Get your steins ready—Philly Bierfest is happening on February 22! This exciting event is recognized as one of the Top 10 Beer Festivals by USA Today.
Hosted by the German Society of Pennsylvania at 611 Spring Garden St., this year’s Bierfest will showcase nearly 100 different beers from Pennsylvania and Germany. That’s a lot to taste!
Bill Covaleski, president of Victory Brewing Company, shares that Pennsylvania brewers are leading the way in creating German-style beers. He believes this festival is a great way to celebrate Philadelphia’s rich beer culture. “Bierfest is a perfect showcase for what should be a point of pride for Philadelphia’s beer lovers,” he says.
At the festival, you can explore over 50 German-style beers crafted by 25 local breweries in the PA Beer Hall. The German Beer Hall and the Ayinger Speakeasy will offer more than three dozen beers imported from Germany. If you’re looking for non-alcoholic options, check out the new “NoLo Import Bar” featuring German zero-proof beers.
If you’re a VIP ticket holder, don’t miss the Bitburger BRÜ Balcony. Here, you can enjoy Bitburger Pilsner, German-inspired snacks, and comfy seating with a great view of the stage.
The stage will be alive with lively German-themed entertainment, including Berlin-Style Beerlesque and traditional folk dancing. If you’re hungry, make sure to stop by the PA Cheese Cave and PA Cider Bar to sample local cheeses and ciders.
Feeling adventurous? Try the Traditional Bavarian “Bierstacheln” experience, where they caramelize doppelbock beer with hot fire pokers. You can also join in fun activities like Roller Derby Arm-Wrestling, Beer-Jello Masskrugstemmen, and enjoy live music from TC Cole Riot. This year also adds a “Best Legs in Lederhosen” contest and axe throwing!
The festival will honor renowned beer and whiskey writer, Lew Bryson, with the 2025 German Beer Ambassador Award. He will host tasting seminars alongside Bierfest co-founder Marnie Old, focusing on the flavors of Pennsylvania and Germany.
More than two dozen craft and legacy brewers from Pennsylvania will showcase their creations, including popular names like Attic Brewing Co., Dock Street Brewing Co., and Iron Hill Brewery. You can also taste classic German beers from brands like Erdinger and HofBräu.
Bierfest encourages local home brewers to participate in the Home Sweet HomeBräu Taste-Off. The winner will have the chance to brew their recipe commercially with local brewers, a fantastic opportunity for any home brewer!
The festivities will take place from 2 to 5:30 p.m. across five floors of two historic buildings and the German Society’s beautiful garden. This beloved event also supports Philly Roller Derby and the Brewers of Pennsylvania, which advocates for a thriving beer industry in the state.
The German Society of Pennsylvania, established in 1764, is committed to promoting German-American heritage. The 12th Annual Philly Bierfest aligns perfectly with their mission.
Tickets are available online, priced between $59 and $99, with discounts for German Society members and special ‘Beer-Less’ tickets for designated drivers.
For more details on this fantastic beer celebration, visit phillybierfest.org.
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