On the first Sunday in May, folks flock to Pottstown for one of the more unique Main Line events. The Sly Fox Bockfest & Goat Races brings people together to celebrate spring with beer, tasty food, live music, and — goats. 

This quirky and family-friendly annual racing event takes place on May 4, 2025. Main Line Parent spoke with Peter Giannopoulos, President of Brewery Operations at Sly Fox Brewing Co., to learn more about this zany event.

What Are the Sly Fox Pottstown Goat Races?

Tobago may be the goat racing capital of the world, but the Sly Fox Brewing Company Goat Races boast Bock beer and party polka. Rain or shine, 40–60 goats race in multiple heats, cheered on by the crowds. Each year, the brewery taps a new “Maibock” or spring Bock beer, named after the winning goat. 

“Bock beers are German-style beers that are slightly sweet with a higher alcohol content,” said Giannopoulos. “[The festival] is basically the Maibock release party.”

German influences are evident in the Bock-style beer and Gemütlichkeit (friendliness), as well as in the bratwurst and polka music. 

As for the inspiration for the goat races? That came from the beer.  “Bock loosely translates to billy goat in German,” said Peter. 

“Having 60 goats running around is inherently fun,” said Peter. “The goat races themselves are hilarious [and] highly entertaining. Parents talk about how their kids didn’t want to leave and want to come back every year. It’s a tradition for people.” 

When Are the Sly Fox Goat Races?

The goat races date changes each year, but visitors know to expect the race to occur on the first Sunday in May.

This and other Sly Fox Brewery events include the following dates:

Who Races Goats in the Annual Sly Fox Event?

At the Sly Fox Goat Races, goats race on a leash alongside their owner or handler. People enter their goat with the fastest runner they know. Usually, adults run with the goats, but sometimes teens or kids run in the goat races at Sly Fox. 

“Sometimes the goats that are entered are raced by kids, which is fun to watch,” said Peter. 

Each goat competitor and handler must register online in advance. If you happen to own a swift goat, consider entering it well before the May race date. Goat registration for 2025 closed on April 18. 

Hankering to handle a goat but don’t have one to race? The Steinmetz Family Farm invites runners to race one of their goats, but interested folks must sign up well in advance of the races.

Do You Need a Ticket to Watch Sly Fox Goat Races?

Adults 16 and older must purchase a ticket to enter the festivities; however, children under 16 are admitted free of charge. Ticket packages include different combinations of beer, food, event mugs, and merchandise. Young adults aged 16–20 should choose the ticket package without beer. 

“The ticketing system has helped us manage the experience,” said Peter. “We cap it to prevent it from getting too crowded.”

Once the event sells out, Sly Fox Brewery does not sell entry tickets at the gate.  

How Long Does the Goat Race at Sly Fox Last?

Goats race with their handlers in groups of four. Heats begin at 2 pm and run for 1.5 to two hours.

What Do You Wear to Sly Fox Goat Races?

Pack your rain gear because showers are frequent at this event on the first Sunday in May. Wet weather, however, doesn’t deter the Sly Fox Goat Race fans.

“Last year it rained for seven hours straight and we had 3,000 people,” said Peter.  

Rain gear aside, some festivalgoers sport traditional Bavarian and German festival outfits, such as lederhosen and dirndl dresses. Spirited attire adds to the fun and geniality of the event.  

What Should You Know About the Pottstown Goat Races?

With a race as unique as this, there are things racegoers should know before attending. It is an all-ages event — rain or shine.

Cash-only 

Bring cash to the goat races at Sly Fox Brewery grounds or use on-site ATMs to buy tickets.

“Tickets are the currency of the event,” said Peter. Each pre-purchased entry ticket includes at least two food, drink, or merchandise tickets. All other food, drink, and merchandise require Bockfest tickets, valued at $8 each, and can be purchased with cash. 

Kid-Friendly

What’s in it for the kids? Although the Bockfest is for adults, the Sly Fox Goat Races are a load of kid-friendly fun. Kids cheer on their favorite goats, get to greet them in between races, and pose for pics with the official goat mascot.

The festival also features face painting, t-shirts for kids, and favorite foods like pizza, kettle corn, and ice cream. 

Pet-Friendly

Bring the whole family, including the dog, but pets must stay on leashes at all times. Be sure to say hello to the gang of adoptable dogs at the Sly Fox Goat Races.

“If kids are into dogs, the SPCA will be there and they bring about 8 or 10 for adoption,” said Peter. “And they usually get adopted.”  

Rain-or-Shine

A rainy day doesn’t stop the goat races. The Sly Fox Goat Races must go on, whether rain or shine.

Grab galoshes and raincoats for the whole family and let the gemütlichkeit flow. 

Food and Drink

Food vendors and trucks onsite serve up German bratwurst, pretzels, hummus wraps, cheesesteaks, and pizza. For sweets, indulge in Rosie’s Kettle Corn and Petrucci’s ice cream. Non-alcoholic drinks include water and soft drinks.  

Fill the souvenir glass mug with one of the brewery’s year-round beers or one of their German-style Bock beers. After the winning goat gets its medal, try the new Maibock. Souvenir mugs from previous Sly Fox Goat Races are welcome, too. 

Stein Hoist Competition

Think you can hold a liter mug of beer longer than anyone else? Get up on stage with the other competitors and see how long you can hold out. Watch the strength challenges on the Jumbotron — one contest for men and another contest for women.

Fun at the Pottstown Goat Races

Locals enjoy the Sly Fox Goat Races, a unique spring festival experience with beer, food, and hilarious goat racing competitions. Witness the crowning of this year’s champion goat and taste the special Maibock beer. Bring cash, your festive spirit, and possibly rain gear to fully enjoy this yearly Pottstown tradition.

Lead photo courtesy of Sly Fox Brewing Co.