Brew at the L.A. Zoo Celebrates Craft Beers

Nicole Surratt

The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is hosting Brew at the L.A. Zoo, an event featuring local craft breweries. Guests may sample 5-ounce portions from all participating breweries with their provided mugs and, with fifty breweries on site, there will be no shortage of beer to try. VIP tickets grant guests early entry and access to two lounges with hors d’oeuvres and specialty cocktails. There are also designated driver tickets available that offer unlimited soda. Zookeepers will give pop-up talks, and there is a possibility for some animal encounters, though of course the animals will have access to their less visible nighttime lodgings.

There will be a wide variety of breweries represented: The familiar Angel City Brewery, which both attends and puts on many Los Angeles events; 101 Cider House and their 100% raw ciders made with fresh pressed fruit; Baja Brewing Company, the first brewery in Baja California Sur, Common Cider, who won two medals at the 2014 California State Fair with their Hibiscus Saison and Blood Orange Tangerine ciders. Also present will be Fireman’s Brew, founded by two firefighters who donate a portion of their profits to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and Stone Brewing Co., which has been called the “All-time Top Brewery on Planet Earth” by BeerAdvocate magazine. There will also be a few Colorado breweries and even offerings from a couple of wineries.

Food will be available for purchase, including kettle corn and sandwiches, as well as the Zoo Grill’s normal menu. VIP guests will be able to dine at Thai Pavilion and Reggie’s Bistro.

Several live bands will provide musical entertainment. Wayward Sons will play great hits from the ’80s, Zydeco Trail Riderz brings traditional Louisiana Zydeco music, Black Canyon Band will play a mix of ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s music, and The Burgermeister Boys will bring Oktoberfest to mind with some German polka. Guests can even perform karaoke backed by a live band with Casual Encounters Live Band Karaoke. DJ Johnny Hawkes and street teams from radio stations KROQ,  Jack FM, and AMP Radio will also be there.

The event encourages guests who are not attending with designated drivers to use a taxi or ride-sharing service, and is offering $20 off Lyft for first-time users.

Brew at the L.A. Zoo will take place on Aug. 5 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here .