Bonteboktoberfest Is Back

Tis the season for October fests and beer fests in general.  The event coming up at Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek is certainly one of a kind.  You sacrifice your liver to save the Botebok a rare species of antelope which is part of the Wild Africa area at the zoo.

Here's the press release they sent us explaining everything you need to know:

Returning for the eighth year at Binder Park Zoo is Bonteboktoberfest on Saturday, October 14^th, 6-10pm.  Set inside the zoo after hours, this popular beer tasting festival uniquely showcases over forty of Michigan’s finest craft microbreweries (ciders, meads and wines, too).  Event–goers will enjoy a menu of “beer-centric” small bite food pairings included in the ticket price, plus delicious menu options from FireKeepers Casino Catering, Gorilla Gourmet, Arcadia Ales Twisted Tail, and Latitude 42.   Musical entertainment will feature the heartland rock music of Andrew Leahey & the Homestead, and Tampa–based Matt Hires- both performing on the stage of the Wildlife Discovery Theater, plus Abbey Rose & Co. in the Lounge Tent.

For a more upscale experience, VIP tent access offers exclusive pours from Perrin Brewing, Roak, Arcadia Ales, Round Barn and Uncle John’s Hard Cider accompanied by a special VIP-only menu of small plates. VIP tickets are $25 with a general admission purchase. Space is limited and sells out quickly. Advance purchase is recommended and may not be available at the gate.

Advance ticket prices are – General admission - $45, General admission with VIP access - $70, Designated Driver - $25, Designated Driver with VIP access - $50.  All are available to purchase online at binderparkzoo.org/beer.   Ticket prices at the gate are General admission- $50 and General admission with VIP access is $80.  This event is for ages 21 and over only. Guests must present a valid ID to enter.

As part of the admission price, each guest receives a souvenir Bonteboktoberfest tasting glass, 12 drink tickets and “small bite” food pairings.  Additional drink vouchers are available for purchase if your glass runs dry as well as food truck menu choices for the bigger appetites.   Binder Park Zoo welcomes first time guest vendors Elk Brewing Co., Great Mead Hall, Dragonmead Microbrewery and Black Dragon Meadery, in addition to the many returning favorites that can be seen here -  http://www.binderparkzoo.org/beer/index.php. Also on hand will be Ron’s Beans serving artisan, small batch, hand-roasted coffees.

Guests will enjoy an “adult” version of a visit to the zoo at Bonteboktoberfest as they stroll the grounds sipping brew, enjoying animal exhibits, Z.O. & O train rides, chances to win at the Carousel Derby or raffles for swag, cash and prizes including the grand prize – a VIZIO 55” D-Series HDTV smart TV!

Overnight packages are available at Holiday Inn Battle Creek with free shuttle service to and from Binder Park Zoo.  To make a reservation, go to http://www.binderparkzoo.org/beer/beer_hotel.php.

Bonteboktoberfest is a fundraising event named for the bontebok, a rare species of antelope found in the Western Cape Area of South Africa and in Wild Africa at Binder Park Zoo.  The bontebok is a Species Survival Plan (SSP) animal through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  Proceeds from Bonteboktoberfest help support zoo operations. Binder Park Zoo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that receives no tax funding.

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