When: Saturday, July 24, 2010: 6:30PM-10PM (tap closes at 9:30pm)
Where: Philadelphia Zoo
What: Summer Ale Festival Beer Tasting
Why: Raise money for awesome animals
Tickets: $80 VIP, $55 general admission, $25 designated driver.

The Philadelphia Zoo Summer Ale festival

The Philadelphia Zoo and Rolling Barrel Events are bringing a great evening of craft beer tasting to a unique atmosphere.

The Summer Ale Festival is a yearly event to raise awareness for the Philadelphia Zoo and endangered wildlife.  It will be divided into separate stations, allowing guests to wander from location to location, catching exhibits and roaming info-sessions along the way. The goal is to educate the crowd about craft beer, while educating about wildlife endangerment and other green-minded projects.

A notable attendee is Great Lakes Brewing Co., which is reputed to be one of most environmentally friendly breweries in the business. Proud of their “triple-bottom line,” they work to engage in “economic, social, and environmental practices that achieve a sustainable, yet profitable business.”

A $55 general admission ticket grants access to the main event, which will feature over 15 brewers, highlighting their summer ale offerings.  VIP tickets will be available for $80, and will include special beer offerings in the VIP tent.

$25 designated driver tickets will be available, offering access to non-alcoholic beverages.

Though no definite lists of beers were given, we were told that there might be some unique samples exclusive to this event.

Breweries that are expected to be at the event:

Box Car Brewing Company

Climax Brewing Company

Cricket Hill Brewing Company

Dock Street Brewing Company

Great Lakes Brewing Company

Intercourse Brewing Company

Lancaster Brewing Company

Manayunk Brewery

McKenzie Brew House

Philadelphia Brewing Company

Prism Beer Company

River Horse Brewing Company

Roy Pitz Brewing Company

Six Point Craft Ales

Triumph Brewing Company

Victory Brewing Company and Restaurant

Weyerbacher Brewing Company

Restaurants at the event:

Abbaye

ARAMARK

Bar Ferdinand

Belgian Cafe

Betty’s Speakeasy

Cabot Creamery

Diverse Catering

Dos Segundos Café

Machismo Burrito Bar

Night Kitchen Bakery

New Leaf Tea

Raven Lounge

Rembrandt’s Restaurant & Bar

Whisk and Spoon

World Cafe Live

Tickets are available by advance online purchase only. Tickets will not be available at the door. $25 Designated Driver tickets are available.

Complimentary shuttle service from 30th St. Station to the Philadelphia Zoo will be provided.

The event is limited to those 21 years of age or older. Children will not be permitted. ID must be presented with your ticket to enter.