Sly Fox Bock Fest and Goat Race's are held the first Sunday in May! Called "Philadelphia's best beer event," the festival draws in people who love to celebrate spring with great beer and of course, goats! Bock Fest and Goat Race all outdoor action features beer stations pouring fresh and authentic Bock varieties and Bavarian-inspired cuisine like bratwurst and pretzels along with Sly Fox festival favorites like pizza and cheesesteaks.
Since the first Bock Fest in 2000, the Emil Schanta Band has provided a soundtrack of traditional oompah music and 2022 will be no different. Also this year, New Jersey-based Bavarski will be kicking off their set immediately following the goat race with their fun, “new brand of polkas”.
As many as 66 goats will pre-register for the race, and winners from the multiple heats then face off against one another in a final championship race that’s as exciting as any moment in the world of sports. A sight to behold, the only rule is goats must cross the finish line before their handlers. To optimize race spectating, Sly Fox brings in a large Jumbotron complete with instant replays.
In addition to all the bragging rights and glory the winning goat’s handler will tap the ceremonial first cask of Maibock at the conclusion of the final race, and christen this year’s brew with the winning goat’s name, which will then be available at all six Sly Fox pubs throughout the month of May.
Those who plan to attend the event on the first Sunday in May are encouraged to not delay as tickets to the highly anticipated spectacle are being limited to around 2500 attendees in 2022.
