Jackson Free Press

Zoo lovers breathed a sigh of relief when the Association of Zoos and Aquariums granted the Jackson Zoological Park accreditation through 2016. It means that the facility has a chance to improve low attendance numbers.

One way the zoo wants to get more people to come is through an annual event that has lots of drinking and mingling—Zoo Brew.

"It's just a really fun way to get adults involved in the zoo, and it's an adult event so we wanted to make it fun for them. Also, it's a great way to have a supporting event for the zoo, a fundraising event," says Lucy Barton, the facility's education and public relations manager.

For this year's Zoo Brew, which is celebrating its seventh year, participants will see more of the zoo—because of how food, drinks, and music will be spread out—and try a variety beers. Barton says organizers have lined up 50 brews this year, including ZooBrew 2014, an American IPA created by Yalobusha Brewing Company for the event.

Four new breweries, including New Belgium Brewing Company and Oxford Brewing, will serve beer. Jarekus Singleton, Jason Turner, Jesse Robinson, DJ Silas and DJ George Chuck will perform. Jaco's Tacos and Wing Stop will serve food and Tyson's Food will host a wing eating contest. Sponsors include Capital City Beverages, Y101.7, JackFM, Tyson Foods, Mix 98.7, U.S. 96.3, and also Raise Your Pints and VIP lounge sponsor Wyatt, Tarrant and Combs LLC.

Zoo Brew 2014 is April 11, starting at 5 p.m. for VIP event goers and 6 p.m. for regular admission. VIP tickets are $60, and general admission is $30. Designated drivers can pay $15 for a ticket for food, but not beer. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit jacksonzoo.org. Tickets can also be purchased at Hops & Habanas cigar lounge.

*This piece has been edited to reflect a change in Zoo Brew 2014's date. The event was April 11, not April 1. Jackson Free Press apologizes for this error.