Enjoying Beer And Zoo Lights: What You Need To Know

The short answer is yes – at some zoos, at least. The Oregon Zoo, for example, hosts an annual Brew Lights event, a zoo lights brew festival for the 21-and-over crowd, with over 55 Northwest breweries and cideries to sample from. The Bronx Zoo also hosts a similar event called Brew at the Zoo, which features tastings of over 100 varieties of beer, wine, and cider. However, it's important to note that not all zoos host such events, and even those that do usually have specific areas of the zoo designated for drinking, with the rest of the zoo remaining alcohol-free. Additionally, these events typically require photo ID and have strict rules against disorderly conduct, including the feeding of animals and dumping of liquids in non-designated areas. So, while it is possible to drink beer at zoo lights events in some zoos, it is important to follow the rules and regulations put in place by the specific zoo you are visiting.

Brew Lights at Oregon Zoo

The Oregon Zoo in Portland is hosting its fifth annual Brew Lights event, a magical, adults-only festival. The event will take place on November 17 and 18, 2023, from 5 pm to 10 pm, with early entry at 4 pm.

Brew Lights will feature over 55 Northwest breweries and cideries, with more than 110 beer, seltzer, and cider options to choose from. Guests will be able to stroll through the zoo, taking in the colourful lights and 3D light sculptures while enjoying their drinks. There will also be live music from Dance Hall Days and Ian James, as well as DJs, and local food carts.

Tickets for the event include a souvenir cup and 10 beverage tastings (3-oz beer or cider). A non-drinker ticket is also available for those who want to enjoy the lights without the beer. The zoo will also have various food and beverage options available for purchase, including local food carts, snacks, and drinks.

The Oregon Zoo is part of Metro, the regional government of greater Portland, which includes parks and nature, housing, land and transportation, garbage and recycling, and arts and events. The zoo offers a range of special events, talks, and activities throughout the year, such as Zootoberfest, Howloween, and Fun in the Wildlife Garden.

Brew at the Zoo at Bronx Zoo

Brew at the Zoo is an annual event held at the Bronx Zoo, and it's an adults-only affair! The event is for those aged 21 and over, with valid photo identification required for entry. Children are not permitted.

The event is held after-hours at the zoo, from 6 pm to 11 pm, with last entry at 10 pm. The zoo's most popular exhibits will be open from 6 pm to 7:30 pm, and guests can check out the animals during this time. However, it is up to the animals if they choose to be in the area visible to the public. Select animal exhibits will close at varying times.

The event offers guests the opportunity to enjoy great food and drinks, with tastings of over 100 varieties of beer, wine, and cider. Food trucks, zoo cafes, and snack carts will also be open, offering a variety of food options for purchase. VIP guests can enjoy complimentary snacks and soft drinks at the zoo concession stands.

There will be live music performances, DJs, and dancing, including salsa and bachata dancing instruction. Guests can also enjoy a 360-degree photo booth and an immersive eco-sculpture walking trail, Animal Chronicles, which shares 125 years of animal success stories.

Tickets include a 5 oz. commemorative souvenir cup with unlimited beer samplings. Designated Driver tickets are also available, which include complimentary soft drinks at the zoo cafes, but no alcohol consumption is permitted. VIP tickets offer additional perks, such as express entry, exclusive VIP areas, and complimentary snacks and general admission for a future visit.

The event will take place rain or shine, and guests are advised to dress appropriately for the weather. All guests will go through security screening, and bags will be searched prior to entry. Knives, weapons, firearms, fireworks, drugs, and outside food and drinks are prohibited and will be confiscated.

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

The event runs from November 17, 2023, to January 7, 2024, with tickets priced at $7 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and $10 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Mondays are free, but tickets are required and are released a week in advance with limited quantities available. The event is a great opportunity for family-oriented activities, including holiday crafts, music, and photo ops with Santa.

In addition to the light displays, ZooLights offers a variety of attractions such as a Ferris wheel, an expansive light tunnel, a garden-themed light show, and live ice carving demonstrations. The Pepper Family Wildlife Center will be transformed into the North Pole, where visitors can meet Santa. The Endangered Species Carousel and the Lionel Train Adventure will also offer exciting experiences for children. Most indoor and outdoor habitats will be open, providing the opportunity to see the animals after dark.

Zootoberfest at Oregon Zoo

The Oregon Zoo in Portland, Oregon, is hosting an adults-only event called Zootoberfest. The event will be held on September 27 and 28, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Zootoberfest is a celebration of fall, featuring over 45 of the best breweries and cideries from the Northwest. Guests can enjoy live music and entertainment, keeper chats, and a variety of food options, including local food carts and zoo treats. General admission tickets are $60 and include 10 3-ounce drink samples and a souvenir mug. There will also be non-drinker tickets available for $30, which provide access to the event without alcohol sampling.

The event will showcase a range of beers and ciders from local vendors. Guests can stroll through the zoo, enjoying the lights and exhibits while sampling drinks and discovering the perfect culinary pairings. The zoo will be transformed into a magical wonderland with colourfully lit trees and dazzling 3D light sculptures.

Zootoberfest promises an evening of fun and entertainment for adults, offering a unique combination of beverages, music, and animal encounters. Guests can dance to 80's classic and heavy rock by The Hosen Ones at the amphitheatre and explore the zoo with their favourite drinks in hand.

The Oregon Zoo is committed to creating memorable experiences for its visitors while also contributing to a greater cause. Every ticket purchased for Zootoberfest helps the zoo protect endangered and threatened species, both locally and globally.

ZooLights at Point Defiance Zoo

Online timed tickets are required for ZooLights, and the event will be open from 4:30 pm to 10:00 pm. The zoo's famous Pacific Northwest rain adds a unique touch, with all the pathways shimmering in a rainbow of colors on wet nights.

• Giant Displays: Be inspired by larger-than-life creations, including a giant Pacific octopus, sea turtles, sharks, and a 22-foot-wide rock crab with moving pincers and a glowing orange body.
• Butterfly Wings: Pose for the perfect photo opportunity with the hand-made lit-up butterfly wings created by the talented Zoolights crew.
• New and Classic Displays: Discover new displays, such as the polar bear and muskoxen exhibits, crafted by the zoo's talented staff, and revisit classic favorites like the massive tiger face in the elephant habitat and the Seahawks tree.
• Light Tunnels: Stroll through tunnels of lights, providing the perfect backdrop for selfies or romantic hand-in-hand walks with hot chocolate.
• Carousel Rides: Add extra sparkle to your visit with a ride on the vintage Paul Titus Carousel.
• Cafe Treats: Warm up at the Plaza Cafe with delicious fried apple fries topped with cinnamon, whipped cream, and caramel, or indulge in a hot cocoa float. The cafe also offers s'mores, pudgy pies, and a variety of holiday treats.
• Holiday Parties: Plan a private holiday party with brilliant light displays, exceptional holiday menus, and Zoolights just outside your door.
• Goats in Holiday Coats: Meet the friendly goats wearing festive holiday coats, a unique and adorable sight.

Frequently asked questions