There are beer festivals, and then there\u2019s Philadelphia Zoo\u2019s Summer Ale Festival \u2014 a unique event in the sense that guests can raise a glass alongside snow leopards, tigers and Andean bears.<\/p>\n
Returning on Saturday, July 18, the annual summertime party transforms the Zoo\u2019s 42-acre venue<\/a> into an after-hours experience filled with craft beverages, live music and wildlife encounters.<\/p>\n This year\u2019s fest has plans to feature more than 100 beers, ciders, seltzers, meads, spirits, teas and non-alcoholic offerings from breweries and beverage makers across the country, with 13 new vendors joining the lineup in 2026. \u00a0<\/p>\n “For many of our guests, Summer Ale Festival has become a can’t-miss tradition with friends and family,” says Philadelphia Zoo Vice President of Marketing and Communications Patrick McMaster. “The party atmosphere around the Zoo is impeccable, with more than 100 unique and refreshing beverages to sample, plus the best food trucks in the region serving up top-quality dishes. We also have an awesome lineup of live music for everyone to enjoy.”<\/p>\n Guests can choose from several ticket options, all of which include admission to the Zoo. Early admission tickets ($75 to $99)\u00a0 feature access from 6 to 10 p.m., while general admission tickets, valid from 7 to 10 p.m., range from $65 to $85. Designated non-drinker tickets are available for $45 and allow entry alongside a guest’s party. New for 2026, groups of six or more can also take advantage of discounted tickets starting at $59 each. Early bird pricing is currently available for all ticket categories, but is expected to expire soon.<\/p>\n Overall, attendees will have the opportunity to sample beverages from dozens of breweries, cideries, distilleries and specialty drink makers. The early vendor lineup includes regional favorites like Yards, Evil Genius Beer Company, Warwick Farm Brewing and Stateside, along newcomers like Bald Birds Brewing Company, Ship Bottom Brewery, Good Boy Vodka, Ironbound Cider and NA Beer Club.<\/p>\n Beyond the drinks, the Summer Ale Festival also houses plenty of food and entertainment. More than a dozen food trucks will be stationed throughout the Zoo serving everything from barbecue and burritos to pasta, water ice and sweet treats. Guests can also listen to live music on the Impala Stage, where Echo Kid will kick off the evening, followed by Moonroof and headliners Nik Greeley and the Operators.<\/p>\n Visitors can additionally check out several of the Zoo’s newest attractions, including ZOOtopiaries<\/a>, Flamingo Cove, Carey Bear Country<\/a> and the recently opened Detours retail store.<\/p>\n The Summer Ale Festival is a rain-or-shine event. Complimentary parking will be available on-site, though the Zoo notes that there will be no complimentary shuttle service from 30th Street Station this year. All tasting taps will close at 9:30 p.m., 30 minutes before the event concludes. The best part? Proceeds from the annual fundraiser support Philadelphia Zoo’s conservation, education and animal care initiatives, helping advance its mission to inspire action for animals and habitats around the world.<\/p>\n To learn more info on the 2026 Philadelphia Zoo Summer Ale Festival, visit philadelphiazoo.org<\/a><\/p>\n