The Virginia Craft Brewers Fest

It’s not that I want Virginia’s official Craft Beer Month to come to an end before the calendar says it should. After all, such an event brings a certain amount of deserved attention to the various craft breweries currently operating within Virginia’s borders, not to mention the ones in planning and yet to open. But for the three years the state has had such a month, perhaps the most notable celebration of our in state breweries has been one that fittingly culminates it, the Virginia Craft Brewers Fest. Close to fifty of the state’s breweries will be represented by their beers at Saturday’s festival, held on the grounds at Devils Backbone’s “basecamp” brewpub in Nelson County. Breweries from such growing craft beer scenes such as the Norfolk and Virginia Beach areas as well as Richmond, Northern Virginia, and just about everywhere in between will be in attendance. So as both a flagship event for the state’s craft beer month as well as the best celebration that the month should inspire, you would be hard pressed to find a better party than this festival.

Breweries from literally around the corner, such as Devils Backbone, Wild Wolf, Blue Mountain, and Champion, will showcase their beer right next to several from Richmond, such as Triple Crosssing, Strangeways, and Hardywood Park. The Norfolk/Virginia Beach area will be represented by the likes of O’Connor, Smartmouth, and Back Bay, while breweries such as Mad Fox, Heritage, and Port City from the Northern Virginia area will be in attendance. The event kicks off at 2pm (1pm for VIP ticket holders) and runs until 7pm, and camping and RV options are available. According to the event website, VIP tickets will include a special tasting of beers from Adroit Theory, Champion, Brass Cannon, and Devils Backbone. Area food trucks will be on site as well.

With so many of our state’s craft beer in one place, such a festival is impossible to pass up for any craft beer fan, but especially if you’re curious about what Virginia’s breweries have to offer.

More information is available at the event website here.