Zoo a la Carte – Milwaukee County Zoo

This four-day festival transforms the Zoo into a celebration of food and live music. About 30 local and regional restaurants set up throughout the park alongside the Zoo's regular food vendors, offering everything from barbecue and pizza to crepes and bubble waffles—with plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available. Six performance stages feature live entertainment from national and local bands, all included with your Zoo admission. You'll also be able to see all the animals as you make your way around the grounds. Zoo admission is free, though food and beverages cost extra. Note that food vendors accept credit and debit cards only (a cash-to-card kiosk is available if needed). The Zoo operates from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. This is a smoke-free venue, and no outside alcohol or glass containers are permitted. It's a great choice for families who want to combine animal viewing with dining variety and outdoor entertainment.