The Fall event season is just weeks away. The Philadelphia Zoo just announced the region’s first big Oktoberfest celebration, OktoBEARfest.
The event is back for the first time since 2018. The Philadelphia Zoo presents OktoBEARfest on Saturday, September 16, 2023!
The revamped event will feature an exclusive “after-hours” night for the grown-ups at the first Zoo in America. While you’re there, enjoy a Bavarian Beer Hall, live music from local DJs, and Philly’s Premier Polka Band, Polkadelphia. There will be more than 100 seasonal craft beers and ciders to sample, and of course, some BEAR-y amazing animals.
It’s like a classic Oktoberfest event but with a really WILD twist. Sip your craft beer and stroll around the Zoo. See all of the Zoo’s 1,900 rare and endangered animals in some really amazing exhibits. It’ll be pretty temperate weather, too, so you won’t sweat your animal-themed face paint off. And while the event is geared toward beer, there will be tons of food, too! It’s a fun Fall event.
Tickets are on sale now. Don’t miss one of the biggest beer festivals of the Fall season! Celebrate Fall with OktoBEARfest at the Philadelphia Zoo.
Here are some things you oughta know about the event:
How To Get Tickets
Tickets are only available through the Zoo’s website and will not be available for purchase at the door. It’s a rain or shine event. There are ways to save on OktoBEARfest tickets with early bird specials. The dates for the remaining sales are as follows: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 ticketsTickets Include...
These are some loaded tickets! You get free parking or a free shuttle service from 30th Street Station. You also get entry to the Zoo and access to the Zoo’s 42-acre campus to visit select animal exhibits, plus unlimited samples of more than 100 seasonal, fall-themed beers and ciders. They also include access to a Bavarian Beer Hall with Oktoberfest beers on tap and Oktoberfest-themed competitions. There’s also live music.Getting There
Your tickets will come with free, complimentary parking. Or, you can elect to take public transport. There is a free shuttle available from 30th Street Station for ticket holders. Be mindful of how much you drink for getting home! Taps close 30 minutes prior to the event’s end, as well.
Food Offerings
There are a number of food trucks set to be there. This list is still subject to change, but so far OktoBEARfest will feature:
BYZ. Empire
Bacon on a Stick
Bonjour Creperie
Calle Del Sabor
Deke’s BBQ
The Fabulous Fig
The Little Sicilian
The Munchy Machine
WokworksSOME Of The Participating Breweries
If we listed all of them, this page would be forty miles long. Here are just a few of the participating breweries.
Cape May Beverage
Conshohocken Brewing Company
Double Nickel Brewing Co.
Evil Genius Beer Company
Sea Isle Ice Tea
Ship Bottom Brewery
Victory Brewing CompanyFind out more about OktoBEARfest at philadelphiazoo.org.
Over 21 Only Please
OktoBEARfest is limited to those 21 or older with valid identification. No one under 21 will be admitted, including children and infants.
