If you ever thought about sipping back a few cold ones and heading out to the zoo, then Akron has got the perfect solution for you. On June 13, the Akron Zoo will once again bring forth Brew at the Zoo. Dating back to 2009, Brew at the Zoo has become a great way for adults to escape the chaos of their daily lives and enjoy the evening doing something slightly out of the ordinary. “We added this event because we were hearing from our visitors that while most of our events were kid-oriented and fun, they would love some adult events as well,” said David Barnhardt, director of marketing and guest services at the Akron Zoo. “After brainstorming about it, we came up with Brew at the Zoo.” Chris Verich, owner and manager of brewing operations at Ohio Brewing Company, was the first brewery contacted back in 2009 and loves being a part of the event. “We were approached by the zoo several years ago. They had our beer and thought it would be a good mix,” Verich said. “For the first year, we were the only beer, but since then, the zoo has branched out to include other breweries, so everyone gets a great selection.” Great Lakes Brewery, Thirsty Dog Brewing Co., Indigo Imp Brewery and Elevator Brewing will all join Ohio Brewing for this year’s Brew at the Zoo. Tastings will be included in the admission price, while full beers will be available for only $3. According to Barnhardt, the feedback on the event has been extremely positive over the years. For some people, the night is a wellneeded getaway. “People seem to enjoy the casual atmosphere and walking around enjoying the zoo with an adult beverage,” he said. “I had one family that was sitting up in our gardens last year, and they said it was the first time they ever had sat down together at the zoo because most of the time they were chasing their three kids around.” Barnhardt said Brew at the Zoo allows them to reach a different demographic that may not normally come out to the zoo. One exhibit he said is a must-see is the recent opening of Akron Zoo’s Journey to the Reef, which features octopus, jellyfish, seahorse and more in their natural reef environment. The exhibit also offers guests a chance to get a handson experience with stingrays in the zoo’s touch tank. After starting out with only one appearance of Brew at the Zoo the first time around, Barnhardt said the zoo decided to add two last year. This year they braved the waters even more and add a third slot scheduled for early fall. Though tickets to the event are limited, it is all for good reasoning. “We limit the number of tickets we sell to 300 per night so it never gets too crowded and everyone can have a good time,” he said. The show will get on the road at 6 p.m. and run through to 9. Tickets are $15 for Akron Zoo members and $21 for nonmembers. As one would assume, attendees must be 21 or older. “If you are looking for a fun, relaxing and unique event, this is one not to miss,” Barnhardt promised. But on the sudden chance you do, not to worry as Brew at the Zoo will return on July 18 and Oct. 3.