By Molly Given

Grab your steins and get ready to party — the 13th Annual Philly Bierfest is set for Feb. 28.

Recognized by USA Today as one of the Top 10 Beer Festivals in the country, the annual celebration will once again be held at the historic German Society of Pennsylvania from 2 to 5:30 p.m. This world-class tasting event invites guests to explore almost 100 different pours from Pennsylvania and Germany, plus a packed schedule of activities.

As always, Bierfest is presented in partnership with the skaters of Philly Roller Derby and Brewers of Pennsylvania. While there, expect to find six floors of curated tastings, immersive stops, and educational experiences, along with additional attractions set in the Society’s gated garden.

Highlights include the NOLO Bar, where Zero Proof Go will showcase a lineup of no- and low-alcohol brews. Guests can also learn about the increasingly popular “zebra-striping” trend—alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers for a balanced tasting experience.

The Opening Ceremony, on the other hand, will honor the Gretz Family of Gretz Brewing Co. with the annual GSP Honorary German Beer Ambassador Award, celebrating their lasting contributions to brewing heritage. Meanwhile, My Local Brew Works will once again throw their Home Sweet HomeBräu Taste-Off to spotlight top homebrewing talent, with one standout creator earning the chance to brew a commercial batch to be poured at Philly Bierfest 2027.

Flavor extends well beyond the beer here as well: A PA Cheese Cave & Cider Bar, anchored by members of the PA Cheese Guild, will feature multiple samples paired with crisp ciders. In the PA Beer Hall, visitors can find Roller Derby ArmWrestling, a Baby Donut Eating Contest, a Beer-Jello Masskrugstemmen Competition hosted by Brauhaus Schmitz, and folk sounds from TC Cole Riot.

Additionally, the Bierfest Academy will offer an optional VIP Plus Beer Tasting Seminar with author and Bierfest co-founder, Marnie Old. For anyone interested in learning while sipping, the event will also feature beer history exhibits and book signings with other acclaimed writers in the field.

Finally, guests can also head outdoors to the Bierfest Garden to get cozy by firepits and indulge in some Traditional Bavarian Bierstacheln (aka a caramelization of doppelbock beer with hot fire pokers) and s’mores, or test their skills at a soccer station hosted by the Philadelphia Union.

And what would Bierfest be without beer?

Philadelphia favorites Attic Brewing Co., Brewery Techne, Dock Street Brewery, Future Days Brewing Co., Human Robot Beer, Love City Brewing Co., Wissahickon Brewing Co., Yards Brewing Co. and more will pour alongside standout breweries from across Pennsylvania and distinguished German imports.

Philly Bierfest offers a range of ticket tiers currently: General Admission ($59 per person) grants entry to the 13th Annual celebration from  2 to 5 p.m., while the VIP Package ($79 per person) elevates the afternoon with one hour of Early VIP Access from 1 to 2 p.m., a 12-oz. Philly Bierfest branded keepsake mug, and an exclusive VIP Beer & Chocolate Pairing Experience.

Just launched for the ultimate superfans, the VIP Plus Preview Package ($114 per person) delivers an expanded, multi-date experience: VIP access to the main event on Feb. 28, plus an exclusive preview of the VIP Plus Beer Tasting Seminar on Saturday, Feb. 21 (4 to 5 p.m.), followed by the inaugural Bierfest Pre-Fest Happy Hour (5 to 7:30 p.m.). While there, guests will also receive a sneak peek at the Philly Bierfest 2026 keepsake event program.

To find out more information on Philly Bierfest at the German Society of Pennsylvania (611 Spring Garden St.), visit phillybierfest.org