ROYAL OAK (WWJ) - When the sun goes down, a different kind of wild animal will get the chance to sip, party and play at the Detroit Zoo gets ready to kick off their After Hours 21+ Event Series next month.
Ladies and gentlemen: the boozy late nights at the Detroit Zoo are back.
Zoo officials said no matter the occasion, guests at any one of the four planned events will experience an evening of drinks, games, live entertainment, habitat chats, themed photo opportunities -- and of course, animals.
The series includes Zoo Brew, Summer Sips, Spooky Spirits and Polar Beers. All four events feature a welcome drink from sponsor Griffin Claw Brewing.
"Adults 21 and older are invited to enjoy the Zoo without any children at these casual, happy hour-style events," organizers said in a prepared statement. "A limited time package that includes admission and parking passes to all four events is available now through May 19 for $175."
Individual tickets for each event will be available for purchase soon, the zoo added.
First on deck? Zoo Brew. The May 19th event will feature a selection of more than 100 craft beers from in-state breweries with food available for purchase. The admission cost includes 10 beer tastings with guests able to buy additional tasting tickets as they see fit.
Last year, Zoo Brew featured vulture conservation, but in 2023, it is all about the zebras.
"Discover how the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) supports exciting conservation projects, like the Grevy’s Zebra Trust (GZT)," the zoo continued. "GZT works closely with the community rangelands of Kenya and Ethiopia to monitor and protect this endangered species. Their work includes education and rangeland rehabilitation programs."
The other three events featured in the series are outlined by the Zoo as follows:
• SUMMER SIPS - July 28 | 6 to 10 p.m.
Experience the taste of summer at Summer Sips! Savor specialty cocktails, beer, wine and more as we celebrate the warm weather in style. Guests will also jungle boogie to live entertainment, monkey around with life-sized games and adventure through the Zoo. LEARN MORE.
• SPOOKY SPIRITS - Oct. 13 | 6 to10 p.m.
Spooky Spirits is a chilling good time! Don your most creative costumes and add some fright to your night as you enjoy bone-chilling entertainment, yard games, fall-themed snacks and exclusive access to the Zoo at twilight. This event will sell out. LEARN MORE.
• POLAR BEERS - Dec. 7 | 6 to 10
p.m.Enjoy two events for the price of one! Polar Beers guests can explore the magic of Wild Lights, our annual holiday celebration that sees the Zoo decorated in millions of twinkling lights, as they sip on a selection of local and craft brews. This event will sell out. LEARN MORE.