GrowlFest
- This event has passed.
September 10, 2022 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm EDT
We’re excited to bring back this grrrrrreat event for the 6th year! GrowlFest is a fun-filled evening of beer and cider, food trucks, and games. GrowlFest includes exclusive after-hours access to the Zoo, with select animals on exhibit late. Drinking package includes 6 tasting tickets, a reusable tasting cup, and a commemorative GrowlFest Beer Glass. This is fun for the whole family or a group of your wildest friends. This event benefits the Sunrise and Downtown Rotary Clubs of Norfolk and the Virginia Zoo.
This year a limited number of VIP Tickets will be available! This exclusive ticket gets you admission to the event, benefits above and:
- Express check-in until 6:30 pm
- Exclusive VIP seating and gathering area with snacks and games
- Exclusive beer sampling by Local Brewer
- One Zoo ticket for future daytime visit
- Kid-free zone – no children permitted in the VIP area
The first 1,000 VIP or Full Package Adult ticket purchasers will receive the commemorative GrowlFest Beer Glass. Glasses will be picked up upon exiting the Zoo at the front gates
Food Trucks:
- Hangry’s
- Cap’n Crabby’s
- Cast Iron Catering
- Pelican Pete’s Pizza
- Munchies & Such
- Twisted Sister Cupcakes
- Rita’s Italian Ice
- Zoo Concessions
Costs:
Tickets:
- VIP Package Adult (21+): $64.95 – Week-Of $75
- Full Package Adult Early Bird (21+): $34.95 – Week-Of $45
- Non-Drinking Adult (21+): $19.95 – Week-Of $30
- Youth (2-20): $14.95
- Under 2: Free (no ticket needed)
$10 increase on adult and VIP ticket types on September 5, 2022 – no exceptions
Sorry, no Zoo Member discounts. This is a fundraiser for the Rotary Clubs and the Virginia Zoo.
Extras:
- Additional Drink tickets are $2 per ticket.
- Additional reusable tasting cups are $3 per cup.
1 ticket = 4 oz tasting
3 tickets =12 oz beer pour
The first 1,000 Full Package Adult ticket purchasers will receive the commemorative GrowlFest Beer Glass. Glasses will be picked up upon exiting the Zoo at the front gates
Thank you to our sponsors!





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- May 31, 2023 Homeschool Day
- June 2, 2023 ZooGrooves
- June 10, 2023 Pride Night
- June 22, 2023 Member Night