On May 15, from 2-5 pm, the Potawatomi Zoo is debuting a new event, Eat and Drink at the Zoo. Food and beverage vendors from around the local region will be at the Zoo to share samples of their products.

This event is for adults 21 and over.

“We believe the Zoo is for everyone, and events like this give our adult visitors a chance to try something new at the Zoo,” says Josh Sisk, executive director of the Potawatomi Zoo. “We love inviting the community to experience the Zoo in a very different way, and we hope Eat and Drink becomes a tradition we look forward to every year.”

Tickets are $75 per person and includes all food and drink samples, plus unlimited rides on the Potawatomi Zoo Express and Endangered Species Carousel.

There are a limited number of VIP tables available. VIPs will have a reserved table, early entry, and the opportunity to meet our southern white rhino, Masamba.

In addition to the tasting samples, the Zoo will have corn hole games set up in the back lawn, local artists, and two musical guests, UltraFab and Jake from Starheart. There will also be animal enrichment viewing opportunities with the Amur tigers, North American river otters, and painted dogs.

“We’re so excited to bring in some of our favorite food and beverage vendors for this unique event,” says Connie Varga, the Zoo’s special events manager. “Because it’s limited capacity, there will be plenty of space to socially distance, enjoy the activities, and still get to see the animals while snacking on a slider or trying a new drink.”

Some of the vendors include Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Oh Mamma’s on the Avenue, Let’s Spoon, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and many more. Adult drink samples include Great Lakes Brewing Company, Metazoa, Round Barn, as well as non-alcoholic drinks by Pepsi, and more.

Tickets must be purchased online at www.potawatomizoo.org/event/eat-and-drink-2021 in advance. They will not be available at the gate in order to have a contactless entry. Tickets are non-refundable unless the Zoo has to cancel the event.

Masks must be worn to enter the Zoo, inside buildings, and wherever social distancing is not possible outside. This event has been approved by the St. Joseph County Health Department.

The Zoo will be closed for regular hours on May 15.