The Philadelphia Zoo Summer Ale Festival returns on Saturday, July 19, 2025, turning the city’s favorite animal haven into an after-hours playground for craft beer lovers. From 7-10 p.m. (with early VIP access starting in 6 p.m.), guests 21 and over can sip their way through 100+ seasonal brews, hard ciders, seltzers and teas– all while mingling with tigers, flamingos, and everything in between.
This isn’t your average beer fest. It’s the only place in the region where you can drink a hazy IPA while locking eyes with a snow leopard or groove to live music with giraffes just a stone’s throw away.
“This year, we’re really revving up the party atmosphere,” said Patrick McMaster, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Zoo. “But most important of all, every ticket sale directly supports the care of the Zoo’s 1,900 animals.”
🎶 Live music lineup
The Impala Stage will be rocking with Ridge Runners, Kind Hearted Strangers, and Nik Greeley and the Operators, while DJ Quigs and DJ Corey keep the beats spinning across the Zoo.
🍔 Food truck favorites
Refuel with Philly food staples like Chickie’s & Pete’s, Mac Mart, Loaded Tots, Bacon on a Stick, and more.
🍸 Drink highlights
- Beer: Flying Fish, Evil Genius, Imprint Beer Co., Broad Street Brewing & many more
- Non-Beer: Stateside Vodka Seltzer, Sea Isle Iced Tea, Angry Orchard, BeatBox Party Punch
🎟️ Summer Ale Festival ticket info
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VIP Early Access (6–10 p.m.): $75–$99
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General Admission (7–10 p.m.): $65–$84
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Non-Drinker Entry: $35
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Zoo Members: $10 off all tickets
Note: No tickets sold at the door. This is a rain-or-shine, 21+ only event.
🦁 Summer Ale Festival: why it matters
Every ticket supports the Zoo’s conservation efforts, education programming, and the care of animals across 42 acres. That includes everything from the Zoo’s Zoo360 animal exploration trails to its newest additions like ZOOtopiaries and the Flamingo Cove.
So, grab your crew and get ready to raise a glass for a good cause -because there’s no party in Philly quite like Summer Ale Fest at the Zoo.