Celebrate 40 years of this Milwaukee tradition as the Zoo comes alive with music, food, and fun! This four-day summer staple features national headliners, local and regional entertainment across six stages, more than 30 popular Milwaukee restaurants, and of course — animals! Don’t miss the extra-special fun that’s in store this year!

The 2026 festival welcomes these national performers:
Thursday, August 20 — lovelytheband
Friday, August 21 — Chris Lane and jackrabbit. featuring Dermot Mulroney
Saturday, August 22 — Tank and the Bangas

Headliners perform on the Miller Lite Caribou Stage.*

To celebrate four decades of tradition, the Zoo will be offering daily giveaways, photo opportunities, and more!

And, for the first time, Thursday is Kids Day at A La Carte! In addition to special entertainment and activities, kids aged 3-12 will receive half-priced admission from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the admissions booth (children two and under are always free). Guests must purchase this rate in person.

Thursday: Kids Day

• The first 500 kids in attendance will receive a special penguin backpack and hippo bookmark.

Friday

• We’re throwing it back to the ’80s, when A La Carte first began! The first 500 groups on Friday will receive a retro, Zoo-themed Rubik’s cube.

Saturday

• Get here early for Tank and the Bangas — 40 Tank fans will receive a Milwaukee County Zoo camp chair!

Sunday

• Celebrate the final day of A La Carte, when 40 lucky guests will receive a festival essentials pack (tote bag, bucket hat, and water bottle).

* All musical entertainment is included with Zoo admission. Parking, food, attractions, and rides are offered for an additional fee. Zoological Society membership is valid for A La Carte.

Food and beverage vendors will accept credit or debit cards only — no cash. If needed, cash can be converted to a pre-paid card in the Zoo Administration office. Cash, credit, and debit cards are all accepted for admission, parking, merchandise, and attractions.

Discounted tickets are available to purchase at Tri City National Bank branches. Visit tcnb.com for locations and hours. Tickets are limited and only available while supplies last.

The Aviary closes at 3:30 p.m. All other animal buildings will be open, closing one hour before the festival ends each night.