Brookfield Zoo's ZooBrew Returns Aug. 21 and 22

Submitted by the Chicago Zoological Society

Brookfield Zoo guests can enjoy beers, “pub-style” snacks, and live music amid some amazing animals during the zoo’s fourth annual ZooBrew on Friday and Saturday, August 21 and 22, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.

During ZooBrew, guests can sample approximately 80 beers from nearly 30 breweries, including 51st Ward Beer Company, Angry Orchard, Argus Brewery, Blue Moon Brewing Co., Boulevard Brewing Company, Brickstone Brewery, Corona, Crispin Cider Company, Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Guajilla Justina Chocolate Chile Porter,Hopothesis Beer Company, Illusive Traveler, Lakefront Brewery, Lazy Magnolia Brewing Company, Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company, Magic Hat Brewing Company, New Belgium Brewing Company, Noon Whistle Brewing, Paulaner Hacker-Pshorr, Redd’s Apple Ale, Revolution Brewing, Samuel Adams, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., SlapShot Brewing Co., Smith & Forge Hard Cider, Victoria, and Weihenstephaner. For a complete list of beers that will be served during ZooBrew, visit www.CZS.org/ZooBrew.

For seasoned beer aficionados and those looking to expand their beer knowledge and understanding, representatives from many of the breweries will be on hand to assist. To complete the experience, “pub-style” snacks that pair seamlessly with beer, such as hot dogs, brats, burgers, pizza, nachos, jumbo soft pretzels, and popcorn, will be available for purchase. A silent auction on specialty beers, beer tenders, and other novelty items from the participating breweries will be held each evening.

In addition, live music from two popular Chicago bands will keep the crowd rockin’ and rollin’. On Friday, August 21, Recycle the Day, an eclectic group of five talented musicians with boundless energy, will perform favorite songs from Motown and rock to hip-hop and current dance hits. The following evening, August 22, members of the high-energy rock and dance 80s tribute band, The Breakfast Club, will take zoogoers down memory lane in their retro attire.

ZooBrew tickets purchased in advance are $45 in advance or $55 the day of the event (zoo members pay $35). The price includes parking, admission to the zoo during regular hours of 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., admission to the ZooBrew tent from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., 3 oz. samplings from more than 80 beers, and a commemorative tasting glass.

On August 21 only, a VIP ticket is also available for $75 in advance or $85 the day of the event (zoo members pay $65). In addition to above features, the VIP ticket includes exclusive access to the VIP beer garden (open from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.), one hour early admission to the ZooBrew tent, a sampling of select specialty brews, and five featured samplings of special beers and food pairings to create the perfect culinary accompaniment at 6:00 p.m.

ZooBrew attendees are encouraged to drink responsibly by having a designated driver. A general admission designated driver ticket is $25 in advance or $35 the day of the event ($15 for zoo members) and includes free parking, admission to the zoo (from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.), admission to the ZooBrew tent (5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.), and unlimited soft drinks. The VIP designated driver ticket, which is $35 in advance or $45 the day of the event ($25 for zoo members) includes the same perks as the VIP ticket but substitutes unlimited soft drinks instead of beer.

This event is for adults ages 21 and over. Children will not be allowed to attend the event. Tickets are limited. To purchase tickets or for further information, visit www.CZS.org/ZooBrew or call (708) 688-8000.