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The adults-only evening at Columbia’s Riverbanks Zoo & Garden pairs a tasting selection with live music, animal encounters and a choice of general or VIP admission.
All times are local to the venue · America/New York
Riverbanks’ wildlife lanterns become the setting for a different kind of zoo visit at Brew Lights on December 4, 2026. The after-hours event combines beer and cider samples with holiday performances and conservation stories, and admission is restricted to guests 21 and older.
Brew Lights borrows its setting from Wild Lights, Riverbanks’ seasonal lantern event, but is a separate adults-only occasion. Wild Lights features handcrafted displays inspired by wildlife; Brew Lights adds a focus on craft and local drinks to that after-dark setting.
A general admission ticket includes a souvenir tasting glass and samples from a selection of more than 100 craft and local brews and ciders. Riverbanks has not announced individual breweries or drinks, so the selection is best approached as a chance to sample rather than as a confirmed lineup.
Further reading: Brew Lights :: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden ↗ · Wild Lights :: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden ↗
General admission already includes the tastings, live music and animal encounters. VIP adds one hour of early access to Ndoki Plaza, where guests receive selected festive beers and wines, catered light bites and an open liquor bar. It also includes private restrooms, a heated space and a commemorative 2026 T-shirt.
The early-access clock time has not been specified. Outside the VIP light bites, food and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase; hydration stations are provided throughout the zoo.
Further reading: Brew Lights :: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden ↗
Riverbanks also plans holiday performances by local artists and conservation stories from zoo experts. Animal encounters are included, though particular animals and activity times have not been announced.
The event is a fundraiser as well as an after-hours visit: Riverbanks says proceeds support its conservation and education programs.
Further reading: Brew Lights :: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden ↗
Gates open at 7 p.m.; last entry is at 8:30 p.m. and last call is at 9:15 p.m.
Riverbanks recommends purchasing tickets in advance. The outdoor event takes place rain or shine, with no refunds, exchanges or rain checks.
Valid picture ID is required. Bags and backpacks are prohibited, though small purses are allowed. There is no re-entry.
Dress for the weather and arrange a safe trip home if drinking. Outside food and beverages are not allowed.
Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted. Properly trained service animals are allowed, although Riverbanks says they may be excluded from some areas.
Event parking and entry are only through the main Zoo entrance at 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210. Use the directions links to calculate a route from your starting point, and plan a safe return trip if you intend to drink.
No. All guests must be at least 21 and present valid picture ID.
Yes. General admission includes animal encounters as well as tasting samples, a souvenir glass and live music.
No outside food or beverages are allowed. Food and non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, and hydration stations are provided.
Riverbanks recommends buying in advance. Day-of tickets are available only if the event has not sold out.
500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.
Images from the linked sources. Each caption identifies the context of the image.
Event, planning and background information checked 2026-10-29 against the linked sources.