Sly Fox Bock Fest & Goat Race - Sly Fox Brewing Co. Pottstown, Pennsylvania

Delicious food and German oompah music will complement our bock beer-loaded lineup on the first Sunday in May!

The Sly Fox team of brewers produce a mouthwatering lineup of bock beers including Instigator Doppelbock, Rye-zenbock, and of course our amazing Maibock. The day marks the release of the Maibock which is tapped immediately after the Goat Race and named in honor of the winning goat.

A wide open, grassy field neighboring the 30,000 square-foot brewery is the annual site for the running of the ruminants and festival fun. Live German Oompah music plays from a stage and there is even coverage of the Goat Races on a jumbotron. Afterwards, some of the goats and their owners mingle with the crowd, delighting the many children in attendance with their families. It's an amazing day at the brewery!

THE DETAILS- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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. And to honor the hard work and sacrifice of the Goat Race champion, the name of 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 a ticket to enter this year. Please see ticket package pricing and link to purchase tickets above.

Why is Bock Fest ticketed this year?

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 $7 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?

Unfortunately, we are not able to fill previous years' mugs.

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:

PARKING / TRANSPORTATION

Where can I park my car?

Acquiring a parking spot near the brewery can be challenging during Bock Fest so arrive early and spend the day. There is a big field lot at 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 owner’s expense. Our neighbors are super generous. Please do not park on their beautiful green grass! We also encourage ride sharing and carpooling.

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.

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:

Motel 6
78 Robinson St., Pottstown, PA 19464

Fairfield Inn by Marriot
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

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 $75 per goat and includes an official Bock Fest 2022 shirt, mug, and food/drink tickets. Don't delay – registration closes Friday, April 15th, 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. Humans dressed as goats and goats not meeting the health requirements are not permitted to compete in the races.

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!

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.

Will there be tours of the brewery during Bock Fest?

Sorry, tours will not be available during Bock Fest. Come back and visit us on another weekend and we will gladly show you around!

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. You can also purchase Sly Fox swag on our website.

FOOD / 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.

There will be an assortment of beverages including water, soft drinks and (of course) beers.

We will be pouring all of our year-round favorites plus our Ryezenbock and Instigator Doppelbock. Maibock will be tapped after the winner of the goat race is announced.
*We will be checking IDs and hand stamping individuals over the age of 21.

Sly Fox will be serving up German brats, pretzels, hummus wraps, cheesesteaks, and pizza all made with love. There will likely be a dessert truck, as well.

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.

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!

LAST YEAR'S GOAT RACE CONTENDERS

Eustace

Breed: Nigerian Dwarf
Weight: 58 lbs
Age: 1 year 2 mo as of 5/1/22
Favorite Food:
Banana
Known for:
Hogging the hay feeder
Super Power:
Can squeeze through any opening!

Goat Race Rookie

Muriel

Breed: Nigerian Dwarf
Weight: 51 lbs
Age: 1 year 2 mo as of 5/1/22
Favorite Food:
Blueberries
Known for:
Her loud mouth!
Super Power:
Untying shoes

Goat Race Rookie

Bumper The Humper

Breed: Nigerian Dwarf
Weight: 150
Age: 3
Favorite Food:
Sweet Grain
Known for:
Showing the doe's a good time.
Super Power:
two legged head butts

Goat Race Rookie

Mrs. Betty

Breed: Alpine Goat
Weight: 165
Age: 7
Favorite Food:
Cabbage
Known for:
Petty Theft
Super Power:
Finding the hidden grain

Goat Race Rookie

LUNA

Breed: Unknown
Weight: 75
Age: 4
Favorite Food:
Cookies
Known for:
Eating everything you don’t want her to
Super Power:
Ignoring you

Goat Race Rookie

Ms. Moogoo

Breed: Unknown
Weight: 85
Age: 4
Favorite Food:
Graham crackers
Known for:
Knocking over everything
Super Power:
Irritating you

Goat Race Rookie

Elvis

Breed: pygmy
Weight: 70lbs
Age: 7
Favorite Food:
corn chips
Known for:
dagger horns
Super Power:
He's the King!

Goat Race Rookie

Arwen

Breed: dwarf/pygmy
Weight: 38 lbs
Age: 5
Favorite Food:
clementine peels
Known for:
snuggles
Super Power:
survived a dog attack

Goat Race Rookie

Holmes

Breed: dwarf
Weight: 22lbs
Age: 1
Favorite Food:
sweet feed
Known for:
best friend to a 37y/o donkey
Super Power:
cuteness overload

Goat Race Rookie

Tosh

Breed: Lamancha
Weight: 200lbs
Age: 8yo
Favorite Food:
He is a mood eater..he like strawberries today
Known for:
Eating any and all paper and paper products!!
Super Power:
Can make a patch of poison ivy disappear in minutes!!

Goat Race Rookie

Marley

Breed: Alpine
Weight: 200lbs
Age: 8yrs
Favorite Food:
Whatever Tosh is having
Known for:
Biggest pain on the ass in the world..but we love him
Super Power:
He does a disappearing act when the vet shows up..even if not seeing him..knows the truck!!..it’s kind of funny..cause Marley is BIG!!!

Goat Race Rookie

Latte

Breed: Lamancha/Nubian
Weight: 60lbs
Age: 1.5 years
Favorite Food:
Everything… yes that too
Known for:
Being locked in feed bin by her sister.
Super Power:
Teleportation… somehow always appearing where she shouldn’t be with no visible clue as to how she got there

Goat Race Rookie

Mocha

Breed: Lamancha/Nubian
Weight: 60lbs
Age: 1.5 yrs
Favorite Food:
IPAs
Known for:
The two legged tango
Super Power:
Flying… or falling with style

Goat Race Rookie

Oliver

Breed: Pygmy
Weight: 65
Age: 3
Favorite Food:
Apples
Known for:
His Speed!
Super Power:
Squeezing through holes 1/10 his size!

Goat Race Rookie

S'More

Breed: Nigerian Dwarf
Weight: 45 lbs
Age: 1 year 1 month as of May 1st
Favorite Food:
Saltines
Known for:
Letting the entire neighborhood know someone came home
Super Power:
Making people give her S'more attention

Goat Race Rookie

Kenny

Breed: Nigerian dwarf
Weight: 85
Age: 3
Favorite Food:
Carrots
Known for:
Escaping
Super Power:
Escaping any enclosure

Goat Race Rookie

Dewey

Breed: Nubian
Weight: 15o
Age: 2
Favorite Food:
Carrots
Known for:
Goat rodeo rides with our twin daughters.
Super Power:
Eating an entire garden in under 30 seconds.

Goat Race Rookie

Bo Duke

Breed: Nigerian Dwarf
Weight: 75
Age: 6
Favorite Food:
Anything
Known for:
Headbutting his brother Henry
Super Power:
Destroying any and all structures

Goat Race Rookie

Princess Jenny

Breed: Pygmy
Weight: 85
Age: 6
Favorite Food:
Childrens Tears
Known for:
2 Time Bock Fest Champ
Super Power:
Ages like J Lo

Goat Race Rookie

Smokey

Breed: Kiko
Weight: 165
Age: 3
Favorite Food:
Animal Crackers
Known for:
Taking long strolls around the farm with his favorite humans off leash
Super Power:
Can pull hay down from the highest places.

Goat Race Rookie

Alby

Breed: Nigerian Dwarf Cross
Weight: 50#
Age: 4 years
Favorite Food:
Cardboard boxes
Known for:
Not listening
Super Power:
Being where you want to be

Goat Race Rookie

Godiva

Breed: Nigerian Dwarf Cross
Weight: 50#
Age: 3 years
Favorite Food:
Anything she shouldn’t have
Known for:
Getting in trouble
Super Power:
Cuteness

Goat Race Rookie

Sebastian

Breed: Nubian
Weight: 100#
Age: 4
Favorite Food:
Sweet feed
Known for:
Being overly helpful
Super Power:
Not actually helping

Goat Race Rookie

Charlie

Breed: Nubian/Nigerian Dwarf
Weight: 50
Age: 1 year
Favorite Food:
Goldfish
Known for:
Being the favorite
Super Power:
Getting extra treats

Goat Race Rookie

Gracie

Breed: Nubian cross
Weight: 50
Age: 14 months
Favorite Food:
Kale
Known for:
Going on hikes
Super Power:
Mesmerizing eyes

Goat Race Rookie

Fran

Breed: Nigerian
Weight: 45
Age: 1.5
Favorite Food:
Animal Crackers
Known for:
Push his twin brother (Fin) around
Super Power:
Super Twins Power

Goat Race Rookie

Fran

Breed: Nigerian Dwarf
Weight: 45
Age: 1.5
Favorite Food:
Animal Crackers
Known for:
Sparring with his twin brother (Fin)
Super Power:
Super Twin Powers

Goat Race Rookie