Philly Bierfest Returns Featuring 20+ Breweries Across 6 Floors With Roller Derby Arm Wrestling, Berlin-style Beerlesque, & More
Philly’s midwinter beer tradition returns on February 28, as the 13th Annual Philly Bierfest takes over the historic home of the German Society of Pennsylvania. The lager-forward festival will run from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM, with VIP Early Access beginning at 1:00 PM, transforming the Society’s headquarters at 611 Spring Garden Street into a multi-floor celebration of German brewing heritage, culture, and community.
Presented by the German Society of Pennsylvania in partnership with Philly Roller Derby, Philly Bierfest 2026 spans two beer-filled buildings and six floors of entertainment, making it one of the most immersive beer festivals in the region. Proceeds from the event benefit the German Society of Pennsylvania, Philly Roller Derby, and the Brewers of Pennsylvania, supporting cultural preservation, women’s sports, and independent brewing statewide.
Bierfest shines a spotlight on Pennsylvania’s leadership in German-style brewing. The Pennsylvania Beer Hall will feature 20+ local breweries pouring an expansive range of lagers and traditional styles, including pilsners, kölsches, dunkels, weizens, altbiers, maibocks, doppelbocks, schwarzbiers, rauchbiers, zwickels, zoigls, and goses. It’s a rare opportunity to explore just how diverse and expressive lager brewing can be—without ever leaving the Commonwealth.
Upstairs, the German Beer Hall invites guests to sample more than 20 imported beers from Germany and other German-speaking regions of Europe. Brewed according to the legendary Reinheitsgebot purity law—using only malt, hops, yeast, and water—these beers showcase centuries of craftsmanship and balance that continue to influence brewers around the world.
Philly Bierfest is far more than a tasting event. Across six themed floors, guests can enjoy roller-derby arm wrestling, Berlin-style Beerlesque (PG-13) performances, live Philbilly music from T.C. Cole and his crew, and oompah-funk from Polkadelphia. Traditional Bavarian Schuhplattler dancers bring old-world flair, while interactive games like Brauhaus Schmitz’s Beer-Jello Masskrugstemmen keep the energy high all afternoon. A winter biergarten, food vendors, and playful competitions round out the experience.
VIP ticket holders gain early entry at 1:00 PM and receive a commemorative keepsake mug. The VIP PLUS experience includes a guided tasting led by acclaimed drinks writer and Bierfest founder Marnie Old, offering deeper insight into the beers, styles, and stories behind this beloved festival.
