Brew at the Zoo returns this month

What better way to spend a day at the zoo than with a few pints of beer and some of your best friends? On July 18, Akron Zoo attendees will have a chance to do just that when Brew at the Zoo once again rolls around.

“The entire zoo will be open and all of the animals will be out, including our new Journey to the Reef exhibit,” said David Barnhardt, Director of Marketing at the Akron Zoo.

Akron breweries like Ohio Brewing and Thirsty Dog will be on hand as well as Great Lakes Brewery, Elevator Brewing and Indigo Imp. Tastings will be included in the admission price while full beers can be purchased for only $3.

“The zoo is a fabulous place to have an event,” said Kathy Chappel, who owns Cleveland brewery Indigo Imp with her husband Mark. “I am happy to support organizations like the zoo. Machelle Syx (the Special Events Manager at the Akron Zoo) and her team are excellent planners and the attendees are appreciative of the beers and certainly like the surroundings.”

Barnhardt loves being a part of the event because it has the ability to reach those that may not typically find themselves heading out to the zoo. “It exposes the zoo to perhaps a demographic that normally doesn't come to the zoo and helps raise money to support our mission of conservation,” he said.

When it comes time for the event, his main focus is on making sure everyone is having a good time.

“We would like people to come and enjoy the zoo, the atmosphere and hopefully learn something while they are here,” Barnhardt said. “It is a great time to just come and hang out with family and friends and make some memories.”

What Chappel admires most about being part of the event is the way in which the Akron Zoo crew supports the local craft beer scene and, in the process, creates such a successful event.

“Machelle and her team are excellent planners plus attendees are appreciative of the beers and certainly like the surroundings,” she said.

Brew at the Zoo will take place July 18 between 6pm and 9pm. Tickets are $15 for Akron Zoo members and $21 for non-members. Attendees must be 21 or older. If you simply can't make it out, don't fret as Brew at the Zoo will make one more appearances in October.