Even when populated by manic, sugar-addled children, the National Zoo is a great time.  I’m partial to the brown kiwi, although the small Madagascar hedgehog tenrec is always a contender.  In fact, I’ll go out on a limb and say that animals are neat.

But if animals alone won’t inspire you to pay a visit to the Zoo, perhaps beer will do the trick.  On July 12th from 6-9 pm, the Friends of the National Zoo are hosting their annual Brew at the Zoo.

The general admission ticket ($65 for nonmembers, $50 for FONZies) includes samples from 40+ breweries, a commemorative mug, and live entertainment by Four Star Combo.

The VIP Club ticket ($100 for nonmembers, $85 for FONZies) gets you all that plus free parking, exclusive access to the VIP area, tastings from participating restaurants, full pours from participating breweries, and a brew souvenir.

You can buy food during the event, but note that it’s cash only (there’s an ATM on site).  Of course, B at the Z is 21+, so make sure to bring your ID.  Babies, kids, and smoking are not allowed, especially in combination.

Sponsorship

Proceeds support animal care, conservation science, education, and sustainability at the National Zoo.  All of the details and ticket info can be found at the event site.

Participating Breweries and Cideries:

Abita Brewing Company
Anchor Brewing Co.
Angry Orchard
Blue Moon Brewing Company
Boston Beer Company
Boulevard Brewing Co
Breckenridge Brewery
Brewery Ommegang
Capitol City Brewing Co.
Chocolate City Beer
Crown Imports
D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc.
Devils Backbone Brewery
Diageo – GUINNESS USA
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Flying Dog Brewery
Fordham & Dominion Brewing Co.
Goose Island Brewery
Gorden Biersch Brewery Restaurant
Great Lakes Brewing Company
Harpoon Brewery
Heavy Seas Beer
Hellbender Brewing Company
Hooegaarden
J.Paul’s
Leffe Brune
Leinenkugel’s
Long Trail Brewing Company
Lost Rhino Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Co.
Oliver Ales
Otter Creek Brewing/Wolavers Fine Organic Ales
Pabst Brewing Company
Palm Breweries
Peak Organic Brewing
Port City Brewing Co
Shiner Brewery
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
Sixpoint Brewery
Smuttynose
Starr Hill Brewery
Stella Artois
Vermont Hard Cider Company, LLC