Food, Wine & Brew 2024 at the San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo’s 2024 Food, Wine & Brew event on September 21, 2024 promises an exciting night of culinary exploration, entertainment, & animal encounters.

By Todd Sarouhan

Last Updated on
Sep 11, 2024

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

Food, Wine & Brew 2024

Culinary Experiences Go Wild at the San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew

There are few ways to improve upon the already incredible world-famous San Diego Zoo, perhaps the best known of all San Diego attractions. But adding wine to the mix is certainly a start!

The Zoo Food, Wine & Brew Celebration invites guests into the zoo after hours for a truly unique experience. Alongside the wildlife residents and live music are incredible food and drink vendors that highlight some of the best restaurants, wineries, and breweries across Southern California.

A Good Cause!

Dress cocktail casual and wear comfy shoes for walking. Enjoy the event while supporting the zoo’s conservation efforts—fun for a great cause!

The event is scheduled for September 21, 2024 and runs from 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm for general admission. VIP ticket holders get early access at 6:30 pm.

Nighttime Show at the San Diego Zoo

A Night for Conservation

While food and drinks are the highlight of the event, they’re not the only reason to come out and support the zoo.

You can also feel good about your purchase, as ticket sales benefit the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, the conservation organization behind both the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido.

San Diego Zoo Information Hub

What Awaits You at the Zoo

Elephant Odyssey at the San Diego Zoo

A day at the San Diego Zoo always promises to be fun - so much so that it’s my personal favorite San Diego attraction!

I always recommend visiting, especially with the admission discounts provided by the Go City San Diego pass, which can also be used for other attractions like the SeaWorld San Diego and Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Use discount code GVSD5OFF for a bonus savings at checkout.

Of course, there’s even more to experience after dark at the Food Wine and Brew Celebration!

A Tasting Adventure

The diverse selection of vendors at the event will include locally-made beers, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages. Sample drinks from over 40 different beverage companies, many of which are locally-based like Ballast Point Brewing Company and Bernardo Winery.

There will be even more food vendors with an even more varied range of cuisines, with everything from appetizers and small bites to desserts sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. One thing’s for sure: you won’t go home hungry!

Giraffes Reaching for Food at the San Diego Zoo

Wildlife Encounters

No visit to the zoo is complete without seeing the animals. During the party, guests will have access to areas like the Urban Jungle and Reptile Plaza.

There will also be shows and up-close animal experiences on the new Conservation Stage, alongside musical acts and other performing artists providing the night’s soundtrack.

VIP tickets grant access to three additional lounges, each with their own food and drink vendors.

Save BIG with Go City!

The World Famous San Diego Zoo

Explore the top zoo in America! The San Diego Zoo is located in iconic Balboa Park, and features over 3,500 animal in their habitats. Bundle with other attractions in Balboa Park for top savings - like the Air and Space Museum!

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What attractions are included with a Go City San Diego pass?

Attractions that you can visit with a Go City San Diego pass include:

The San Diego Zoo, Birch Aquarium, SeaWorld, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, Harbor Cruise, USS Midway Museum, the NAT Museum, Whaley House, PETCO Park Tour, iFLY San Diego and many, many more!

Want to save more? Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

What Attendees Need to Know

Tropical Rain Forest at the San Diego Zoo

Don’t get tripped up on the logistics; here’s what to know before attending so you can enjoy the food, wild entertainment, and fun of this special day out at the zoo.

Dress Code and Comfort

The event page recommends cocktail casual attire for the evening, so wear something formal but not quite black tie.

Also, since you’ll be walking a portion of the zoo grounds, comfortable shoes are a must. But if your feet get tired, there will be tables and chairs available, plus a lounge accessible to VIP guests.

Tiger Exibit at the San Diego Zoo

Accessibility and Parking

The event is wheelchair accessible with only a few minor inclines within the party area.

If you’re driving to the San Diego Zoo, the main lot has free parking. Otherwise, take advantage of public transit options like the FRED Shuttle, taxis, and rideshares.

All attendees must be 21 or older.

San Diego Zoo Entrance

Tickets

VIP and general admission tickets for the 2024 event are still available but going fast.

I’m actually planning on attending with my wife this year so hopefully I’ll see you there!

Book a Hotel Nearby

Since the event ends late, attendees who don’t live nearby may be looking for a hotel. One of our favorites that isn’t far from Balboa Park is The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows, which is the perfect place to relax after the party.

Popular Hotels

Price

Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

$134

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Horton Grand Hotel

$142

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AC Hotel San Diego Downtown Gaslamp Quarter

$325

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Four Points San Diego Downtown Little Italy

$224

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The Legacy and Impact of the Zoo Food Wine & Brew Celebration

Whether it’s a party or business as usual, the San Diego Zoo is all about animals. And that means supporting preservation and conservation efforts.

San Diego Zoo Map Sign

History and Evolution

Fundraisers for the San Diego Zoo have taken many forms over the years, from NFL kicker Rolf Benirschke’s Kicks for Critters in the 1980s to the bombastic celebrations of today.

Food Wine Brew 2024 at the San Diego Zoo is yet another way the San Diego Zoo is supporting conservation efforts for rare and endangered species around the globe.

Supporting Wildlife

Donations and ticket sales from the event feed back into maintaining the zoo, keeping animals fed and housed, and ensuring we can continue to see these creatures in their natural habitats for generations to come.

Not only does this year’s event promise to be a thrilling evening, but it’s all for a good cause.

Featured Hotel

The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows

Outdoor Pool at the Lafayette Hotel Swim Club and Bungalows

Balboa Park

Boutique

Families

Feast your senses and experience the glamor of 1980s luxury at the stylized Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club, & Bungalow in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood.

Prices Starting at $127

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