OktoBEARfest To Feature 100+ Beers, Ciders At Philly Zoo Sept 16

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Zoo in September will be getting into the Oktoberfest spirit by hosting its signature beer festival OktoBEARfest.

OktoBEARfest will be held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16 and will feature more than 100 seasonal beers and ciders from dozens of breweries, including Warsteiner, Urban Village Brewing Company, Big Oyster Brewery, Conshohocken Brewing Company, and Evil Genius.

In addition to the beers, there will be nine food trucks on hand offering tacos, pizza, barbecue, and more.

A full list of participating breweries and food trucks is below.

New for this year, the zoo’s Peacock Pavilion will be transformed into a Bavarian beer tent with authentic Oktoberfest beers on tap, stein-holding and pretzel-eating competitions with prizes.

OktoBEARfest will also include live performances by local DJs and Philly’s premiere Polka band, Polkadelphia.

The event serves as a fundraiser and supports Philadelphia Zoo in its mission to create joyful discovery and inspire action for animals and habitats.

This adults-only event is limited to those 21 or older with valid identification.

OktoBEARfest tickets are available via early bird specials:

July 19 to July 31
$75 for Early Access (6 p.m. to 10 p.m.)
$55 for General Admission (7 p.m. to 10 p.m.)

Aug. 1 to Aug. 15
$85 for Early Access (6 p.m. to 10 p.m.)
$65 for General Admission (7 p.m. to 10 p.m.)

Aug. 16 to Sept. 10
§ $90 for Early Access (6 p.m. to 10 p.m.)
$70 for General Admission (7 p.m. to 10 p.m.)

Sept. 11 to Sept. 16
$95 for Early Access (6 p.m. to 10 p.m.)
$75 for General Admission (7 p.m. 10 p.m.)

Get tickets online here.

Nondrinkers can get access for $35 and are admitted with their party at either 6 p.m. or 7 p.m.

Zoo Members save $5 on tickets.

All tickets include:

• Free parking or free shuttle service from 30th Street Station
• Entry to the Zoo and access to the Zoo’s 42-acre campus to visit select animal exhibits·
• Unlimited samples of more than 100 seasonal, fall-themed beers and ciders
• Access to a Bavarian Beer Hall with Oktoberfest beers on tap and stein-holding and pretzel-eating competitions with prizes for top places
• Live music performed by Philly’s favorite polka band, Polkadelphia
• Food for purchase from the region’s top food trucks

"We're so excited to bring back this festival after a five-year hiatus," Vice President of Mission, Guest and Community Engagement Cara Treadway said. "There's no other place where you'll be able to try more than 100 different beers and ciders and experience the breathtaking beauty of nature and wildlife all in one amazing night. More importantly, the proceeds from this fun event support the animals in our care as well as the Zoo’s conservation work and ability to bring under resourced families to the Zoo that might not otherwise be able to visit.”

Breweries (subject to change):

• Dock Street Brewery
• Spellbound Brewing
• Oslo
• First State
• Eight and Sand Beer Co.
• Urban Village Brewing Company
• Alternate Ending
• Singlecut
• Workhorse Brewing Co.
• Blue Point
• Beatbox Brew ("Party Punch")
• Big Oyster Brewery
• Conshohocken Brewing Company
• Downeast Cider
• Iron Hill
• La Cabra Brewing
• Sea Isle Ice Tea
• Victory Brewing Company
• Zero Gravity Craft Brewery
• Triple Bottom
• Fegley's Brew Works
• Dewey Beer Co.
• Spring House Brewing Company
• Von C
• Ship Bottom Brewery
• Wissahickon Brewing Company
• Swedesboro Brewing Company
• Alementary
• Brewery Techne
• Prison Pals
• Lost Time
• Rey Cerveza
• Rupee
• Punch Buggy Brewing
• Yards Brewing Company
• Ommegang
• Double Nickel Brewing Co.
• Bitchin' Kitten Brewery
• Stoudts Brewing
• Two Roads Brewing Company
• Warsteiner
• Vault Brewing
• Sir Charles Ciders
• Jersey Girl Brewing
• Lone Eagle Brewing
• McAllister Brewing Co.
• Ploughman Cider
• Stable 12
• Logyard
• Cricket Hill Brewing Co.
• Saugatuck Brewing Co.
• Aldus Brewing Co.
• Cape May Beverage
• Evil Genius
• Great Lakes Brewing Co.
• Yuengling

Food Trucks (subject to change)

• BYZ. Empire
• The Fabulous Fig
• Deke's BBQ
• Calle Del Sabor
• The Little Sicilian
• Wokworks
• Bonjour Creperie
• The Munchy Machine
• Bacon on a Stick