This history of the Philadelphia region is full of beer, thanks in large part to the huge influx of German immigrants in the 1700s. German beer is on the rise in Philly again, and you can celebrate in sudsy style at the second annual Bierfest on Saturday, February 23.

Held at the German Society of Pennsylvania headquarters at Sixth and Spring Garden Streets, the festival features german-inspired beers from 18 local craft and legacy breweries, as well as a special German Import Lounge run by The Foodery.

The Philly Roller Girls — our city’s “most ferocious female athletes” — will be pouring your beer and hosting an arm wrestling challenge. Brauhaus Schmitz will provide New German snacks and also offer hot platters for sale. Live bluegrass music will play (is bluegrass German? Who cares), and Barry’s Home Brew will hold demonstrations on brewing.

The main event runs 1–5 PM, and tickets are $45 per person. If you’re smart (or want to get smarter about German beer), you’ll swing for the $60 all-inclusive ticket, which includes access to a VIP seminar at noon.

The panel will bring together Victory’s Bill Covaleski, Appalachian’s Artie Tafoya, author Lew Bryson and importer Lars Dahlhaus. Marnie Old will moderate a discussion titled “Lager Love and the Resurgence of Session Styles.” Tickets to the seminar only are also available for $30 per person.

The list of participating breweries is as follows:

Appalachian Brewing Co. (Harrisburg)
Boston Beer Co. (Breinigsville)
Lancaster Brewing Co. (Lancaster)
Lion Brewey (Wilkes-Barre)
Manayunk Brewing Co. (Philadelphia)
Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co. (Croydon)
Pennsylvania Brewing Co. (Pittsburgh)
Philadelphia Brewing Co. (Philadelphia)
Nodding Head Brewery (Philadelphia)
Round Guys Brewing Co. (Lansdale)
Sly Fox Brewing Co. (Phoenixville)
Stoudts Brewing Co. (Adamstown)
Straub Brewery (St. Mary’s)
Susquehanna Brewing Co. (Pittston)
Tröegs Brewing Co. (Harrisburg)
Victory Brewing Co. (Downingtown)
Yuengling & Sons Brewery (Pottsville)

Event Date: 02/23
Event Time: 1-5 PM
Location: The German Society of Pennsylvania
Price: $45 or $60 for VIP
Type: Beer,Food
Website: phillybierfest.com