Get Ready for a Roaring Good Time with Seasonal Beverages, Food, Brand-New Music Lineup and Animals!
Philadelphia, PA – Get ready to go wild at Philadelphia Zoo’s favorite summer bash! Summer Ale Festival is back on Saturday, July 18, 2026, with over 100 beers, ciders, seltzers, meads, teas, spirits and non-alcoholic options, including 13 new vendors. This fan-favorite event is the only place in the region where you can sip with snow leopards, toast near tigers and cheers with Andean bears! Performing live this year on the Impala Lawn Stage are Philly-based bands Nik Greeley and the Operators, Echo Kid and Moonroof. This year’s beverage lineup includes newcomers like Bald Birds Brewing Company, Ship Bottom Brewery, Good Boy Vodka, Ironbound Cider and NA Beer Club.
For tasty bites throughout the night, some of the region’s best local food trucks will be serving up specials to satisfy any appetite. This annual summer tradition will take over trhe Zoo’s 42-acre campus for the wildest festival of the season. Hours are from 6:00pm to 10:00pm for VIP admission, and 7:00pm to 10:00pm for general admission. All taps will close by 9:30pm. Summer Ale Fest is limited to those 21 or older with valid identification; no children, including infants, permitted. Tickets are available exclusively through the Zoo’s website and will not be available for purchase at the door. This is a rain or shine event.
“For many of our guests, Summer Ale Festival has become a can’t-miss tradition with friends and family,” said 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. 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.”
Tickets (includes admission to the Zoo):
* Early Admission (6-10pm; taps close at 9:30pm): $75-$99; early bird pricing expiring soon
* General Admission (7-10pm; taps close at 9:30pm): $65-$85; early bird pricing expiring soon
* Non-drinker (admitted with their party at either 6pm or 7pm): $45
* NEW FOR 2026, Group tickets of 6 or more: $59; early bird pricing expiring soon
Know before you go:
* No charge complimentary parking
* There will NOT be a complimentary shuttle from 30th Street Station this year; please plan accordingly.
* Early Admission and General Admission guests will receive one (1) souvenir tasting cup
* Non-drinker guests will not receive a tasting cup.
* This is a rain or shine event
* Taps close 30 minutes prior to event end at 9:30pm
* This is a 21+ event. No one under 21 will be admitted, including children and infants.
Summer Ale Fest serves as a fundraiser and supports Philadelphia Zoo in its mission to create joyful discovery and inspire action for animals and habitats.