NORFOLK — Growl Fest, Virginia Zoo’s favorite beer festival, returns on Sept. 15 from 6 to 9 pm.
This after-hours event is sponsored by Food Lion, Simmons Heating and Cooling, Inc., Dollar Bank, USI, Redfin and MMC Benefits, and in partnership with the Norfolk Sunrise Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Norfolk.
The event is family-friendly.
Attendees can taste local craft beers and food truck fare, plus enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the Zoo, with the animals on exhibit until 7:30 pm., according to a news release from the zoo.
The YMCA of South Hampton Roads will be hosting a children’s play area with games, an obstacle course and other fun activities.
Several breweries will be pouring, including O’Connor Brewing Company, Smartmouth Beer, The Bold Mariner Brewing Company, Rip Rap Brewing Company, Benchtop Brewing Company, St. George Brewery, Bearded Bird Brewing and Tradition Brewing Company.
All participating breweries will offer discounts on growler fills with the 2018 Growl Fest growler through the month of October.
Food vendors include Bodacious Pizza, Capt’n Crabby, Cast Iron Urban Meatery, Chesapeake Concessions, Sofrito, Vicki Vails and the Virginia Zoo.
General admission tickets are $25 and include a commemorative 64-ounce glass growler and beer or tasting tickets.
Other special-priced tickets for youth ages and designated drivers will also be available. Children under 2 are free. Ticket prices increase $10 the day of the event.
Last year the event raised more than $30,000, with the profits split between the Rotary clubs and the Virginia Zoo.
Money raised from events like Growl Fest benefit the Zoo’s educational programming, events, improvements and upgrades, according to the news release.
The Norfolk Sunrise Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Norfolk support a variety of Hampton Roads nonprofits. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
For information and to purchase tickets, visit here.
