As hundreds of visitors departed the National Zoo on Thursday night, nearly 2,000 young professionals made their way onto the property to attend the sixth annual Brew at the Zoo fund-raiser. The sold-out event, held in the Great Meadow, a large open field at the heart of the zoo, was hosted by the Friends of the National Zoo.
This year’s event had nearly 40 breweries pouring samples of well-known favorites and new brews. The setup beneath a series of same-sized tents on the Great Meadow allowed small local breweries like Capitol City Brewing and Oliver Breweries from Baltimore to pit their best offerings against giants like Miller and Boston Beer Company.
The event had three tickets levels: Designated Driver ($20), general admission ($55), and the V.I.P. Brew Club ($90). Everyone in attendance received a commemorative mug upon entry that was used throughout the evening to sample beers. An exclusive Brew Club area served free hors d’oeuvres from Perry’s Restaurant, Rustico, Againn, Westover Market, and Calvert Woodley Fine Wines and Spirits, along with a private beer bar and special animal demonstrations by zoo staff.
General admission guests didn't have to starve during the three-hour event, as they had the option to purchase food from three vendors: Armand's Pizzeria, Rockland's Barbecue and Grilling Company, and Lost Dog Cafe. In addition to the beer sampling, all attendees had the opportunity to play a variety of table games for zoo-related prizes and listen to live music from the Shields Brothers and the Clipper City Brass Quintet.
Friends of the National Zoo, known as FONZ, hosts a variety of special after-hours fund-raising events like Brew at the Zoo. Next up is Grapes with Apes, which caters to wine lovers, followed by Halloween and Christmas events for families and young professionals.
