The Charles Paddock Zoo will host its first annual “Brew at the Zoo” on Aug. 13. Not only will there be a music and food, local breweries will also have beer tastings right beside the animal exhibits.
“We know this is a pretty popular event that’s very successful in other zoos,” Baker said. “We also knew there are a ton of wine events in our area, particularly the north county, and we thought that it would be unique to do something that involves beer rather than wine for a change.”
The event will have seven local breweries, specifically Pismo Brewing Company, SLO Brewing Company, Central Coast Brewing, Firestone Brewery, Tap It Brewing Company, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company and Chai Cream Ale by SLO Organics. Food, such as tri-tip sandwiches, will be provided by the zoo’s restaurant Cal Terra, as well as some light snacking foods.
As for music, the zoo went with a DJ not only to cover all the music genres, but also for the safety and well-being of its animals.
“It’s kind of hard with the animals to do live bands,” he said. “Because typically live bands are really loud and of course we don’t want to do anything to stress our animals out here.”
Also, to further prevent any problems between attendees and the animals, Baker said the zoo is working with the brewers to make sure no one drinks more than they can handle. The brewers are used to handling alcohol tasting festivals, and will have a full staff to help out.
“If people do start drinking too much they will be cut off,” Baker said.
Tickets include a commemorative mini-Pilsner glass with the “Brew at the Zoo” logo on it, and people who do not intend to drink can enter the event at a cheaper price.
“We also do have a special where we are encouraging people to come as designated drivers,” Baker said. “Anybody that comes and gets a designated driver wristband, gets in for $5 and they get to have other beverages and still get the souvenir glass and they still tour the zoo and party along with everybody else.”
If the event is successful, Bakers said he hopes to make it an annual event for the zoo. During the summertime, he said, the heat keeps the animals from being too active. During evening events, the animals become more aware and interested, especially since they aren’t used to people being at the zoo after-hours.
“It’s just a really great opportunity to come up here, enjoy a great evening, and visit the zoo animals, particularly the people who haven’t’ been to the zoo in a while,” he said. “We got a lot of neat animals here, a good chance to try some really good quality craft beers that are made locally, so just a really good evening out on a Saturday night.”
Atascadero resident and operations manager at the Pismo Beach Brewing Company Melissa Moscardi said she saw the “Brew at the Zoo” event in the Atascadero magazine and found it to be the perfect opportunity for charity.
“I thought this would be a really good philanthropic event to be involved in,” she said.
Moscardi said she believes the zoo will sample the Pismo Brewing Company’s Bootlegger Blonde, Roadster Red Ale or Indian Pale Ale.
“Our hope is just basically to get our name out into the community and to promote and let everyone know our tasting room is open in Pismo Beach,” Moscardi said.
Another local brewery attending is Central Coast Brewing Company. Head brewer Aaron Swink said the brewery gets invited to other zoos’ beer festivals, like the Santa Barbara Zoo, but he is excited to attend the Brew At the Zoo. It is going to have the Catch-23 Black Rye Indian Pale Ale, Topless Blonde Ale, as well as a pale ale and a brown ale.
“It should be really interesting, it’s a really cool environment to be doing this kind of thing,” he said. “Personally, (it’s nice) for us to have some of the local other breweries’ beers that we may not usually get to try.”
Admission is $30 a person and $5 for designated drivers, and lasts from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.