Zoolala

This was my first year going to Zoolala, and it did not disappoint. The only complaint I have is that I wish I'd had more time there and that it didn't start raining, but what can ya do?We got there just as the costume contest was starting under the Pavilion, and there were so many costumes. I think it's really fun that the event happened during Halloween season, dressing up and showing it off is so fun and such a great way to start conversations. The MCs were pretty funny, cringey jokes and all, it was really fun to see the costumes and hear from the judges. There was also an incredible selection of breweries. I am not a beer drinker, so this was so fun for me to meet the people, hear their recommendations and try all the new things. You do get a cute tastings glass when you arrive, but we also ended up trying the Zoo's Jack Rum Reaper, and it came in super cool cups (refer to the photos + video). The rum cocktails was quite pricey, so I'd stick to the beer tastings, and eat before coming so you can actually enjoy all the beer samplings. We did, and I am SO glad we did otherwise the walking might have been less straight. (Y'all there were *so*many breweries there, so just be safe.) A few of the exhibits were open as well which was super cool. We got to sip some samples while fawning over the dolphins, which is genuinely my favorite little cove in the zoo. I wish they'd shared the schedule on line ahead of time because I did miss a few of the chats, but also was not fully aware those were going on. I am dumb pumped for next year's Zoolala, and can't wait to be part of it.

We had a great time at Zoo La La last night! Who doesn't love a good costume party. The beer was great and it was fun to check out the zoo at night.I tried a bunch of new breweries I hadn't had an opportunity to try. I really liked the physic reading. It was a fun touch and I'd never had one before. The zoo also set up a number of animal chats throughout the event. There were great costumes and Pumpkin Town was open to check out as well. All in all, it was a fun night out. I would offer a few tips for next years Zoo La La:A little more information upon entering. We totally missed the costume contest when we were in line for the physic. We couldn't find the time anywhere. It's possible it was on the map but juggling a map & a beer in the dark didn't work to well. More posted signs and real life people giving direction would be helpful.

What an event! Costumes , more craft beer than I have ever seen in one place, a fun and festive DJ and a great party atmosphere. What an amazing way to spend a Thursday evening.

Zoolala is a great Halloween event that helps fund the Indianapolis Zoo's conservation efforts. Wear your favorite costume and enjoy a night of music, local beer and lots of fun!I can't speak to the beer as I did not partake but everyone was loving the variety of choices from the breweries. Each person guy a cup that they could refill as many times as they liked at the different breweries. The dolphin pavilion hosted tarot card readings and a sloth chat. You were also free to go see the orangutans! There was also a turtle/tortoise greets, parot chat, lizard greet, dog shark chat, and python chat. It was an awesome way to get up close to the animals without having to stand in the back behind kids.Pumpkin Town was also open with a dance party, pumpkin bowling and a maze of mirrors. Don't worry about eating before you go as there are several food locations open and they pass around appetizers as well. It was a really fun way to see the zoo lit up at night with all the Halloween decorations and a calmer experience with the animals but also a lovely fun experience with friends!

What a fun experience! I have been to the zoo many times, but going after dark is an experience of its own. We really enjoyed the beer, talking to the zoo staff and seeing everyone's creative costumes. I tried several beers that I probably never would've tried without this opportunity... and found several that I really liked. I appreciate the zoo giving Yelp some tickets so we could go - for free!As a Yelper, I feel like I should provide my feedback as if I was a paying guest. Here are a couple of suggestions to make this awesome event, even better! - Greeters: It'd be great to have a dynamic welcome team when guests enter. We had read about the event online so we understood the basics of it, but didn't really know how it worked. We were handed the sample cups when we went inside but I was hoping someone would explain how all of it worked. We wondered around for a while before we figured out that the beer was free to sample with our cups at all the booths. We also didn't really understand what animals we could go see, so we only saw one exhibit. A quick overview from a greeter would've went a long way!- Lighting: There were plenty of places around the beer stations that were REALLY dark. I was having trouble reading the map and would just suggest throwing in a few extra lights to make it a bit easier for guests.- Snacks: Just like there were 20+ breweries there, likely donating their beer for brand awareness, it'd be cool to see a few local restaurants set up booths and offer some complimentary snack samples. I think snacks were available for purchase, but I wasn't too sure how that worked. Tipsy attendees + free snacks = a sure success!Again, we had an absolute blast and are very appreciative of all the zoo does in our community! Just providing feedback as a way to continue growing the event.

Ooolala, this was my first Zoolala (thanks to Yelp) and it was "An Arctic Affair" that I will never forget. The Indianapolis Zoo Associate Council and Zoolala event management staff sure know how to throw a party!A few very important details:For those that don't know (I didn't). This event is hosted by the Zoo's Associate Council and is a fundraiser to help support the Zoo's mission and programs. This year the event raised forty three thousand dollars for the Indianapolis Zoological Society!The fun stuff:Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! I must have brought my appetite like these animals because I devoured plates of delicious Teriyaki Skirt Steak & Mac n' Cheese served by the Colts Grille. I didn't stop there. I completely took advantage of the beautifully presented hand passed hors d'oeuvres. My personal favorites from the night included the Smoking Goose Puff Pastry & Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Parfaits. Somewhere in between I enjoyed several freshly shucked oysters from Oceanaire (very fresh & very delicious). The night ended with a Donatos Pizza Bar! Goodness night, there were so many tasty food offerings. I loved that new items kept being introduced at different times throughout the evening. I was thinking about eating before we came because I didn't know what to expect. I am thankful I came hungry because we left full. So much booze! Everywhere you looked there was something boozy going on. To your left there was a mixology cocktail throw down between 5 of Indy's top mixologists. I personally enjoyed Jason Foust (North End BBQ) Nussbaums Delight concoction the most. I loved the flavors in the infused vodka and the addition of peppercorns provided a nice note to the drink. Then, to your right, specialty themed drinks were being made like the Frost Bite & White Lady. These drinks weren't skimpy on the alcohol I personally would have liked a little less. To bring balance to the boozy mix, Sun King rounded out the night with its three friends Osiris, Wee Mac, and Cream Ale. You have to burn off some of those food & drink calories, right? My husband and I hit the dance floor. DJ Lockstar brought down the house playing all our favorite jams! I felt like I was back in college again, so much so, I brought back several of my famous dance moves that had been locked up tight. They were just waiting to be released back into the "wild." Perfect setting. Thank you DJ Lockstar! Notes: Everything is included in your ticket price including parking. Bring cash to tip the bartenders. I would highly recommend taking Uber or they have shuttle services to and from hotels in the area. Safety first.My husband and I both agreed we need to have more nights like this one. It was nice to get all fancy and make new friends while supporting a great cause. Hands down great event and I am so thankful to Yelp for giving us the opportunity to experience it. Now, I can't wait to not only return to Zoolala but experience other Zoo events as well.

Had an amazing night at Zoolala! Only saw the Dolphins and some fish but it made for a one of a kind experience to be at the Zoo after hours. The beer tastings were delicious! My fave was the grapefruit one by Uptown Chestnut? (I think that was the name). All the beers were great conversation starters. The mirror maze was a unique and fun experience. I was excited to try that out and it did not disappoint! Definitely great for a date night and people really put effort into their costumes! Thanks yelp for an amazing experience!