The Philadelphia Zoo is set to host the biggest beer festival of the year next weekend, bringing together craft beer enthusiasts from across the city.
On July 19, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Philadelphia Zoo will transform its 42-acre campus into a vibrant festival atmosphere.
This year’s Summer Ale Festival promises to feature over 100 award-winning craft beers, including new additions like Vault Brewing, Jersey Girl Brewing, Wild Air Brewing, Toms River Brewing, and Flying Fish.
In addition to a wide array of beverages, guests will enjoy local food trucks and live music, enhancing the celebratory environment.
VIP early access is available at 6 p.m., with taps closing at 9:30 p.m. Musical performances on the Impala Stage will include Ridge Runners, Kind Hearted Strangers, and Nik Greeley and the Operators.
To keep the energy high, DJs Quigs and Corey will also be spinning throughout the zoo grounds.
In terms of drinks, this year’s festival will showcase a diverse lineup of breweries. Attendees can look forward to selections from well-known names and local favorites, as well as a variety of non-beer options, such as hard ciders, hard iced teas, and hard seltzers.
Food choices will also be plentiful, with local food trucks like Chickie’s and Pete’s, Mac Mart, Loaded Tots, Many Hands Coffee, and others offering delicious specials.
Tickets for the event are now exclusively available through the Philadelphia Zoo’s website, with no tickets for sale at the door.
Every attendee will receive a complimentary branded souvenir tasting glass, offering a fitting keepsake from the event.
Additionally, there are ticket options for designated drivers and non-drinkers, ensuring that all guests can experience the festival responsibly.
The Summer Ale Festival serves as a critical fundraiser, supporting the zoo’s ongoing mission to inspire action for wildlife conservation and education.
Patrick McMaster, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “Summer Ale Festival has become one of the must-attend events of summer in Philadelphia.
This year, we’re really revving up the party atmosphere with a brand-new lineup of musical performances on Impala Stage, as well as DJs around the Zoo.
Plus, we’ll have the best the region has to offer in local beverages and food, but most important of all, every ticket sale directly supports the care of the Zoo’s 1,900 animals.”
Due to safety regulations, Summer Ale Fest is restricted to attendees who are 21 years old and above, and valid identification is required at entry.
Children, including infants, will not be permitted at the event.
The festival will proceed rain or shine, ensuring that weather conditions won’t deter this exciting community celebration.
For those driving, complimentary parking is available at the zoo, although it’s worth noting that there will be no complimentary shuttle service from 30th Street Station this year.
The lineup of participating breweries includes a wide variety of local vendors, such as 2Moods Vodka Seltzer, Angry Orchard, and more, ensuring that there is something for every palate.
With the festival’s commitment to showcasing local brews, some of the unique beers expected include Blood Orange IPA, King Gambrinus Tripel, and Beautiful Little Fool – a mango sour.
As guests savor their drinks, they can indulge in the culinary offerings from food vendors, ranging from sweet treats to savory bites.
The music schedule adds yet another layer of excitement to the event, featuring both live bands and DJs, providing a lively backdrop for guests to enjoy as they explore the festival.
With so many attractions in store, the Philadelphia Zoo Summer Ale Festival is not just a beer-tasting event; it’s a celebration of community, local culture, and wildlife conservation.
As summer in Philadelphia heats up, this festival is poised to deliver a memorable evening of fun, food, and of course, fantastic craft beverages.
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