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.
Todd Sarouhan
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
Go Wild at the Zoo
What Awaits
Go City Pass & Save
Attendee Info
Legacy and Impact
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Culinary Experiences Go Wild at the San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew

Outside the Food, Wine and Brew at the San Diego ZooGreat Wineries at the Food, Wine and Brew at the San Diego Zoo

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.

Local Tips
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.

Nightime at Entrance to the San Diego Zoo
Nightime at Entrance to 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.

What Awaits You at the Zoo

Characters Walking Around Outside the San Diego Zoo
Characters Walking Around Outside 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!

East African Food Vendor at the Food, Wine and Brew at the San Diego Zoo
East African Food Vendor at the Food, Wine and Brew at the San Diego Zoo

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!

Zebra at Night During the Food, Wine and Brew at the San Diego Zoo
Zebra at Night During the Food, Wine and Brew 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.

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Orangutan at San Diego Zoo
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Local Tips
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

Map of the Food, Wine and Brew at the San Diego Zoo
Map of the Food, Wine and Brew 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.

Vip Section at the Food, Wine and Brew at the San Diego Zoo
Vip Section at the Food, Wine and Brew at the San Diego 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.

Uber Dropping off in Downtown San Diego
Uber Dropping off in Downtown San Diego

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.

Todd and Erika After the Food, Wine and Brew at the San Diego Zoo
Todd and Erika After the Food, Wine and Brew at the San Diego Zoo

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
Popular Hotels
Price
Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
$134
Learn More
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

Wine Vendor at the Food, Wine and Brew at the San Diego Zoo
Wine Vendor at the Food, Wine and Brew at the San Diego Zoo

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.

The Food, Wine and Brew at the San Diego Zoo
The Food, Wine and Brew at the San Diego Zoo

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.

Giraffes at Night During the Food, Wine and Brew at the San Diego Zoo
Giraffes at Night During the Food, Wine and Brew at the San Diego Zoo

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
Balboa Park
Boutique
Boutique
Families
Families
3 Stars3 Stars3 Stars
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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Stay Nearby

Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Boutique Hotel
4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating
Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
from $134 / night
View Hotel
Horton Grand Hotel
Boutique Hotel
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Horton Grand Hotel
from $142 / night
View Hotel
AC Hotel San Diego Downtown Gaslamp Quarter
Near Museums
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
AC Hotel San Diego Downtown Gaslamp Quarter
from $325 / night
View Hotel
Four Points San Diego Downtown Little Italy
Near Museums
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Four Points San Diego Downtown Little Italy
from $224 / night
View Hotel
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Tours & Adventures
Visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Discounts Available
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Balboa Park Walking Tour with Guide
Balboa Park Walking Tour with Guide
$45 per person
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