October 3, 2023 2:43 am

Local News

Summer Ale Fest Returns to Philadelphia Zoo

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Parker Wallis 

Philadelphia Zoo recently announced the return of its annual Summer Ale Fest set for July 16th between 7 and 10 PM. 

“We are thrilled to bring back Philadelphia Zoo Summer Ale Festival, one of the Zoo’s most popular and exciting events of the year,” says Amy Shearer, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer for Philadelphia Zoo. “Summer Ale Fest is the perfect occasion for the 21+ crowd to spend a beautiful evening outdoors, enjoying a delicious craft brew and food, listening to music, seeing animals and making lifelong memories!”

The event offers a vast array of refreshments, including ciders, hard seltzers, canned cocktails, and over 100 craft beers from 65 local, regional, and national breweries. Guests will have the chance to sample a swath of food selections from over a dozen food trucks, including Mediterranean fare from Byz. Empire, Caribbean and Latin cuisine from Calle Del Sabor, slow-cooked BBQ from Deke’s Food Truck, Italian food from The Little Sicilian, and many more. 

Summer Ale Fest proves to be fun for the whole family, giving guests general admission access to the zoo and its collection of over 1,700 animals, many of which are rare and endangered. Park goers can explore the wildlife with Zoo360, a first-in-the-world system of see-through trails that passes through the animals’ habitats, and get up close to majestic species, like western lowland gorillas, giraffes, hippos, zebras, red pandas, and Amur tigers. 

The event is more than a celebration with alcohol, food, and live music. It also serves as a fundraiser for Philadelphia Zoo, one of the region’s foremost conservation organizations, and helps the zoo maintain its mission of creating joyful discovery and inspiring action for animals and habitats.

Tickets are available now, starting at $65 for beer samplers, who will receive a souvenir tasting cup, general access to the zoo, and unlimited beer tasting. Early Access Tickets are also on sale for $85, granting guests entry to the zoo at 6 PM in addition to general admission. Non-drinkers can purchase tickets at $35 and will receive a complimentary bottle of water. All guests must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid ID for entry. 

Mark your calendars, and don’t miss this opportunity to socialize with friends, sample local food and drinks, and connect with the beauty of the natural world!