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OktoBEARfest

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Fri., Oct. 10, 6:00 - 10:00pm

Sat., Oct. 11, 1:00 - 6:00pm

Fall-flavored beer sampling returns to the Zoo with two ways to celebrate! Kick off the weekend with a lively Friday night at OktoBEAR-Eve—an exclusive 21+ event featuring seasonal brews, festive vibes, and wild encounters (leave the cubs at home for this one). Or, join us Saturday for the beloved OktoBEARfest tradition, with unlimited sampling of 60+ seasonal brews, plus wine, seltzer, and cider. Enjoy live music, local vendors, and, of course, all-day admission to the Zoo.

Friday Beer List

Saturday Beer List

Friday Event Map

All proceeds benefit animal care and conservation!

Tickets

Zoo members save $5 on every ticket level!

Explore Membership

$35 - $235

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OktoBEAR-Eve Tickets

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Unlimited sampling: Beer, wine, cider, and seltzer samplings of 40+ flavors + non-alcoholic beverages
An adults-only (21+) evening visit: Leave the cubs at home and enjoy the rare thrill of roaming the Zoo after hours
Access to live music, food & vendors: 2 live bands, plus artisan and food vendors
Charm City Trivia: Taking place during the festival at 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30
Stein hoisting competition presented by Boston Beer: Women 6:45, Men 7:15
The warm & fuzzy feeling of knowing that you’re supporting the Zoo!
Please note: Due to evening hours, we cannot guarantee that animals will be viewable aside from scheduled enrichment

$40 - $250

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OktoBEARfest Tickets

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All-day admission to the Zoo: Your chance to visit the animals! The Zoo is open from 10AM – 5PM
Unlimited sampling: Beer, wine, cider, and seltzer samplings of 60+ flavors + non-alcoholic beverages
Access to live music, food & vendors: Two lives bands, plus dozens of artisan food and vendors
Charm City Trivia: Taking place during the festival (Waterfowl Pavilion) at 2:00, 3:00, & 4:00
Stein hoisting competition presented by Boston Beer: Women 3:00, Kids 3:15, Men 4:30
The warm & fuzzy feeling of knowing that you’re supporting the Zoo!

MERCH

Live Performances

Friday, October 10, 2025

5:30PM

Nelly's Echo

7PM

Charm City Junction

Saturday, October 11, 2025

1:30PM

The RAW Band

3:30PM

Radio Hero

Sponsor or volunteer

Would you like to be a sponsor or vendor of OktoBEARfest 2025? Email us at zoofestivals@marylandzoo.org for sponsorship and vendor opportunities.

We are looking for volunteers to assist with this fun event! Volunteers must be 18 and over to volunteer and 21 and over to pour alcohol. Contact volunteers@marylandzoo.org to register.

thank you

Every dollar raised from OktoBEARfest goes directly to advancing the Zoo’s mission. By purchasing a ticket, you’re helping support Zoo operations, animal care, exhibits, education programs and wildlife conservation. The Maryland Zoo is a nonprofit organization that relies on your support. Attending OktoBEARfest is just one way you can help. To learn more about ways to donate and how you can make even more of an impact, visit our donation page.