The Summer Ale Festival returns to the Philadelphia Zoo for Summer 2025, offering over 100 award-winning craft beers, seltzers and ciders. (Credit: Philadelphia Zoo)
The Philadelphia Zoo’s wildest night of the year is back on Saturday, July 19, combining craft beer, live music and animal encounters for an unforgettable adults-only evening.
The 2025 Summer Ale Festival is scheduled from 7 to 10 p.m., with early access beginning at 6 p.m. The popular after-hours event transforms the 42-acre zoo into a buzzing beer garden featuring more than 100 regional brews, hard teas, seltzers and ciders—all in support of wildlife conservation.
Guests aged 21 and over can roam zoo pathways with a souvenir-tasting glass in hand, sampling unlimited pours while visiting select animal exhibits. Local vendors will offer food for purchase, while live bands and DJs keep the crowd entertained throughout the night.
Select animal exhibits, including several big cat habitats and the great apes area, will be open to visitors during the Summer Ale Festival event. (Credit: Philadelphia Zoo)
Patrick McMaster, vice president of marketing and communications, said in a press release that the Summer Ale Festival is one of the “must-attend” events coming to Philadelphia this summer.
“This year, we’re really revving up the party atmosphere with a brand-new lineup of musical performances on Impala Stage,” McMaster said in the release. “Plus, we’ll have the best the region has to offer in local beverages and food, but most important of all, every ticket sale directly supports the care of the Zoo’s 1,900 animals.”
Headliners on the Impala Stage include Ridge Runners, Kind Hearted Strangers and Nik Greeley alongside the Operators. DJ Quigs and DJ Corey will also be performing in different areas across the Zoo.
The brewery lineup features returning favorites and newcomers alike, including Vault Brewing, Wild Air Brewing, Jersey Girl Brewing and Sea Isle Iced Tea. Food vendors such as Chickie’s & Pete’s, Mac Mart, Loaded Tots and Bacon on a Stick will be on-site.
From sweet treats to savry bites, nearly a dozen food vendors and trucks will be open for attendees during the event. (Credit: Philadelphia Zoo)
Tickets must be purchased in advance through philadelphiazoo.org and are expected to sell out. General admission starts at $65, with early entry and designated driver options available. Zoo members receive a $10 discount on all ticket types.
Summer Ale Fest is rain or shine, and all guests must present a valid ID at the gate. No children or infants will be admitted.
Proceeds benefit the Zoo’s mission to inspire action for animals and their habitats through conservation and education.
More information and tickets are available at philadelphiazoo.org.
