Sly Fox Brewing Co.'s Bock Fest & Goat Race Announces an Improved Experience

Sly Fox Brewing Co. in Pottstown, Pennsylvania has announced changes to its Bock Fest and Goat Race. Full details are below.

Pottstown, PA -- On Sunday, May 1, 2022 the fields surrounding Sly Fox Brewing Company in Pottstown, PA will once again be filled with party people enjoying the brewery’s famous Bock Fest and Goat Race.

Called the “Philadelphia area’s best beer festival,” the Sly Fox favorite has been on hiatus for two years due to the pandemic. In 2020 the team pulled off a popular virtual festival, but 2022 will once again feature live action at the brewery.

“The safety of our customers and staff (and the goats) is our number one priority,” said brewery president Peter Giannopoulos. “We’re coming back, but we want to come back carefully.”

To that end, Sly Fox is ticketing the Bock Fest this year and offering limited quantities of value-packed ticket levels that guarantee attendees a good time. Guests will be able to choose their souvenir mug size when purchasing a ticket, or opt for the VIP package which includes a festival t-shirt, preferred parking and trackside seating. A very limited number of locally handmade ceramic mugs will be available as a VIP choice as well.  In addition, the brewery will offer a designated driver ticket option, and free entry tickets will be available for all children under the age of 16.

Tickets go on sale February 28 at noon.

“We want to limit overcrowding to provide the best experience possible for those who love this event,” continues Giannopoulos. “It’s a really fun, but complex day and still a dubious time to host massive crowds. We want to ensure the Bock Fest & Goat Race is sustainable for many years to come!"

Sly Fox Bock Fest and Goat Race's 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.

“We're bringing you a better Bock Fest experience this year, with smaller crowds, shorter lines and perfectly packaged ticket options with the same festive atmosphere,” adds Giannopoulos. “The unique combination of goats and beer at the brewery is something that will never get old!”

Find out more and get your tickets to the Sly Fox Bock Fest & Goat Race!

About Sly Fox Brewing Company

Since the inaugural brew in 1995, Sly Fox has been dedicated to brewing a wide variety of the highest quality beers. Its critically acclaimed year-round lineup and highly anticipated seasonals are available at the brewpubs in Phoenixville and Pottstown and Taphouses in Malvern, Pittsburgh, and Wyomissing as well as top restaurants and retailers in the mid-Atlantic. Sly Fox was the first craft brewery in the mid-Atlantic to implement a canning line and with it, earned the first-ever Great American Beer Festival (GABF) medal awarded to a canned craft beer. Sly Fox has earned many GABF medals since and is widely recognized among the region's best and most enduring independent craft breweries.