August in Milwaukee means one thing: A La Carte at the Zoo presented by Meijer! This beloved food and music festival has become a summer tradition for Zoo fans of all ages. From August 15-18, visitors can explore the Zoo while savoring delicious dishes from renowned restaurants and enjoying performances from both local and national artists across six stages throughout the park.
Festival Schedule
- August 15-17: 9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- August 18: 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Musical Entertainment
The 2024 festival features an impressive lineup of national performers, headlining each night at 7 p.m. on the Miller Lite Caribou Stage:
- Thursday, August 15: Deep Blue Something
- Friday, August 16: Parmalee
- Saturday, August 17: The Legendary Wailers featuring Junior Marvin
All musical entertainment is included with Zoo admission.
Ticket Information
Buy tickets now! Reduced admission tickets are available at Tri City National Bank locations starting July 12, while supplies last. Prices are as follows:
- Adults: $18
- Children (3 to 12): $15
- Parking: $15
Zoological Society memberships are valid for A La Carte.
Food and Beverages
Indulge in a culinary journey with an array of food and beverage vendors offering diverse and delectable options. New additions to this year’s lineup include BBQ Belle, BelAir Cantina, Hopper’s Mini Donuts, Milwaukee Pretzel Company, Pie Craft Pizza, Po’ Manz Food, Summer County Fare, and Wok at the Zoo. Here’s a taste of what you can expect:
- A la Crepes
- BBQ Belle – NEW
- Bear Garden
- BelAir Cantina – NEW
- Brew City Snowballs
- Bubble Waffle Shoppes
- Caribou Beverage Bar
- Catalano Corn
- Chillwaukee Pops
- C-Viche
- Funnel Cake Factory
- Giraffe Beverage Bar
- Giraffe Wine Bar
- Hopper’s Mini Donuts – NEW
- Ice Cream Parlor
- La Masa
- Milwaukee Pretzel Company – NEW
- MIL-WOK-EE
- Nothing Bundt Cakes
- Nourish 414
- OOZ
- Penguin Beverage Bar
- Pie Craft Pizza – NEW
- Po’ Manz Food – NEW
- Saz’s
- Scrima’s Woodfired Pizza
- Shawarma House
- Snack Barn
- Summer County Fare – NEW
- The Coop
- Thunder Bay Grille
- Tots on the Street
- Ultimate Confections Desserts featuring Suzy’s Cream Cheesecakes
- Watering Hole Root Beer Floats
- West End Snacks
- Wild Burger
- Woody’s Custard
- Wok at the Zoo – NEW
Please note that food and beverage vendors will only accept credit or debit cards — no cash. A cash-to-card kiosk will be available in the U.S. Bank Gathering Place to convert cash to a pre-paid card if needed. Cash, credit, and debit cards are accepted for admission, parking, merchandise, and attractions.
Explore the Zoo
As you enjoy the festival, take time to visit the Zoo’s residents. From scaly reptiles to feathered friends and majestic mammals, the animal exhibits are divided into four continental groupings. All animal buildings will be open, closing one hour before the festival ends each night.
Additional Attractions
Make sure to enjoy other Zoo favorites too, ensuring a fun-filled day for the whole family.
Some of the featured activities:
- North Shore Bank Safari Train
- Penzeys Carousel
- Dinosaur Discovery sponsored by Sendik’s Food Market
- Gorilla Trek Virtual Reality Experience
- Miller Lite Giraffe Experience
- Sky Adventure Zip Line and Ropes Courses
- Sky Safari
- Animals in Action Presentations
- Goat Yard
- Kohl’s Wild Theater
- Kohl’s Art Studio
- Zoo Expeditions
