Bock Fest and Goat Race

About the Event

The first Sunday in May is an incredibly special time at the brewery... the Sly Fox Bock Fest & Goat Race is held every year, rain or shine! Called "Philadelphia's best beer event," the Bock Fest & Goat Race draws massive crowds of people who love to celebrate the arrival of spring with brats, bocks, goats and gemütlichkeit!

The first heat begins at 2:00pm and the races generally run for an hour and a half. To honor the hard work and sacrifice of the Goat Race champion, our Maibock is named after the winning goat and ceremoniously tapped directly after the conclusion of the race. In years past, we’ve had between 40-60 registered goats. It’s intense. And delightfully weird.

Bock Fest has been a family-friendly event for over fifteen years. We will have the goat races (of course), oompah music, face painters, and an opportunity to meet the Bock Fest mascot Billy the Goat! Bock Fest is fun for all ages!

Pets are welcome but please know that everyone will want to take a photo of your pet iguana on a leash. We also ask that you consider your pet’s behavior around large groups/other animals and decide if it’s a good venue for them. Sly Fox will not be held responsible for their actions or picking up your pet’s doo-doo.

We will have plenty of options for food and beverages at Bock Fest. All items must be purchased with physical Bock Fest tickets. Sly Fox will be serving up German brats, pretzels, hummus wraps, cheesesteaks, and pizza all made with love. Rosie’s Kettle Corn and Petrucci’s Ice Cream will be in attendance. There will be an assortment of beverages including water, soft drinks, and (of course) beers.

We will be pouring a selection of our year-round favorite brews and featuring a fine selection of German-style Bock beers. The Maibock will only be tapped after the winner of the goat race is announced. At the entrance gate, we will be checking IDs and wristbanding individuals based on their age and ticket type purchased (GA, VIP, DD, Under 21).

Schedule:

-- 11am Bock Fest begins and Emil Schanta Band kicks off the day
-- 1:00pm Stein Hoist Competition
-- 2:00pm Goat Race ceremonial parade with Kermit "Dr. Squeezebox" Ohlinger
-- 2:30pm Goat Race begins!
-- 3:30pm Goat Race completes & ceremonial Maibock keg is tapped in honor of the winner
-- Also 3:30pm Alex Meixner Band takes the stage.
-- 4:00pm Lots of dancing
-- 5:00pm More dancing
-- 6:00pm Bock Fest 2024 ends. Auf wiedersehen!

All Food, Beverage, And Merchandise Must Be Purchased With Bock Fest Tickets. Tickets are valued at $7 each and will be sold from ticket booths. Ticket Booths Are Cash Only, but we do have ATMs on site.

Tickets.

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