Philadelphia, PA, January 14, 2026
The 13th annual Philly Bierfest celebrates Pennsylvania’s brewing heritage at the German Society of Pennsylvania. Attendees can sample over 20 local breweries, enjoy live entertainment, and participate in fun contests, all while supporting community organizations. With a festive atmosphere and a variety of German-style fare, this event promises a unique experience for visitors of all ages. Be part of this vibrant celebration dedicated to craftsmanship and local culture.
Philly Bierfest 2026: A Celebration of Community and Craft Beer
Join the 13th Annual Philly Bierfest at the German Society of Pennsylvania to experience local brews, German culture, and community spirit!
Philadelphia, PA – Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 28, 2026. The 13th annual Philly Bierfest is poised to become a significant event for beer enthusiasts and community supporters alike, taking place at the historic German Society of Pennsylvania on Spring Garden Street. This festival not only showcases the rich brewing heritage of Pennsylvania but also highlights the power of civic involvement and local initiative in bringing people together for a shared experience of culture, camaraderie, and craft beer.
With reduced bureaucratic hurdles often allowing events like this to flourish, the Philly Bierfest stands as a testament to what individuals and local organizations can achieve when they unite and focus on promoting regional talent. This year, festival-goers can anticipate an impressive lineup of over 20 Pennsylvania breweries, each presenting a diverse selection of authentic German-style beers that adhere to the renowned Reinheitsgebot purity law.
Bringing the Community Together Through Craft Beer
The Philly Bierfest is about more than just beer; it’s a celebration of community roots and innovation. Attendees can sample a wide range of flavors—from crisp lagers and robust dunkels to spirited altbiers and rich bocks—each exemplifying the craftsmanship of local brewers. Interestingly, the event’s commitment to highlighting Pennsylvania breweries underscores the vibrant local economy, bringing attention to small businesses that often struggle to gain visibility amidst larger commercial competitors.
A Festive Atmosphere with Live Entertainment
The festival will encompass six floors of themed spaces and lively activities, fostering a spirited environment. Highlights include live performances by local musicians, who will entertain with a blend of traditional Bavarian tunes and contemporary flair. Guests will also be treated to the dynamic sounds of Polkadelphia, specializing in oompah-funk music that certainly sets the mood for celebration. Additionally, traditional Schuhplattler dancers will perform, providing a cultural showcase that enhances the festival experience.
Fun Contests and Activities for Everyone
Philly Bierfest isn’t shy of action, featuring beer-themed contests such as arm-wrestling and stein-holding—events designed to engage both participants and spectators. Philly Roller Derby athletes participating in these contests only add to the allure, making for a memorable experience that encourages friendly competition. Attendees are encouraged to don traditional German attire, contributing to an immersive cultural atmosphere.
Food and Beverage Offerings
To complement the wide variety of beers, festival-goers will enjoy delicious German-style fare available throughout the venue. From pretzels to sausages, the culinary offerings promise to delight and enhance the beverage options. The space will be organized into connected buildings, allowing attendees to explore various beer halls and indoor gathering areas while enjoying their meals and drinks.
Ticket Options: Supporting Local Causes
Tickets for the event are structured in three tiers, offering varying levels of access to suit different preferences. The “Beer Lover” ticket, priced at $59, provides access to the main event from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. For those looking for an enhanced experience, the VIP options at $79 and $99 come with additional perks, such as early entry and guided beer seminars. Importantly, proceeds from the festival will benefit the German Society of Pennsylvania, Philly Roller Derby, and the Brewers of Pennsylvania, reinforcing the community-driven spirit behind this event.
Conclusion: Celebrate Local Culture and Craftsmanship
The Philly Bierfest is an excellent opportunity for attendees to engage with Philadelphia’s vibrant community while enjoying the best of Pennsylvania’s brewing culture. By supporting local breweries and organizations, participants play an integral role in fostering economic growth and cultural exchange within the city. Be sure to visit the official Philly Bierfest website to purchase tickets and participate in a day dedicated to celebration, community, and craft beer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Philly Bierfest?
Philly Bierfest is an annual festival celebrating Pennsylvania’s German brewing heritage, featuring a variety of German-style beers, live entertainment, and traditional German fare.
When and where is the event taking place?
The 13th annual Philly Bierfest will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the German Society of Pennsylvania, located at 611 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123.
What types of beers will be available?
Over 20 Pennsylvania breweries will offer German-style beers, including lagers, pilsners, dunkels, kölsches, altbiers, weizens, bocks, doppelbocks, and rauchbiers. The German Beer Hall will feature imported beers brewed under Germany’s Reinheitsgebot purity law.
What entertainment is planned for the festival?
The festival will feature live music performances from T.C. Cole and his crew, Polkadelphia’s oompah-funk sound, and traditional Bavarian-style Schuhplattler dancers. Beer-themed contests such as arm-wrestling and stein-holding will also be held, with participation from Philly Roller Derby athletes.
What food options will be available?
German-style fare will be available throughout the venue, complementing the beer offerings and enhancing the cultural experience.
How can I purchase tickets?
Tickets are available in three tiers: Beer Lover ($59), VIP Beer Lover ($79), and VIP Plus Beer Lover ($99). Tickets can be purchased through the official Philly Bierfest website.
Who benefits from the proceeds of the event?
Proceeds from the event will support the German Society of Pennsylvania, Philly Roller Derby, and the Brewers of Pennsylvania.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Philly Bierfest 2026 |
| Date and Time | Saturday, February 28, 2026, 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (VIP early access at 1 p.m.) |
| Location | German Society of Pennsylvania, 611 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123 |
| Ticket Prices |
Beer Lover: $59 VIP Beer Lover: $79 VIP Plus Beer Lover: $99 |
| Ticket Inclusions |
Beer Lover: Access to the main event from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. VIP Beer Lover: Includes 1 p.m. early entry and a keepsake Bierfest mug. VIP Plus Beer Lover: Includes a guided beer seminar at noon led by drinks author and Bierfest founder Marnie Old, along with early entry and a keepsake mug. |
| Proceeds Benefit | German Society of Pennsylvania, Philly Roller Derby, and the Brewers of Pennsylvania |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
