Philly Zoo Summer Ale Fest Plus The Watering Hole Beer Garden

Once-a-year, the Philadelphia Zoo opens its gates after-hours for an adults-only celebration featuring local beer, live music and delicious food. Mike and I headed to the Zoo on July 16th, his birthday, and one of his favorite events in the Summer, The Philly Zoo Summer Ale Fest. A few pixs appeared on Metro Philly, but I wanted to give you more info and pixs here….

Although the zoo balloon was in all it’s glory, it’s not open at night. But it made for great photos

Every year the event sells out. So as soon as they mention tickets are on sale, usually in June, go get them.

Nearly 1,000 summer ale fans lined up to get their wrist bands and sample beer mug

This year they went with a much larger cup than the ones they’ve used in the past.

But if you must, bring your own pretzel necklace

I headed straight for the new Watering Hole – beer garden-. This year the Philly Zoo began selling beer through out the zoo, and created a beer garden for folks to hang out. It’s a great date place.

There’s food

A robust menu offers a variety of 10 craft and domestic beers including, Victory Summer Love Ale, Victory Prima Pils, Victory Headwaters Ale as well as New Belgium Flat Tire, River Horse Summer, New Belgium Snapshot, Stella, Goose Island IPA and Tröegs Sunshine Pils. For guests who prefer wine, Woodbridge Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Cabernet are also available.  Beverages are served in clear, eco-friendly cups with prices ranging from $6.00 to $8.00 inclusive of taxes. Refreshing drinks, delicious light fare and an enjoyable atmosphere make this “the” spot to be this summer.

and fun sculptures to take selfies on

There’s bathrooms too

The Watering Hole was designed in partnership with Groundswell Design Group, creators of some of the most popular beer gardens in Philadelphia.  Entrance to The Watering Hole is included in Zoo admission; hours of operation are Friday – Sunday from 11-4pm and holidays. For more information or to purchase Zoo tickets visit www.PhiladelphiaZoo.org.

and lots of picnic benches and tables

Back out to the festival

The first year they had food stations by restaurants, but now with the popularity of

food trucks, there’s a much more diverse food selection.

There were a lot of beverage tents, and

even with 1,000 people the lines moved quickly

All the zoo exhibits were open, which I never made it too or we’d have more photos. There were also several zoo keepers running around with fun games like Guess The Butt,

or another favorite, guess the dung

As darkness fell, I headed over to the Festival Tent where there was live music

and a whole lotta people partying

posing

and dancing

it was a good time. Really it was, we had a blast. Did I mention there was free parking at the zoo parking garage adjacent to the zoo for this event.

Mike and I love the Philly Zoo so much, we bought a family pass for the year. Even if we only use it a couple times, we’re glad to support the zoo. It’s more than just animals.