Brewfest pairs animals, fundraising

UTICA, N.Y. >> On Saturday, Aug. 3 from 6-9 p.m., the Utica Zoo will host the 21st annual Brewfest fundraising event, the zoo’s largest adult fundraiser of the year.

The beer tasting event takes place on the grounds of the Utica Zoo under large tents and a pavilion, rain or shine. More than 120 craft beers, ciders, seltzers, and malt beverages will be available for visitors to sample; enjoy wine samples and wine slushies from Ashley Lynn Winery, too. The first 3,000 attendees will receive a commemorative 2019 Brewfest pint glass.

Tickets are are $40 in advance and $45 at the door for general admission, or $35 in advance and $40 at the door for zoo members. Tickets for designated drivers are $25 in advance and at the door. Designated drivers will not be served alcohol. Member tickets are only available at the Utica Zoo Gift Shop and UTICAZOO.ORG/BREWvia Eventbrite.

Tickets include pint glass, beer, cider, hard seltzer, malt beverage and wine samples, admission to the zoo, live music by China Pig and Soup Bone Charley, food samples from Applebee’s, Domino’s, Celtic Harp, The Grapevine Restaurant, Texas Roadhouse and UNO Pizzeria & Grill. There will also be a silent auction inside the zoo’s auditorium featuring electronics, gift certificates, lawn and garden equipment, jewelry, and more.

“Brewfest has become a staple in the Utica area for the last 20 years, and every year it gets better and better,” said Mark Simon, marketing coordinator at the Utica Zoo. “With the help of our sponsors and local beverage distributors, we are able to raise the bar every year and provide greater beverage options above and beyond just craft beer, greater silent auction items to bid on, and with all the hard work we put in throughout the summer on the grounds, Brewfest 21 is shaping up to be the best Brewfest yet. If you love beer, live music, or just enjoying a beautiful summer evening with 3,000 of your closest friends, Brewfest is absolutely for you.”

Breweries include 16 Stone, Beak and Skiff 1911, Adirondack Brewery, Artisinal BrewWorks, Blue Line Brewery, Brooklyn Brewery, Browns Brewing, Buried Acorn Brewing, Butternuts, Cooperstown Brewing, Copper City Brewery, Crazy Williez Brewery,