A dive bar on a bad night can feel like a zoo. Mobs of sweaty and not infrequently hairy folk barrel through spaces designed for fewer bodies. They feed at over-populated troughs: the bar itself, studded with glasses and bottles. They bark at each other, nuzzle, and preen. If your local isn't doing it for you, this Friday, August 12th, you can get some drinks at an actual zoo, the Los Angeles Zoo. Set to take place from 6-9 p.m., Brew at the Zoo will feature beers courtesy of 20 craft breweries, pub grub, local bands, and, of course, some real party animals.

Just imagine: You're sipping a Bayhawk ale while making eyes at a genuine hawk with feathers. It could happen on Friday. The represented breweries include Eagle Rock Brewery, Left Coast Brewing Company, Indian Wells Brewing Company, Hangar 24, Inland Empire Brewing Company and Belmont Brewing Company. Guests willing to pay the $40 cover (for non-member tickets purchased in advance) will receive a souvenir tasting mug and 12 tickets good for five oz. samples, which amounts to a good night by the average sipper's standards. All proceeds will benefit the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association. Get your tickets here.

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