Twilight at the Zoo

Get ready to wind your way through the Zoo enjoying the sounds of more than a dozen local bands and the taste of complimentary food and drink. Need help planning your big night out? We can get you started.

What time does the party start?

VIP Party starts at 6 p.m. General admission starts at 7 p.m. Bands start playing at 7 p.m.

How should I get there? (Pay attention, this is important.)

Leave enough time to drive to the Zoo and park. We’re expecting more than 7,500 guests at Twilight at the Zoo presented by KeyBank, so there will be a lot of traffic on Wildlife Way.

We will be monitoring traffic flow and parking, but we recommend leaving extra time. Remember which lot you parked in; you’ll need to exit the party the same way you came in. Click here for the 2023 map with band and food locations.

What should I wear?

Leave the tall heels and sport coats at home, and plan for comfort. There are stages, food stations and bars throughout the Zoo, so unless you plan to staying front-row at your favorite stage for five hours, you will be walking. (As in, it's a 180-acre Zoo walking.) We recommend casual summer attire and comfortable shoes. Also, this is a rain or shine event!

Will I see animals?

If you get there early. For their safety and welfare, our animals will go inside at 8 p.m. So come early to see your favorite exhibit and stay late for your favorite band. And remember, your attendance at Twilight at the Zoo supports the Cleveland Zoological Society, the nonprofit fundraising partner of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Members get in free everyday, so we encourage you to visit us at the Zoo during the day this summer and fall.

Will the lanterns be on during Twilight?

Yes, they will! While you’ll be able to see the lanterns in their glory at night, we still hope you’ll come back for an evening at the Asian Lantern Festival presented by Meijer. Live performances, a craft market and an Asian food market are all only available during festival evenings. (Plus, members receive a discount on tickets!)

This is my one night out of the summer. Really.

We get it, and thanks for choosing Twilight at the Zoo presented by KeyBank! We are equally excited about having a good time. Your ticket includes the drinks listed below as well as summer food developed by on our-site catering team. Cash bars are available if you prefer cocktails. We’ve lined up more than a dozen local bands playing Motown, country, rock, blues and more. It’s going to be great.

Alcoholic beverages: Miller Lite, Leinenkugel Summer Shandy, Twisted Tea, Truly, Collision Bend, Dogfish Head, Oak Grove Chardonnay, Oak Grove Cabernet

Non-Alcoholic beverages: Liquid Death water station, Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Sierra Mist

Read the fine print.

• Bring your ID; everyone will be IDed at the entrance. Do not bring your kids unless they are 21 (and bring their IDs).
• Drink lots of water - don’t forget it’s summertime in the CLE. We want you to have fun AND stay hydrated!
• Please drink responsibly. Twilight guests are welcome to leave their car in the Zoo’s parking lots and retrieve them the next day if needed.