Party for the Planet: Craft beer, food trucks & more at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

It’s time to party for the well-being of the third rock from the Sun.

Party for the Planet is once again goin’ down at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum from 6 – 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 14.

Think of this event as the museum’s toast to the Sonoran Desert and all of its beauty — featuring craft beer from more than a dozen brewers, a handful of local food trucks, dancing, and an audience of regional wildlife.

This event is celebrating Endangered Species Day, giving everyone the opportunity to learn about the importance of protecting endangered species (like our Mexican gray wolves, for example). Plus, it’s a reminder that your everyday actions can help out the critters of the desert.

Only folks 21 years and older are allowed at the event, so leave those kids and strollers at home. Tickets, which tend to sell out quick, are $49 for General Admission, $139 for Pursuit of Hoppiness VIP, Designated Driver tickets start at $25 each, and there’s even an Animal Spotlight add-on for $8 (an exclusive 30-45-minute tour).

“Party for the Planet” ticket breakdown

General Admission (Member: $44, Non-Member: $49)

• 20 three-ounce beer tastings
• Complimentary admission to Stingray Touch

Pursuit of Hoppiness VIP (Member: $134, Non-Member: $139)

• Early entry to the Museum at 5 p.m.
• 20 three-ounce beer tastings
• $15 voucher that can be redeemed at any food truck or Ironwood Terraces
• Exclusive private animal show with Desert Museum keepers at 6 p.m.
• Complimentary six pack of craft beer
• Commemorative tote and pint glass
• Desert Museum Gila monster hat and beer pin
• Complimentary admission to Stingray Touch

Designated Driver ($25)

• Unlimited fountain drinks, tea, or coffee
• Raptor Free Flight cup
• Complimentary admission to Stingray Touch

Pursuit of Hoppiness VIP Designated Driver ($99)

• Early entry at 5 p.m.
• Unlimited fountain drinks, tea, or coffee
• Raptor Free Flight cup
• $15 voucher that can be redeemed at any food truck or Ironwood Terraces
• Exclusive private animal show with Desert Museum keepers at 6 p.m.
• Commemorative tote and pint glass
• Desert Museum Gila monster hat and beer pin
• Complimentary admission to Stingray Touch

Any of these tickets need to be purchased online beforehand (sellout warning).

There’s going to be plenty to swig on during your outdoor adventure at the museum. A total of 14 breweries are setting up shop out at 2021 N. Kinney Rd. — mostly local with a few others visiting from the region.

Participating Breweries & Cideries

• 1912 Brewing Company
• Barrio Brewing Company
• Bawker Bawker Cider House
• Borderlands Brewing Company
• Button Brew House
• Catalina Brewing Company
• Crooked Tooth Brewing Company
• Dragoon Brewing Company
• Grand Canyon Brewing Company
• Pueblo Vida Brewing Company
• OHSO Brewery
• Simple Machine Brewing Company
• Ten55 Brewing Company
• Walter Station Brewery

Keep in mind that being this event is in the middle of the desert, cell phone service is few and far between. So, plan ahead if you’re looking into any of the rideshare services.

Meanwhile, start planning which one of these food options you’re going to indulge in first.

Participating Food Trucks

• The Curry Pot
• SGT. of the South
• Takoyaki Balls
• The Blacktop Grill
• Beyond Bread
• Peace Love & Smoked Cheese
• POPPED Artisan Popcorn

Entertainment Schedule

• 7 p.m.: Animal Enrichment — Bobcat and Ocelot (Cat Canyon)
• 7 p.m.: Sonoran Desert Animal Spotlight (Live Animal Show: 30-45 minutes)
• 8 p.m.: Animal Enrichment — Gray Fox and Ocelot (Cat Canyon)

While there’s going to be water available for purchase, the Desert Museum is encouraging visitors to bring their own reusable water bottles (you know, the cool kinds that sometimes have neat stickers pasted all over them).

Also, they’ll have water fountains all over the grounds.

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is located at 2021 N. Kinney Rd. For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit desertmuseum.org.