Philadelphia Zoo Summer Ale Festival returns this month

Returning later this month is one of the city’s most interesting beer festivals — the 2023 Philadelphia Zoo Summer Ale Festival. 

Taking place Saturday, June 24, from 7 to 10 p.m., this adults-only event lets 21-plus sample a huge variety of brews scattered throughout the venue, while walking among big cats, great apes and plenty of other animals. 

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

“We’re proud to put on one of the premier beer festivals in the region,” said zoo vide president Cara Treadway in a statement. “There’s no other place this summer where you’ll be able to try more than 100 different beers, ciders and seltzers and experience the breathtaking beauty of nature and wildlife all in one amazing night.”

Tickets to the Summer Ale Festival include complimentary parking, free shuttle service from 30th Street Station, a signature souvenir tasting cup, more than 100 award-winning craft beers, seltzers and ciders, nearly a dozen food trucks with a variety of foods to purchase, live music zones and access to the zoo’s 42-acre campus to visit select animal exhibits.

Plenty of local and popular brewing companies will be on site including Evil Genius, Yards, Two Roads, Singlecut, Flying Fish, Ommegang, Beatbox Brew, Heavy Seas, Yuengling, Iron Hill, Ploughman Cider, Von C, Wissahickon Brewing Company and more. Once you’re in you can try as many or as few samples as you like.

Food trucks will also be in attendance. The current roster includes BYZ. Empire, Philly Hots, Calle Del Sabor, The Munchy Machine, The Little Sicilian, The Pasta Truck, Bonjour Creperie and The Fabulous Fig. 

In between dining and drinks under the stars, Philadelphians can also look for live entertainment that will have you dancing from exhibit to exhibit. The lineup includes the return of indie surf rock band Dry Reef and Philadelphia’s own Mr. Hollywood DJ who are back at this annual event.

Tickets for the festival include early admission (6-10 p.m.) at $95, General Admission (7-10 p.m.) at $75, and Non-drinker (admitted with their party at either 6 or 7 p.m.) for $45.  Zoo members can also enjoy a $10 discount on all tickets. 

Tickets are available exclusively on their website and will not be available for purchase at the door. Taps close 30 minutes prior to event end, and this extravaganza will be rain-or-shine event.

To learn more information about the Philadelphia Zoo (3400 W Girard Ave.,) head to PhiladelphiaZoo.org