BOCK FEST FAQs
General Info
When does Bock Fest begin?
Bock Fest begins at 11:00am and winds down at 6:00pm.
Wait…is there really a Goat Race?
Yes! 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.
Do I need an admission ticket for Bock Fest?
Yes, you need to purchase a ticket to gain admission to the event. You will find ticket package pricing and information in the link above. We will have a secure perimeter around the property with an entrance gate. Don’t wait to purchase your tickets! We have sold out each of the last two years and will sell out again. Once the event is sold out, we will NOT be selling tickets at the gate.
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Is Bock Fest rain or shine?
Yes, we’ve hosted several goat races in the rain and rest assured, they are an absolute blast! Just be prepared and bring your rain boots and some water-resistant clothing and all of the gemütlichkeit will have you singing in the rain. The goats must race on!
We cannot issue any refunds prior to the event. If the event is cancelled entirely, then refunds will be issued to those who have purchased tickets.
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Can we set up our own tent?
We do not allow guests to set up their own tents on the Bock Fest grounds due to limited space and so that other guests’ views of the goat race track, jumbotron, and stage are not inhibited.
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Why is Bock Fest ticketed now? It was free for so many years.
To limit overcrowding and keep the event safe and under control.
To ensure that Sly Fox and our Bock Fest guests continue to be respectful of our community, neighbors, and their properties.
To maximize the amazing experience for all attendees of our signature event.
To ensure Sly Fox can host a sustainable Bock Fest & Goat Race for many years to come!
Is this event cash only?
ALL FOOD, BEVERAGE, AND MERCHANDISE MUST BE PURCHASED WITH BOCK FEST TICKETS. Tickets are valued at $8 each and will be sold from ticket booths. TICKET BOOTHS ARE CASH ONLY, but we do have ATMs on site.
Oh fiddlesticks, I forgot to bring cash!
No worries, there are ATMs on site in the Tastin’ Room and in the parking lot.
Can I bring a previous year’s mug and get it filled?
Yes, so long as that mug is from a prior Sly Fox Bock Fest & Goat Race in either one-liter or half-liter size.
Does Bock Fest benefit any charities?
Yes! Portions of the day’s proceeds benefit both Pottstown PAL and the Brandywine Valley SPCA.
Is there an event map for Bock Fest?
You bet there is:
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Parking and Transportation
Where can I park my car?
Acquiring a parking spot near the brewery can be challenging during Bock Fest so arrive early and give yourself plenty of time. There is a big field lot at the entrance to our complex. If you do utilize a parking spot around Circle of Progress Drive, please be conscious of all parking signage; illegally parked cars are subject to towing at the vehicle owner’s expense. Our neighbors are super generous. Please do not park on their beautiful, green grass! We also encourage ride-sharing and carpooling. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY!
I am a goat handler. Where can I park my goat trailer and gear during Bock Fest?
We will have reserved parking for goat handlers behind the brewery and in the neighboring lot on the opposite side of our property. Please make sure you have your official parking pass with you when you arrive. Also note, only two people per goat will be allowed in the Goat Handler Area.
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Lodging
We’d like to be safe and stay the night in Pottstown. What hotels are near the brewery?
Thanks for drinking responsibly! Here are some super-closeby, local accommodations:
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Fairfield Inn by Marriott
99 Robinson St., Pottstown, PA 1946
Quality Inn Pottstown
61 W King St., Pottstown, PA 19464
Days Inn Pottstown
1600 Industrial Hwy., Pottstown, PA 19464​
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Activities
How do I register my goat in the races?
Follow the directions to register your goat at the top of this page. Registration is $35 per goat and includes an official Bock Fest shirt, mug, and food/drink tickets. Don’t delay – registration closes Friday, April 19th, at midnight! Please note that you must have a real goat in order to register for the races, and the goat must comply with all health requirements. No sheep, dogs, or humans dressed as goats nor goats not meeting the health requirements are permitted to compete in the races. This is a race for healthy goats that are owned and handled by people that love them.
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Are children welcome at Bock Fest?
Of course! 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!
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Can we bring our family dog, cat, iguana, chinchilla?
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.
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Will there be tours of the brewery during Bock Fest?
Sorry, brewery tours are not available to the public at this time.
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Can I purchase sweet Bock Fest and other Sly Fox apparel at the event?
Absolutely! We will have the merchandise tent up and running all day. Merch can only be purchased with physical Bock Fest tickets. Our VIP packages include Bock Fest t-shirts and mugs in the package. You can also purchase Sly Fox swag on our website.
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Food and Beverage
What are the food and beverage selections for the day? Will there be food that my kids will like?
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).
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Will the Sly Fox Tastin’ Room be open for Bock Fest?
Yes, but only for beer purchases at the bar. The Tastin’ Room’s delicious pizza will be sold at a stand outside.
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Can I bring my own food/beverage?
Sly Fox asks that you refrain from bringing all outside food and beverages to Bock Fest. Please be courteous of our request so that everyone can enjoy the day of fun with exciting goat race action, great food, and the best beer in town!
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What about my dietary restrictions?
We will work with you to help accommodate any dietary restrictions you may have.
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Vegetarian or Vegan- we’re offering cheese pizza, hummus wraps, and vegan bratwurst at the food stand.
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Gluten-free- alcoholic beverage-wise, we’ll be offering wine and cider inside at the Tastin’ Room’s bar. At the food stand, we can offer, by request, any of our sandwich or wrap items without the bun or flour tortilla.
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Dairy-free- with the exception of the cheesesteak, none of our sandwich options have cheese or dairy on them.
