For the largest kickoff party yet, Portland Beer Week is teaming with the Oregon Zoo on a beer celebration to end all beer parties! The 2018 Portland Beer Week Kickoff Party will showcase t 20+ craft beer and cider makers near the zoo concert lawn, local food carts, live entertainment, ax throwing, activities, photo ops, crafts and inspirational animal sightings, all happening in the beautiful setting of the zoo.

The event will feature breweries Dirty Pretty Brewing Co., Von Ebert Brewing, Breakside Brewery, Stormbreaker Brewing, pFriem Family Brewers and Portland Cider Co., along with food carts Hotlips Pizza & Soda and MorningStar Farms Food Truck. Activities include Portland Axe Throwing, photo booth, ring toss, cornhole, ladderball, washers, giant jenga, giant connect four and music by DJ Saul.

The party will be open to the public and people of all ages, though to consume alcohol you must be 21 or older with a valid ID and event ticket. Guests will have the unique experience of being able to drink excellent craft beers and ciders while enjoying animal displays and checking out the elephant pool party. 

Ticket cost $34.95 and include zoo admission, access to beverage vendors, a souvenir glass and four beer tickets, each redeemable for a 7-ounce pour of beer. Kids and designated drivers get into the zoo at regular ticket prices. Carousel and train rides will be available for an additional fee.

he Oregon Zoo encourages visitors to take public transport to the zoo, which is located five minutes from downtown Portland, and is accessible by MAX light rail line. Call TriMet Customer Service, 503-238-RIDE (7433), or visit trimet.org for fare and route information.