Get ready to enjoy one of Kansas City’s most anticipated fall events! The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is hosting its annual “Brew at the Zoo and Wine Too” event, offering adults a unique evening of wildlife encounters complemented by the finest local drinks. This popular fundraiser transforms the zoo into an after-hours playground where guests can sample beverages from dozens of regional breweries and wineries while supporting wildlife conservation efforts.
Raise Your Glasses at Kansas City Zoo’s ‘Brew at the Zoo’ Event
- Experience a unique evening at ‘Brew at the Zoo and Wine Too’, complete with local brews and fun activities. Source: visitkc.com
The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium invites adults 21 and over to experience a magical evening under the stars at this year’s Brew at the Zoo and Wine Too event. Taking place on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 6:30 to 11:00 PM, this adults-only celebration promises an unforgettable blend of local flavors and wild encounters. Guests will enjoy complimentary sampling from more than 30 local breweries and wineries while strolling through the zoo grounds, accompanied by live music that sets the perfect atmosphere for this autumn evening.
What makes this year’s event particularly special is the inclusion of access to GloWild: Time Traveler, the zoo’s immersive lantern festival. After sampling your favorite beverages and grabbing a bite from the lineup of local food trucks, you can take a one-mile journey through handcrafted steel and silk sculptures. These illuminated masterpieces transport visitors through time, featuring scenes from nineteenth-century Paris, the American centennial celebration, and even a futuristic sci-fi landscape. This combination of drinks, live entertainment, and luminous art installations creates a multi-sensory experience unique to Brew at the Zoo.
- Support conservation efforts while having fun – this year’s featured animal is the rhinoceros hornbill. Source: kansascityzoo.org
The 2025 Brew at the Zoo event highlights the rhinoceros hornbill, a remarkable bird native to the lush forests of Southeast Asia. With its distinctive casque (the horn-like structure above its beak) and striking black and white plumage, this impressive creature serves as this year’s conservation ambassador. These remarkable birds play a crucial role in maintaining forest health throughout their range, acting as important seed dispersers that help regenerate tree species and maintain biodiversity in their tropical ecosystem.
By attending Brew at the Zoo, patrons directly contribute to protecting these impressive birds and other endangered species. A portion of all proceeds from the event benefits the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium’s Conservation Fund, which supports wildlife preservation initiatives both locally and globally. The fund helps finance research, habitat protection, and community conservation programs that work to safeguard vulnerable species like the rhinoceros hornbill from threats such as deforestation and illegal wildlife trade. Your participation helps ensure these remarkable creatures continue to thrive in Southeast Asian forests for generations to come.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 11, 2025, when Brew at the Zoo transforms the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium into an adult playground from 6:30 PM until 11:00 PM. Located at 6800 Zoo Drive in Kansas City, Missouri, this popular event provides the perfect setting for a memorable fall evening. With its unique combination of wildlife, drinks, and entertainment, it’s no wonder the event has become a beloved autumn tradition for many Kansas City residents.
Guests should note that this is strictly a 21-and-over event, so leave the little ones at home for this night out. Being prepared will enhance your experience—the event operates rain or shine, so dress accordingly for the weather forecast. For a smooth experience, remember that Brew at the Zoo is entirely cashless, so bring your credit or debit cards for any additional purchases beyond your included tastings. Plan your transportation in advance, especially if you’ll be enjoying the various beverage offerings throughout the evening.
Your Brew at the Zoo ticket offers exceptional value, including unlimited sampling from over 30 local breweries and wineries—no need to purchase additional tasting tickets once you’re inside. The experience is further enhanced by your complimentary access to GloWild: Time Traveler, the zoo’s impressive lantern festival that typically requires a separate admission fee. This combination makes the event ticket one of the best entertainment values in Kansas City this fall season.
Tickets for this popular event typically sell out well in advance, so early purchase is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. While the tickets are non-refundable due to the fundraising nature of the event, they are fully transferable—meaning if your plans change, you can pass your ticket to a friend who can enjoy the evening in your place. This flexibility, combined with the event’s popularity, makes Brew at the Zoo tickets a hot commodity in Kansas City’s fall social calendar. Secure yours today and prepare for an evening where conservation meets celebration under the autumn stars.
