment and much more.

Why It Matters

Every visit to the Detroit Zoo helps ignite positive change for animals and nature. When you attend Wild Summer Nights, you’re not just enjoying a summer evening — you’re supporting evidence-based animal care, global conservation and education programs that reach thousands of learners annually. Your admission makes a difference. 

Sip on beverages and save wildlife at Summer Sips, presented by KeyBank!
Plus, groups of 4 or more receive $5 off per ticket! 
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