Rain or shine, the show will go on! Check the forecast before you head to the Zoo and pack warm clothes and raincoats if you need them. It’s summer, so hats and sunscreen are essential no matter the weather. Leave your umbrellas at home though – they are on the list of prohibited items you can read in full in our Terms and Conditions for entry.
Weather conditions will be closely monitored based on advice from the Bureau of Meteorology. The safety of Zoo Twilights artists, visitors, Zoo staff and the animals is of upmost importance to us, so in the event of a weather emergency (like electrical storm or severe lighting) our risk management plan will be enacted.
In the unlikely event of an emergency, you may be evacuated for your safety. Please listen to Zoo staff, who will direct you to safety in an emergency situation.
If the concert is cancelled after the Zoo’s gates have opened, we’ll make an announcement from the stage.
If the concert is cancelled before the gates open, we’ll make announcements on the Zoo Twilights website and our social media. Moshtix will also announce the cancellation.
Gates open for Zoo Twilights ticketholders from 5.30pm, and shows end at around 9.30pm. Plan your night at the Zoo with the times below:
Gates open: from 5.30pm
Keeper talks: 6pm and 6.30pm
Animal precincts close: 7pm
Support act begins: 7pm
Main act begins: 8pm
Finish time: varies between artists.
If there is no support act, the headliner’s set will begin at 7pm and play a double set.
A team of researchers led by the Zoo’s Animal Welfare Specialist monitor the animals during the concert series to evaluate how the animals respond to the event. This is an ongoing project. You may see some of our researchers out and about at Zoo Twilights studying the animal’s behaviour. In addition to this research, Zoo Keepers also carefully monitor the health and wellbeing of the animals before and after the concerts.
To ensure Zoo Twilights can be enjoyed to the fullest, we cap each show at 3,000 people.
No. Melbourne Zoo is a fully licensed venue which means that BYO alcohol is not permitted, but there are plenty of alcoholic drink options available for purchase from our food and drink vendors.
We’ve divided the Twilights lawn to make sure everyone has a great view of the stage. Only low-back chairs are permitted at Zoo Twilights, and only in the back section of the lawn. If you’d like to sit closer to the stage, you can do so if you sit on the lawn or a picnic rug.
No matter what spot you pick, you’re allowed to stand and/or dance during the show.
Yes. Our friendly Zoo staff will be available on the night to help find a spot that meets your accessibility requirements.
No. As esky doesn’t count as a low-back chair, and sitting on one will obscure the views of your fellow music fans.
Only low-back chairs are permitted at Zoo Twilights, and only in the back section of the lawn. Zoo Staff will be around to help direct you if you’re not sure where to sit. Eskies, deck chairs, camping chairs and bean bags aren’t permitted.
Because Zoo Twilights is a concert with a big sound system, it’s generally louder the closer you sit to the stage. For the comfort of little ones’ ears, we recommend sitting to the side of the stage, or at least halfway down the Twilight lawn. There are big screens projecting every moment of the show so you won’t miss a moment.
No. When the gates open at 5.30pm, you’re welcome to lay out a blanket or set up your chair on your favourite spot on the lawn, before heading off to explore the Zoo. But Melbourne Zoo can’t take responsibility for any items left unattended.
No. Visitors with noise sensitivities are encouraged to bring their own.
Yes. You’ll be given a wristband on your way in, and you need to keep it on until you leave the zoo. If you’re not wearing one and can’t produce proof of purchase, you’ll be asked to leave.
No. Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside Melbourne Zoo. It’s home to plenty of animals, after all! Pass outs are available at the gates if you do want to duck out for a smoke. Remember to toss your butts in the bins provided.
Some artists might want to do a merch signing after their show – but that’s at their discretion and not managed by Melbourne Zoo.
We hope so! Everyone is welcome to stand and dance, or sit back and watch from a distance. When you arrive at the Twilights lawn, try to select your spot based on what you’re keen to do that night. There are no wrong answers.
Check out our Terms and Conditions for entry and our event info. If your questions still haven’t been answered, you can contact Moshtix on 1300 438 849 for ticket enquiries, or Zoos Victoria on 1300 966 784 for general Melbourne Zoo enquiries.