The 5th Annual Brew at the L.A. Zoo, a popular summer event for guests 21 and over, returns on Friday, August 7 from 7 to 11 p.m. The event features an after-hours visit to the zoo with beer samples from more than 55 local craft and microbreweries and an eclectic music lineup including “the best of the worst of the ‘80s” with The Spazmatics, The Noble Gasses surf band, The Black Canyon dance band, live karaoke with Casual Encounters, and something completely different from Der Burgermeister Boys, a German Polka band.

Brew at the Zoo offers beers from more than 55 local craft brewerie, including local favorites Golden Road, Angel City Brewing and Stone Brewing Co. (photo by Jamie Pham)

New this year is a special VIP Lounge with a complimentary buffet offering hors d’oeuvres and snacks, specialty cocktails, and exclusive access to several breweries.  Other highlights include dancing with DJ Johnny Hawkes, an array of “pub grub” food for purchase, photos with the celebrated “Beer Girls,” zookeeper talks, up-close encounters with some of the zoo’s smaller residents and visits to animal habitats.  Adding to the brew mix is Wreck Check, which will be on standby to provide breathalyzer services.

Participating breweries include 805, Angel City Brewing, Bootlegger’s Brewery, Claremont Craft Ales, Golden Road Brewery, King Harbor Brewing Co., San Pedro Brewing Co., Stone Brewing Company, and Venice Duck Brewing, to name only a few.

Throughout the evening’s route, food options are available for purchase, including Bavarian glazed almonds, garlic fries, sandwiches, burgers, chicken, popcorn, soft pretzels, carnitas, burritos, street tacos, elotes, tamales and LA “street dogs.”

Guests with VIP Lounge tickets, which are $99 per person, dine at select stations at Reggie’s Bistro and the Elephant Circle’s Thai Pavilion.  Reggie’s Bistro offers a buffet with Korean BBQ chicken wings, crispy BBQ pork, green chili and gouda mac-n-cheese, beef sliders with red cabbage slaw, and lime-beer butter potato skins with crispy chorizo. The Thai Pavilion presents snack stations with assorted gourmet cheeses, grilled vegetable platters, and German pretzel-cheddar fondue.  Also available are specialty cocktails from Snow Leopard Vodka and The Bloody Cure as well as exclusive access to several breweries.

With sell-out crowds at the four previous Brew at the L.A. Zoo evenings, advance ticket purchase is strongly suggested. Tickets in advance are $50 general admission, $45 for Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association members and $25 for Designated Drivers (includes free fountain drink refills all evening at four Zoo locations).  Tickets at the door, if available, are $55 general admission, $50 for GLAZA members and $25 for Designated Drivers. The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways.  5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027.Free parking is available.  For additional information, call (323) 644-6042. www.lazoo.org/brew