In 2026 Brew at the Zoo returns to the Greater Vancouver Zoo in Aldergrove for its third year, bringing an evening of craft beverages, food, live entertainment and wildlife experiences to the zoo. The after-hours event gives adults a chance to explore the zoo after regular admission hours while sampling drinks from local breweries, cideries and distilleries.
This year’s edition of the event takes place on Saturday, September 12, from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. The Greater Vancouver Zoo is located at 5048 264th Street in Aldergrove (which is a neighbourhood in Langley). Doors open and participating beverage vendors start serving at 4:00 pm. The event is restricted to guests ages 19 and over.
For full details about the event, either continue reading or visit the Greater Vancouver Zoo‘s website.
A Night of Craft Drinks & Food at the Greater Vancouver Zoo
Craft beverage tastings are at the heart of Brew at the Zoo. Guests can sample a selection of beers, ciders and spirits from participating producers such as Bomber Brewing, Dead Frog Brewery, Five Roads Brewing and Ravens Brewing, plus a number of others.
Each tasting credit can be exchanged for a 3.5-ounce beverage sample, giving visitors the opportunity to try several different drinks throughout the evening. Admission also comes with a keepsake tasting mug and lanyard. Guests who prefer non-alcoholic options can choose from a variety of alcohol-free beverages available around the zoo.
Food is another important part of the evening, with food vendors and zoo dining locations providing options to enjoy alongside the beverage tastings. The combination of local drinks, casual food and an outdoor zoo setting makes the event a fun choice for an adults-only night out.
What to Do at Brew at the Zoo
The food and drinks are only part of the experience. Special animal programming takes place throughout the evening, including adult-focused animal presentations and encounters. A scheduled lion feeding is one of the featured experiences, for example, while the Wallaby Walkthrough remains open until dusk.
Live music and performers provide entertainment as guests move between the animal exhibits, food areas and beverage stations. Yard games add another layer to the evening, while the Hop-On-Hop-Off Safari Express Train gives ticket holders a convenient way to travel around the zoo grounds.
Free parking is included with admission, making it easy for visitors to arrive, explore the zoo and enjoy the evening at their own pace. (TIP: Make sure you have a safe way to get home afterwards. Know anyone who likes animals, but not alcohol? Then be sure to invite them to join you!)
Brew at the Zoo History
The event made its debut in late September, 2024, when the first Brew at the Zoo welcomed guests for an evening of craft beverages and zoo entertainment. The event returned the following summer, on a Saturday in June. Last year’s edition also included unlimited non-alcoholic punch stations for designated drivers, providing an option for guests who wanted to enjoy the event without drinking alcohol.
The 2026 event marks Brew at the Zoo’s third year.
An Evening of Food, Drinks and Wildlife
Brew at the Zoo offers a fun alternative to a traditional food festival. It combines local craft drinks and food with live entertainment and after-hours access to one of the Fraser Valley’s best-known attractions. With tasting stations, food options, music, animal experiences and plenty of space to explore, the event makes for an entertaining evening out for adults.
Other Information
For the latest vendor lineup, ticket information and event details, visit the Greater Vancouver Zoo‘s official website.
Other food festivals in the Langley region include Ribfest Langley in August and the Fort Langley Cranberry Festival in October.