Annual Philly Bierfest celebrates German brewing heritage

German beer lovers can rejoice—the 11th Annual Philly Bierfest is coming to the city for another day filled with bites, oompah and plenty of steins.

On Saturday, Feb. 24, Philadelphians can indulge in German-style beers from both local Pennsylvania craft brewers and German imports, educational seminars and live entertainment from 2 to 5:30 p.m. The event will take place once again at the German Society of Pennsylvania spread across six floors, two historic buildings, and the German Society’s gated garden. 

The Philly Bierfest will house a main beer hall, but also, a German Speakeasy featuring a wide selection of imported German beers and a “NoLo Import Bar” featuring German zero-proof and low-alcohol beers. 

As a release notes, the event will also feature a “PA Cheese Cave & Cider Bar” anchored by members of the PA Cheese Guild and PA Cider Guild, plus local and German entertainment (think roller derby arm-wrestling, a Beer-jello Masskrugstemmen, Berlin-Style Beerlesque, Oompah-Funk by Polkadelphia, UGH Schühplattler Folk Dancers and live country-folk music by TC Cole Riot.) 

Those looking to learn a bit more can also join in on a seminar covering beer pairing led by cheese author Tenaya Darlington (a.k.a. Madame Fromage) with the purchase of the VIP Plus package. VIP Plus (sold out) and VIP tickets ($79) also feature early access to the event starting at 1 p.m. and a keepsake mug. General Admission ($59) gives you access to the main event starting at 2 p.m. while Beerless tickets ($35) are also available for non-drinkers, designated drivers, and children. 

Other opportunities at the 11th Annual Philly Bierfest span the Enlightening “PA Women Brewers Panel” and book signings with multiple authors including PA’s own beer historian Richard Wagner. Plus, there’s plenty to sip on. 

Over two dozen Pennsylvania craft and legacy brewers will participate in Bierfest 2024, including Attic Brewing Co. (Philadelphia), Bald Birds Brewing Co. (Audubon), Dock Street Brewing Co. (Philadelphia), Iron Hill Brewery (Exton), Human Robot Brewery (Philadelphia), Locust Lane Brewing Co. (Malvern), Love City Brewing Co. (Philadelphia), Mainstay Independent Brewing Co. and more, the release states. 

German beers, on the other hand, will span brews from Ayinger, Bitburger, Erdinger, Gaffel, HofBräu, König Ludwig, Köstritzer, Paulaner, Pinkus, Radeberger, Schöfferhofer, Warsteiner and more. 

“Locals may not realize that Pennsylvania brewers lead the nation in championing beer styles of German heritage, from refreshing pilsners to malty doppelbocks,” says Victory Brewing Company president Bill Covaleski in a statement. “Bierfest is a perfect showcase for what should be a point of pride for Philadelphia’s beer lovers.”

For more information, visit german-society-of-pennsylvania.ticketleap.com