PHILADELPHIA, PA — Lions, tigers and more than 100 craft beverages will share the spotlight when Philadelphia Zoo turns its 42-acre campus over to adults for one of the region’s biggest end-of-summer celebrations.
Summer Ale Festival returns Saturday, Aug. 22, after an earlier date was postponed because of severe weather. The 21-and-older fundraiser will combine unlimited beverage sampling, food trucks, live music and access to select animal exhibits, with proceeds supporting the Zoo’s animal care and conservation mission.
Early Admission guests can enter at 6 p.m., followed by General Admission at 7 p.m. The festival continues until 10 p.m., with beverage service ending at 9:30 p.m.
“For many of our guests, Summer Ale Festival has become a can’t-miss tradition with friends and family,” said Patrick McMaster, Philadelphia Zoo’s vice president of marketing and communications. “Most important of all, every ticket sale directly supports the care of all the Zoo’s animals, including many that guests can meet while they’re here.”
More Than 100 Drinks to Sample
This year’s beverage lineup spans beer, cider, hard seltzer, mead, ready-to-drink cocktails, spirits, hard tea and nonalcoholic options, with 13 new vendors joining the event.
Participating producers include Evil Genius, Victory, Urban Village Brewing Company, Wissahickon Brewing, Chestnut Hill Brewing, La Cabra Brewing, Ship Bottom Brewery, Ironbound Cider, Revolution Bees Meadery, Warwick Farm Brewing, Double Nickel Brewing Co. and dozens more.
Nonalcoholic selections will also be available from vendors including Heineken 0.0, NA Beer Club and Naked Life.
Early Admission and General Admission guests will receive a souvenir tasting cup. Non-drinker tickets are available for guests who want to enjoy the food, music and Zoo experience without participating in alcohol sampling.
Philadelphia Bands Take Over Impala Lawn
Three Philadelphia-area acts will provide the soundtrack for the evening from the Impala Lawn Stage.
The music schedule includes:
- Echo Kid from 6 to 7 p.m.
- Moonroof from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m.
- Nik Greeley and the Operators from 8:30 to 9:45 p.m.
Between sets, guests can explore the Zoo grounds and visit select animal exhibits while moving among beverage stations and food trucks.
Food Trucks Bring Everything From BBQ to Arancini
Nearly a dozen food trucks are scheduled to serve food for purchase throughout the evening.
The lineup includes Babalouie BBQ with brisket, pulled pork, wings and ribs; Burrito Feliz Philly with tacos, burritos and bowls; The Little Sicilian with stuffed arancini; The Pasta Truck; Wok Works; Tubotots; Waffles Philly; Bacon on a Stick; Kelly’s Water Ice; and Kona Ice.
Event Details
- What: Philadelphia Zoo Summer Ale Festival
- When: Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026; Early Admission from 6 to 10 p.m.; General Admission from 7 to 10 p.m.; taps close at 9:30 p.m.
- Where: Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA. A full street address was not included in the event information provided.
- Cost/Tickets: Early Admission is $75-$99 and General Admission is $65-$85, with early-bird pricing expiring soon. Non-drinker admission is $45. New group tickets for parties of six or more are $59. Tickets are available exclusively in advance through the Zoo and will not be sold at the door.
- More Info: philadelphiazoo.org
Complimentary parking is included, but the complimentary shuttle from 30th Street Station offered in previous years will not operate this year. Guests should plan transportation accordingly.
The festival will take place rain or shine, and everyone entering must be at least 21 years old with valid identification. Children and infants will not be admitted.
For guests looking to close out summer with local music, food and drinks in an unusual setting, Summer Ale Festival offers something few beer festivals can match: the chance to raise a glass within sight of some of the Zoo’s most remarkable animals while helping support their care.
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