Coal Valley, Ill. (JUNE 11, 2026) – Niabi Zoo will celebrate inclusion, community and conservation during Pride Night on Thursday, June 18, as part of its Zoo Nights summer event series.
Pride Night will be co-hosted with Quad Cities Pride Alliance and will give guests the opportunity to explore the Zoo during extended evening hours while enjoying family-friendly entertainment, community activities and animal experiences.
Visitors can enjoy the Zoo from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with last entry at 7 p.m. Pride activities will take place from 5 – 8 p.m. and will feature a variety of activities for children and families, including:
- Family-friendly performances and character meet-and-greets throughout the Zoo
- A special appearance by drag queen Bentley Ballenciaga
- Story time with animals
- Rainbow-themed animal enrichment activities
- Live music and DJ entertainment with dance areas for all ages
- A Pride-themed scavenger hunt around the Zoo
- Educational booths and activities from local organizations focused on conservation, inclusion and identity
Pride Night is designed to celebrate the Quad Cities community while reinforcing Niabi Zoo’s commitment to being a welcoming organization for all families.
“Pride Night is a natural extension of Niabi Zoo’s mission to connect people with wildlife and inspire care for the world around us,” said Lee Jackson, director of Niabi Zoo. “We’re creating a new way for guests to experience the Zoo while reinforcing that Niabi is a place for everyone.”
“Quad Cities Pride Alliance is thrilled to help bring Pride Night to life at Niabi Zoo,” said Dan Gleason, president of the QC Pride Alliance. “Seeing a beloved community destination open its doors for a celebration like this sends an important message to families across the region: you are welcome here, you belong here and there is joy in coming together as a community.”
Throughout the evening, guests will have the chance to experience Niabi Zoo in a unique setting, discover more than 600 animals from around the world and connect with local organizations offering activities and resources for families.
Admission is $11 for adults (ages 13–61), $10 for seniors (62+) and military personnel, and $8.50 for children (ages 2–12). Children under 2, Niabi Zoo members, and Funbundle or Zooseum pass holders receive free entry.
For more information or to plan your visit, visit NiabiZoo.com.
About Niabi Zoo
Niabi Zoo, which is operated by the Forest Preserve District of Rock Island County, offers an opportunity to explore more than 40 acres in Coal Valley, Illinois, and discover more than 600 animals from around the world. The Zoo places great emphasis on educating people of all ages about the importance of conservation and how they can play a part in saving species and ecosystems for future generations. Niabi Zoo is working today to assure a better tomorrow for all living things. For more information about the Zoo, visit NiabiZoo.com. To learn more about the Niabi Zoo Foundation, visit Niabizoofoundation.com.
