August is Virginia Craft Beer Month! It’s the perfect time to celebrate all of the award-winning beer throughout the Commonwealth. But, why limit yourself to just one month? We’ve put together a Top Ten list (in chronological order) of must-attend beer festivals to keep the party going well into early Fall.
11th Annual Neptune’s Coastal Craft Beer Festival
Saturday, August 15, 3-8pm
Coastal Virginia
Sip and savor the dog days of summer at the 11th Annual Neptune’s Coastal Craft Beer Festival at Neptune’s Park at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Enjoy 60+ beers, ciders, and seltzers from 30 breweries, live music by Bennett Walker Wales Band, food trucks, zero proof options, and more! Wear your best cowboy/girl boots and hats and step into the Seaside Saloon for a chance to win prizes.
For more information, visit www.neptunefestival.com.
Roar & Pour
Saturday, August 22, 4-8pm
Coastal Virginia
Are you ready for some football…umm…we mean craft beer! Monarch Nation, start dreaming of the start of football season and get ready to Roar & Pour at this second annual craft beer festival literally held on the field at S.B. Ballard Stadium at Old Dominion University on Saturday, August 22. Enjoy an evening sampling craft beer from Coastal Virginia breweries, live music, family-friendly activities, and all things ODU. Proceeds benefit the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation and the Coastal Virginia Brewery Alliance. Learn more at www.odusports.com.
Be Happy Beer Festival
Saturday & Sunday, August 22 & 23
Shenandoah Valley
BrewHaHa Brewing Company is hosting its 3rd Annual Be Happy Beer Festival August 22 & 23 in Elkton. The Festival is a tribute to owner Pete Ballou’s dad, Retired Major US Marine Corps, Frank William Ballou who said, “Love what you do, love what you are doing.” With that in mind, they invite you for a weekend filled with laughs, live music, local vendors, games, food, and craft beer from throughout the state. Learn more at www.brewhahabrewery.com.
Hampton Roads HoneyFest
Saturday, August 29, 3-9pm
Coastal Virginia
The Buzzzz is back! Celebrate all things honey at the 3rd Annual Hampton Roads HoneyFest on August 29 at St. George Brewing Company in Hampton. St. George along with Brew & Bottle bring together the region’s best breweries, meaderies, beekeepers, artisans, educators, and honey lovers for a fun-filled afternoon sampling an incredible selection of honey-inspired beers and meads. The Colonial Beekeepers Association will be on-site with local honey tastings and the popular 360° Observation Beehive. Plus, shop more than twenty-five local artisan craft vendors, enjoy live music and family-friendly games and activities, and learn all about beekeeping, honey production, and mead-making at workshops throughout the day. For more details, www.stgbeer.com.
Virginia Chili Blues & Brews
Friday & Saturday, September 11 & 12
Shenandoah Valley
Chili lovers, craft beer fans, and blues enthusiasts come together for a spectacular weekend in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains at the Virginia Chili Blues & Brews Festival September 11 & 12. The weekend kicks off on Friday, September 11 with blues performances at select venues around town. Then, on Saturday, over 3,000 attendees converge at Lumos Plaza in Downtown Waynesboro for hot chili, cool brews, and sizzling blues — all in support of arts education and community programming through the Wayne Theatre. Attendees will enjoy a wide selection of craft beers from local and regional breweries, food trucks, artisan vendors, and fun for all ages. All proceeds benefit the Wayne Theatre and its Studio Wayne Arts Education programs. For more information, go to www.virginiachili.com.
14th Annual 757 Battle of the Beers
Saturday, September 12, 1-6:30pm
Coastal Virginia
The 14th Annual 757 Battle of the Beers returns Saturday, September 12, to the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach. This event is Hampton Roads' longest-running and largest "locals-only" beer festival, with all proceeds benefitting local charities. Over 40 local breweries will battle it out for bragging rights – in three categories – Brewer’s Choice, People’s Choice, & Battle of the Brewers – all to raise money for their favorite charity! Attendees will enjoy live music from Wonderland, Optimistic Cynics (OCX), and Nate Sacks plus, food, games, vendors, and more! For more information, visit www.757battleofthebeers.com.
Rockbridge Beer and Wine Festival
Saturday, September 12, 12-6pm
Shenandoah Valley
There’s something for everyone at the Rockbridge Beer & Wine Festival, held at the Lime Kiln Theater in Lexington on September 12. Attendees can choose from craft beer, regional wine, cider, and ready to drink cocktails. Music abounds all day with Hatfield Music and Hollywood & Vine on the Main Stage and Gloria and Kenton, Rosebud Experience, and Dan Fox on the Wine Stage. Get your tickets today at www.rockbridgebeerandwine.com.
Lynchburg Beer, Wine, & Cider Festival
Saturday, September 19, 12-7pm
Central Virginia
Gather your friends for the 17th Annual Lynchburg Beer, Wine & Cider Festival held at the Lynchburg City Stadium on Saturday, September 19. Enjoy over 50 different options of craft beer, Virginia wine, ciders, and distilled spirits. Enjoy live music from Wild Honey, Hometown Line Dancing, and The Dundies and peruse an array of local artisans and food vendors. Learn more at www.omineproductions.com.
Orangetoberfest
Saturday September 26
Central Virginia
The 5th Annual Orangtoberfest takes over downtown Orange, VA on Saturday, September 26. This festival celebrates all of the award-winning craft beers from central Virginia breweries and cideries. David Hunter will get the music started followed by Nashville’s Dark Water’s Project. There will be food trucks and more – all to benefit local charities! Make Orange your destination on September 26 and mingle with others who enjoy the art of craft beer. Learn more at www.ironpipealewerks.com.
