One of my favorite events of the year is here! Brew at the Zoo is one of the best nights of the year to visit the Sunset Zoo in Manhattan, KS! Every year there are two events hosted by the Friends of the Sunset Zoo that you need tickets for, Wine in the Wild and Brew at the Zoo! Both of these events raise money for current needs and future expansion at the zoo.
The event begins at 5:30 and ends at 8 pm. During this time you are able to try 20+ breweries and tour the entire zoo! As you meander through the zoo sampling the variety of beers, you can also enjoy food stations provided by Hy-Vee at the event. Hy-Vee is the exclusive caters for the event and every year they offer a nice mix of both light and heavy horsd'oeuvres, fresh fruits, cheese boards, and more at various stations throughout the zoo!
In addition to the beer samples, food, and zoo experience. Attendees can also enjoy music by The Box Turtles in the zoo's amphitheater, animal encounters (more about that below), and a take-home souvenir beer glass!
Make sure you take time to enjoy Expedition Asia, the latest expansion at the Sunset Zoo, and then you ALWAYS have to say "hi" to Susie! Susie is a local celebrity in Manhattan, KS, and is the oldest living chimp in human care. At 65 years old (as of 2022), Susie has been winning hearts at the Sunset Zoo in Manhattan, KS for years!
Attendees will also be able to interact with some animals at the zoo during Brew at the Zoo with animal encounters. Over the years it has varied from feeding some of the zoo's residents to being up close and personal with no cages for others! Of course, everything is safe and it really does make the night a little more special for attendees!
As I mentioned above, you will need tickets for this event and they sell out quickly! While this year's event is sold out, mark your calendars for next year or keep an eye on the Sunset Zoo Facebook page. They are awesome at posting updates for all the events at the zoo throughout the year!