The craft beer industry has been booming in the past decade. With more and more breweries popping up all over the country.
However, according to the Brewers Association, Virginia has been no exception, with the number of microbreweries increasing by almost 600% since 2011.
With so many breweries in the state, it’s no surprise that there are just as many beer festivals. Look at this list of beer festivals in Virginia you don’t want to miss.
1. Martinsville Brewers Festival
The Martinsville Brewers Festival is a one-day event that takes place in the month of May every year. The festival features 30 local and regional breweries, live music, and food trucks.
History of the Martinsville brewer festival: The Martinsville Brewers Festival started in 2013. Also, with just two people who wanted to create an event for their friends and the community. A lot has changed since then.
But the founders’ goal remains the same – provide a quality craft beer experience for attendees by featuring talented brewers. Last year’s event was sold out! We recommend ordering your tickets now before they sell out again!
2. Hampton Roads Beer Fest
The Hampton Roads Beer Fest is one of Virginia’s biggest and best beer festivals. With over 100 different breweries represented, plenty of new and exciting beers will be available.
And if you’re not a big fan of beer, don’t worry – wine and cider will also be available. So mark your calendars and get ready for a great time! This festival takes place on the 17th of the month of September.
The history of this festival goes thus: After the 2016 event sold out. The event organizers decided to expand the festival grounds with an additional pavilion tent and more seating inside.
Moreso, to make room for these additions, they moved some food vendors outside near where attendees line up to enter the festival.
Also, they added an extra hour to allow more tasting opportunities. All of these changes should make this year’s fest better than ever!
3. Virginia Craft Brewers Fest
The Virginia Craft Brewers Fest is one of Virginia’s largest and most popular beer festivals. It is taking place on October 2 this year.
This year’s fest will feature over 60 breweries, live music, food trucks, and more. If you’re a fan of craft beer festivals in Virginia, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
History of Virginia craft brewer fest – In 2005, four friends created a plan for an annual festival. That would celebrate all things craft beer: good company, great beer, and fun times. They realized they couldn’t do it alone as they began to make their plans.
Nevertheless, they needed other passionate people who shared their love for local brews. They took what was once just an idea scribbled on paper and turned it into a reality. The world’s first-ever Virginia Craft Brewers Fest was born!
4. Roanoke Chowdown
The Roanoke Chowdown is a food and drink festival that takes place every year ,mostly in June 25th from 12pm-6pm at Elmwood Park Roanoke, Virginia.
Food trucks and vendors sell various food items during the festival. There will also be live music and entertainment throughout the day.
The history of roanoke chowdown started with a couple of buddies. Wanting to create an event that showcased Roanoke’s unique sense of community pride.
The pair found the perfect name when they came across chow down while searching through Facebook statuses. From friends at college or home on break.
Therefore, their goal was always simple: to provide something fun. For people who lived here or visited Roanoke looking for something new and different. An experience where everyone could make new friends by exploring their city together!
5. Brewgaloo
Brewgaloo is a two-day outdoor beer festival held in Raleigh, North Carolina. The beer festivals in Virginia feature over 100 breweries, food trucks, and live music. Brewgaloo is held annually in April.
6. Williamsburg Craft Beer Festival
The Williamsburg Craft Beer Festival is one of Virginia’s most popular beer festivals. It’s held annually on the first Saturday in October and features over 50 breweries around the state.
However, two friends started the History of Williamsburg Craft Beer Festival. Who was looking for something fun to do with their spare time?
Also, they wanted an excuse to enjoy good food, drink great beers, and meet new people. That is while learning about craft beer culture. It started as a small affair with only 20 breweries attending.
But has since grown into one of the largest beer festivals in Virginia in the state. Last year there were about 3,000 attendees who got to sample brews from over 50 different breweries at this event. You can bet it’ll be just as big this year!
7. Beer Wine Spirits Blues & BBQ
This festival has it all—blues music, barbecue, and, of course, beer. It takes place in early September in the town of Front Royal. There will be over 30 breweries represented at the event so that you can try a bunch of new beers.
In addition to beer, there will also be wine and spirits available for purchase. The blues music lineup includes some local favorites as well as national acts.
And of course, no festival would be complete without barbecue! This will surely be a fun-filled weekend you won’t want to miss.
History of Beer Wine Spirits Blues & BBQ Beer Wine Spirits Blues & BBQ was established in 2011. It was just a three-day event with about 20 different breweries when it began. Over the years, attendance has grown exponentially, and the event spans four days (September 7th-10th).
Today, more than 150 brewers attend from across the country. Who bring with them an incredible variety of beers for attendees to sample.
Nevertheless, one of their most popular attractions is their Friday night concerts featuring nationally recognized artists. Like Roger Daltrey (of The Who), Boz Scaggs, and up-and-coming musicians from across the region.
Moreso, another great feature is their Saturday evening events, where attendees have access to live bands. At the same time, they enjoy craft cocktails and chef specials paired with premium wines from around the world.
8. Capital Ale House’s Coastal Craft Brew Fest
If you’re a fan of craft beer, then you won’t want to miss the Coastal Craft Brew Fest. At the Capital Ale House in Richmond. This festival features over 60 different breweries from across the state, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
Plus, live music and food trucks will be on hand to keep you entertained all day long. Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 19th. And get ready to sample some of the best craft beer festivals in Virginia have to offer.
History of Capital Ale House’s Coastal Craft Brew Fest: The Coastal Craft Brew Fest is celebrating its 11th anniversary.
That is this year, making it one of Virginia’s longest-running craft beer festivals. Anyone who hasn’t been can expect great drink deals and loads of samples to try.
Therefore, Tickets are $25 per person and include an event tasting glass with four beverage tickets attached, which can be redeemed for samples or full pours of any beers on tap throughout the festival.
There will also be giveaways and special tappings throughout the day that are only available during the event!
9. Rails & Ales Festival
The Rails & Ales Festival is a two-day Elkins, West Virginia event. This festival features over 30 craft breweries, live music, food trucks, and more. Plus, a train takes you from one end of the festival to another. Join them yearly on August to celebrate rails and ales festival.
History of Rails & Ales Festival: In 2007, as one of their annual community events. The Elkins Rotary Club wanted to start something new.
Moreso, they created the Rails & Ales Festival to bring together local craft breweries. And with quality live entertainment in an outdoor setting.
Nevertheless, they had set up shop on Main Street and Western Avenue for nine years. Before moving it out to Deerlick Creek Campground in 2016 due to construction on Main Street which limited available parking space.
Since its inception, the festival has grown so much that organizers expect around 5,000 people each year.
10. Great Beckley Beer Festival
The Great Beckley Beer Festival is one of Virginia’s largest and most popular beer festivals. The event features over 100 beers, live music, food trucks, and more. If you’re a craft beer fan, this is one event you won’t want to miss. It takes place mostly in September of every year.
History of the Great Beckley Beer Festival: The first Great Beckley Beer Festival was started in 2005 by Steve Biff Baker. Who wanted to share his love for home brewing with friends and family.
Over the years, he has been joined by several other sponsors who have helped organize and promote the event.
Today, proceeds from the festival go towards charities, including Habitat for Humanity of North Central West Virginia. American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Program in Raleigh County and others.
11. Shinnston Rollin’ Brews
This beer festival is all about local craft breweries. Held in Shinnston, West Virginia, the festival will feature over 20 breweries from around the state. This happens annually in the month of September.
Also, there will be live music and food trucks to keep you entertained. This is a great opportunity to try some new beers and support your local breweries.
The history of Shinnston Rollin’ Brews: It was started in 2017 by an employee at The Hub Pub & Brewery. The beer festivals in Virginia were created as a way to celebrate and support local breweries.
The event has grown every year and become one of the largest craft brewery events in North Central West Virginia.
12. Virginia Beach Beer Fest
The Richmond Craft Beer Festival is one of Virginia’s biggest and best beer festivals. With over 100 different breweries represented, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This is among the beer festival that takes place annually in the month of September.
Plus, the beer festivals in Virginia take place in one of the most beautiful cities in the state. If you’re a craft beer fan, this is one festival you don’t want to miss.
History of Virginia Beach Beer Fest The first time the Richmond Craft Beer Festival was held was in 2009. It was created by some of the same people responsible for successful Virginia events. Like Blues on Broad Street and Central VA Wine & Food Experience.
Unfortunately, it’s become an annual event with many patrons returning every year to sample from all of their favorite breweries.
You’ll have an opportunity to taste beers from across America and world-class beers from international breweries. Like Germany’s Weihenstephaner Brewing Company.
13. WV Cupcakes & Craft Beer
What’s better than beer and cupcakes? WV Cupcakes & Craft Beer offers over 50 different craft beers from West Virginia breweries and local food trucks. Also, they have live music and games. To attend this festival, look no further than the month of May.
History of WV Cupcakes & Craft Beer The founder, Lauren Bennett, saw a need for more specialty baked goods. Available at events that featured craft beer.
Moreso, She wanted an event that would be fun for adults. But not too serious or formal, so she came up with the idea for WV Cupcakes & Craft Beer! Proceeds go towards helping provide local schools with needed supplies.
14. Richmond Craft Beer Festival
The Richmond Craft Beer Festival is one of Virginia’s biggest and best beer festivals. With over 100 different breweries represented, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This also takes place annually in the month of September.
Plus, the beer festivals in Virginia take place in one of the most beautiful cities in the state. If you’re a craft beer fan, this is one festival you don’t want to miss.
History of Richmond Craft Beer Festival – Originally established in 2012 by four friends with backgrounds in marketing, advertising, and journalism. Richmond Craft Beer Festival – They brought together over 40 local breweries from around the country last year.
Moreso, Richmond Craft Beer Festival – Attendees had a chance to sample 50+ beers from various styles. Like American IPA, English Pale Ale, Belgian Witbier, and German Weissbier.
Richmond Craft Beer Festival – They also gave awards for Best Brewery, Best Lager, Best New Brewery, and more!
15. Oktoberfest in the Park
Looking for a traditional Oktoberfest celebration? Look no further than Oktoberfest in the Park in Fairfax, Virginia. This two-day event features live music, German food, and plenty of beer. It usually takes place between the month of September and October of every year.
Plus, there’s a stein-holding contest and a Wiener dog race. So it’s sure to be a good time for all. History of Oktoberfest in the Park: The first Oktoberfest was held in Munich. Germany on October 12th, 1810, when Crown Prince Ludwig I married Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.
Moreso, the festival became an annual tradition and has been celebrated. That is ever since, with people worldwide flocking to Munich every year for an incredible party. To celebrate their rich German heritage.
Also, the City of Fairfax decided to bring the tradition home by hosting their version of Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest in the Park – during its October festival weekend.
And the city turned its historic town center into an authentic German Biergarten with plenty of delicious Bavarian food. Traditional dancing and even a waltz competition!
16. Chili’n on the Elk
This festival takes place in Elkton, Virginia, on Saturday, April 25th. It features live music, over 40 chili recipes to sample, and plenty of beer. This is a great event for chili and beer lovers alike.
History of Chili’n on the Elk: The annual Chili’n on the Elk festival began in 2009. As a fundraiser for the school system’s athletic department.
But quickly became a popular event that brought together friends and families across Southwestern Virginia. Moreso, the organizers plan to continue doing it annually.
17. Corks & Kegs
If you’re a fan of craft beer, then you won’t want to miss the Corks & Kegs festival in Virginia Beach. This event features over 60 different breweries, all of which are local to Virginia. To attend this festival annually, watch the month of May and September.
Also, there will be live music and food trucks on hand so that you can make a day of it. Tickets are just $35, and the festival runs from noon until 5 pm.
Conclusion
The best way to enjoy Virginia’s beer scene is by attending festivals. At least one of the many beer festivals in Virginia that are held throughout the year. If you’re a beer lover, this is an opportunity for you.
