Brew Lights

BREW LIGHTS AT HENRY VILAS ZOO

Sip, sample, and shine at Brew Lights!

Join us for a BRIGHT night at Henry Vilas Zoo! Enjoy unlimited samples of beer, cider, wine, hard seltzer, and non-alcoholic beverages from local and regional favorites. Explore the Zoo after dark, play yard games, and enjoy a night of great drinks and fun!

GENERAL ADMISSION — $50

Gates Open at 5:30 PM

Your ticket includes:

Unlimited beverage sampling from participating vendors

A commemorative tasting cup

Access to yard games

Access to our photo booth

Evening admission to Henry Vilas Zoo

VIP EXPERIENCES

Take your Brew Lights evening to the next level with an exclusive VIP experience! Enjoy early admission and choose from unique animal encounters or a hands-on animal enrichment activity before the main event begins.

Spots are extremely limited, so act fast and reserve your VIP experience before they're gone!

Choose your VIP experience:

ANIMAL ENRICHMENT WREATH MAKING — $115

Get creative and give back to the animals

Guests will team up with our HVZ Horticulturist to create fun enrichment for our Bactrian camels. After wreaths are expertly assembled with your special touches, they will be delivered with the group to our eagerly awaiting camels in their behind-the-scenes spaces.

AARDVARK EXPERIENCE — $150

Get up close with one of the Zoo's most unique animals!

Guests will go behind-the-scenes at our Green Barn area. A zookeeper will introduce them to our resident aardvark, Aayla, and educate the group on all the things that make aardvarks a-amazing. Pairs of guests will have a chance to offer Aayla an avocado or mealworm treat.

ROCK HYRAX EXPERIENCE — $250

Small animal, unforgettable experience!

Frenchie and Rizzo the rock hyraxes will have their VIP debut! Get up close to these interesting and unique animals and spend some time learning about one of the closest relatives to elephants! Guests will have an opportunity to offer the hyrax a treat and marvel in their agility as they move around the space.

SLOTH EXPERIENCE — $250

Slow things down with a truly special encounter!

Nentas the Hoffman’s two-toed sloth is an excellent, albeit elusive, ambassador for her species. Guests will enjoy a VIP behind-the-scenes tour of our Rainforest Aviary space and meet Nentas in-person. Depending on her mood and location, Nentas may be persuaded to accept a healthy treat or two.

All VIP Experience tickets include:

Your selected VIP animal encounter or enrichment experience

Unlimited beverage sampling from participating vendors

A commemorative tasting cup

Access to yard games

Access to our photo booth

All ticket prices are per person. Additional taxes and fees may apply. We believe in giving our animals choices, and cannot guarantee animals will present themselves to be touched or fed. If an animal chooses not to participate, or does not present itself to be fed or touched, you will not receive a refund.

PARTICIPATING BREWERIES & BEVERAGE VENDORS

Sample beverages from an exciting lineup of local and regional breweries, cideries, and beverage makers!

3 Sheeps Brewing

Ale Asylum

Cigar City Brewing

Good Works Brewing Company

Hidden Cave Cidery

Hopewell Brewing

Karben4

Martin House Brewing Company

Mock & Co.

Ope! Brewing

Oskar Blues Brewery

Phase 3 Brewing

Revolution Brewing

Sketchbook Brewing

Starkweather Brewing Company

Supermoon Beer Company

The Cider Farm

Third Space Brewing

Wisco Pop

Young Blood Beer Company

Participating vendors are subject to change.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Brew Lights a 21+ event?

Yes! All guests must be 21 or older and present a valid photo ID at entry. Wristbands must be worn throughout the event.

Will the animals be on exhibit?

Some animals may be visible during the event, but many settle in for the evening. We recommend visiting Arctic Passage for potential animal sightings!

Is the event accessible?

Brew Lights is an after-hours event that showcases regional breweries under the glow of more than 1 million lights. This event is designed to focus on good beer and good company in a unique atmosphere. To help ensure the comfort and well-being of our animals, animal buildings are not open during this event. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to raising a glass with you!

Can I purchase tickets at the gate?

Tickets may be available at the gate if the event has not sold out. Gate purchases are credit card only. We recommend purchasing in advance!

What happens if it rains or snows?

Brew Lights takes place rain, snow, or shine, so dress for the weather!

TICKET & CANCELLATION POLICY

All ticket sales are final. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable through the ticketing system, but you may give your ticket to another guest age 21 or older.

If Henry Vilas Zoo cancels the event due to severe weather, guests will be notified by email and refunded within 3–5 business days.

If you have any additional questions, please reach out to Joey Svec at joeysvec@thessagroup.com

Your night out makes a difference!

Every Brew Lights ticket helps keep Henry Vilas Zoo free, open, and accessible to everyone, 365 days a year. Thank you for supporting your Zoo!