Photography by Micah Usher
Zootoberfest returns again this year on Saturday, October 6 and Sunday, October 7. The event, which is free, offers visitors and families a fun way to connect with the zoo’s residents, says Carolyn Stewart, the zoo’s special events facilitator.
“At Zootoberfest, guests can visit their favorite animals, spend family time together, and enjoy some great food and entertainment all in the beautiful setting of the Saint Louis Zoo,” she says.
Children can take on the butterfly migration obstacle course, create a butterfly craft, and play a frog-themed game, earning a treat bag for participating in all the activities. Parents can snack on foot-long beef hot dogs, G&W bratwursts, Bavarian pretzels, and pumpkin churros while enjoying the local bands playing from noon to 3 p.m. at the fest's Schnuck Family Plaza.
Visitors over 21 can pair their pretzels and brats with beer—grab a souvenir Zootoberfest beer stein for $9 with $4 refills.
“For the 21-and-over guests, there will be several beer tents located throughout the zoo with a wide variety of specialty German beers to try. We’ll also have root beer on draft, root beer floats, and other refreshments available,” Stewart says. “Some of the beers are unique to Oktoberfest, including Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier, Warsteiner Premium Dunkel, and Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse."
Can't make it this weekend? Zootoberfest is back again the following weekend, October 13–14.
For more information, visit the zoo's website.
