ENTERTAINERS
BE A PART OF ONE OF EDMONTON’S FAVOURITE SUMMER EVENTS!
What is Zoobrew?
Zoobrew is the Valley Zoo Development Society’s signature after-hours, adults-only beer festival — and one of Edmonton’s most unique and fastest-growing summer events. Held at the Edmonton Valley Zoo, Zoobrew invites guests (ages 18+) to explore the zoo after hours with a drink in hand, immersing themselves in an unforgettable evening of craft beverages, live music, animal encounters, and community spirit.
Now heading into its 9th year, Zoobrew is expanding with three nights of festivities in 2026 — Saturday, June 20; Saturday, July 18; and Friday, August 21—welcoming more than 5,400 attendees across the summer. Guests and vendors alike get to enjoy a unique mix of conservation, community, and cocktails, all under the stars.
Who organizes Zoobrew?
Zoobrew is presented by The Valley Zoo Development Society, a registered charity and not-for-profit that acts in partnership with the City of Edmonton to ensure the continued development of the beloved Edmonton Valley Zoo, and its education and conservation programs.
How many people attend Zoobrew?
Zoobrew regularly draws in between 1,600-1,800 guests per night, including craft beer enthusiasts, animal lovers, and community-minded young professionals. The audience is highly engaged and excited to support local businesses that give back.
What We’re Looking For…
Zoobrew 2026 is on the hunt for unique, engaging, and creative performers to help bring some of Edmonton’s wildest nights to life! This year, we’re introducing a more dynamic, roving entertainment experience throughout the zoo’s winding pathways, allowing guests unexpected moments of delight as they explore.
We’re seeking performers who thrive in low-footprint, high-impact settings. Think “busker” but with a twist: performers are booked and paid (no traditional busking during the event)!
Ideal acts include:
- Acoustic musicians (solo artists or duos)
- Singer-songwriters
- Small, mobile musical acts
- Jugglers and circus-style performers
- Fire performers (subject to approval and safety requirements)
- Sketch artists or live illustrators (bonus if you draw animals!)
- Interactive or ambient entertainers
Performance Considerations
Zoobrew 2026 takes place over three evenings (June 20, July 18, and August 21), and applicants can indicate their availability for one, two, or all three dates. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee your selection. Shortlisted performers will be contacted for additional details.
Each event runs from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and selected entertainers should expect to be present for the duration, performing intermittently throughout the evening. We’re not asking for six continuous hours of performance, but consistent engagement during these hours is expected unless previously arranged.
Zoobrew is an 18+ event; while the atmosphere is lively and social, and we want you to have fun (!), performers are expected to maintain a high level of professionalism. This is a paid opportunity, and we’re seeking entertainers who can enhance the overall guest experience in line with Zoobrew’s tone and setting.
To ensure a great experience for guests and the animals, performances should be of an ambient volume (a.k.a. no large amps or overpowering sound), require minimal setup (easy to move, quick to set up/pack down), respectful of space, and animal-conscious.
Performers will be placed at pre-selected locations throughout the zoo to create a seamless and immersive atmosphere.
Why Participate?
- Perform in front of 1,600–1,800 guests per night
- Connect with a fun, energetic, and community-minded audience
- Gain exposure at one of Edmonton’s most unique summer events
- Be part of a meaningful cause supporting wildlife conservation and education
- Paid performance opportunity (rates to be confirmed)
We are especially excited to support local artists and performers looking to showcase their talents in a memorable and unconventional setting!
FILL OUT AN APPLICATION!.