Brews Around the Zoo Expands to Two Days in Sanford This February

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is expanding its annual craft-beverage fundraiser into a two-day event, announcing that "Brews Around the Zoo expands to two days for 2026" and will run Saturday, Feb. 21 and Sunday, Feb. 22 on the Sanford campus. Organizers say guests 21 and older will be able to sample from more than 30 tastings while strolling the zoo grounds as proceeds support the zoo’s animal conservation and education programs.

The zoo’s event listing gives the primary schedule: Saturday, Feb. 21 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with Early Access and VIP entry beginning at 4:00 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The zoo’s address appears on event material as 3755 W. Seminole Blvd., Sanford, FL 32771 (also listed in some listings as 3755 U.S. 17). For confirmation of times and ticket details the zoo can be reached at 407.323.4450 or information@centralfloridazoo.org.

Ticketing on the organizer’s event page and partner listings shows tiered options: general admission priced at $49.99 per day, Saturday Early Admission at $59.99 for 4:00 p.m. entry, and a two-day pass for $75.99. A commemorative mug is offered as an upgrade for $12. VIP tickets for Saturday are listed at $149.99 each or two for $249.99 and include a private area with restrooms, an exclusive food menu and cocktails, a complimentary commemorative mug, and parking. All sources emphasize the event is 21+ only and that strict ID and ticket checks will be enforced.

Event features described across listings include sampling craft beers, seltzers, canned cocktails and wines from more than 30 tasting stations, along with live music throughout the zoo campus and a mapped tasting trail. Promotional posts on the zoo’s social channels say "Tickets now on sale" for the Feb. 21 and Feb. 22 dates; OrlandoShine’s event summary characterizes Saturday as an evening-focused social vibe and notes Sunday may offer "better animal viewing opportunities" during daytime hours.

Several logistical items remain to be clarified with the zoo ahead of the weekend: ArtsInOrlando’s listing shows a conflicting Saturday end time of 11:00 p.m., and some writeups describe "unlimited samples" while the zoo’s pages use the language "sample from over 30 tastings." ArtsInOrlando also notes no accessibility information is posted for the event. The zoo’s ticketing page and the organizer’s contact (407.323.4450, information@centralfloridazoo.org) are the best sources for up-to-date answers on end times, sample limits, parking for general admission, accessibility accommodations, and press credentialing.