Philadelphia Zoo Announces the Return of OktoBEARfest – Back for the 1st Time Since 2018

-Courtesy of Aversa PR & Events

Philadelphia Zoo is thrilled to announce the return of its signature fall beer festival, OktoBEARfest, happening Saturday, September 16 from 7:00-10:00 pm. 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 #1 Oktoberfest Polka band, Polkadelphia. Guests can sample more than 100 fresh, seasonal beers and ciders from dozens of breweries, including Warsteiner, Urban Village Brewing Company, Big Oyster Brewery, Conshohocken Brewing Company and Evil Genius and enjoy food from the region’s best food trucks while visiting animals around the Zoo.

OktoBEARfest 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. Tickets are available exclusively through philadelphiazoo.org.

“We’re so excited to bring back this festival after a five-year hiatus,” says Vice President of Mission, Guest and Community Engagement Cara Treadway. “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.”

OktoBEARfest is limited to those 21 or older with valid identification. No one under 21 will be admitted, including children and infants. Tickets are only available through the Zoo’s website and will not be available for purchase at the door. This is a rain or shine event.

Save big on OktoBEARfest tickets with early bird specials:

July 19-July 31
$75 for Early Access (6-10pm)
$55 for General Admission (7-10pm)

August 1-August 15
$85 for Early Access (6-10pm)
$65 for General Admission (7-10pm)

August 16-September 10
§  $90 for Early Access (6-10pm)
$70 for General Admission (7-10pm)

September 11-September 16
$95 for Early Access (6-10pm)
$75 for General Admission (7-10pm)

·         Nondrinker (admitted with their party at either 6pm or 7pm): $35
·         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

Know before you go:
·         Free, complimentary parking
·         Free shuttle is available from 30th Street Station
·         Guests will receive one (1) souvenir tasting cup
·         This is a rain or shine event
·         Taps close 30 minutes prior to event end
·         This is a 21+ event.  No one under 21 will be admitted, including children and infants

List of 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

For more about Philadelphia Zoo and coming events, visit philadelphiazoo.org or follow the Zoo on social: Facebook: PhiladelphiaZoo; Instagram: @philadelphiazoo; Twitter: @phillyzoo.