Virginia Best Food and Drink Festivals

Beer Festivals: Cheers to Craft Beer

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There are over 200 craft breweries in Virginia producing more than 460,000 barrels of beer annually. With these great Brewmasters, scattered throughout the state, what better way to enjoy the fruits of their labors then sampling these craft beers at the best festivals in the state.

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Bier Fest Busch Gardens: August

 

The annual fall festival at Busch Gardens Williamsburg transforms Das Festhaus and surrounding German-themed areas into a celebration of craft beer and authentic cuisine. Bier Fest features over 35 local and international breweries offering more than 100 different craft beers, including exclusive releases from Virginia favorites like O'Connor Brewing and Devils Backbone. Visitors can sample traditional German dishes like bratwurst, schnitzel, and fresh-baked pretzels, alongside modern pub fare from food stalls scattered throughout the festival grounds.

 

Live entertainment includes performances by regional bands playing German folk music and contemporary hits on multiple stages, with the main acts hosted inside the spacious Das Festhaus venue. The festival typically draws around 50,000 attendees over its run, making it one of the park's most popular seasonal events. Special features include beer-making demonstrations, meet-and-greets with local brewmasters, and commemorative steins available for purchase, while guests can also enjoy all of the park's world-class roller coasters and attractions during their visit.

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Jam Packed Craft Beer & Music Festival: August

 

The Richmond riverfront will come alive with craft beer enthusiasts sampling over 30 local and regional breweries while enjoying live music performances throughout the day. The Jam Packed Craft Beer & Music Festival, hosted at Brown's Island, expects to draw more than 3,000 attendees to the outdoor venue overlooking the James River. Featured breweries include Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Triple Crossing Brewing Company, The Veil Brewing Co., and Final Gravity Brewing Co., each offering multiple varieties of their signature craft beers.

 

Local food trucks and vendors will serve up a diverse menu including wood-fired pizzas from Maggiano's Mobile, gourmet tacos from Soul Taco, and artisanal ice cream from Gelati Celesti. The festival showcases regional musical talents across two stages, with headliners including Richmond's own No BS! Brass Band and The Congress. Special features include a dedicated cider garden, lawn games area, local artisan market with handmade goods, and a VIP tasting area offering exclusive beer selections and covered seating.​

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Spirits Festivals: Raising Spirits High​

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Smithfield Bacon & Bourbon Music Festival: October

 

A highly anticipated annual celebration of Southern cuisine and spirits takes place in historic Smithfield, Virginia, gathering thousands at the Windsor Castle Park. The Smithfield Bacon & Bourbon Music Festival welcomes over 30 food vendors, including notable local favorites like Wharf Hill Brewing Company and Q Daddy's BBQ. Over 25 bourbon distilleries offer tastings and specialty cocktails, with standouts like Buffalo Trace, Maker's Mark, and Virginia's own A. Smith Bowman showcasing their finest selections. Live bluegrass and country performances feature regional bands including The Original Rhondels and Celeste Kellogg, creating an intimate atmosphere for the 5,000 attendees who gather at the riverside venue.

 

Festival guests enjoy unique bacon-inspired dishes from bacon-wrapped shrimp to maple bacon ice cream, while expert-led bourbon seminars provide education on distilling processes and tasting techniques. The festival highlights include a bacon-eating contest, hands-on cooking demonstrations from local chefs, and a dedicated artisan marketplace featuring Virginia-made products.

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Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival: July

 

Thousands of beer and bourbon enthusiasts gather to celebrate craft beverages and Southern cuisine at the Richmond Raceway Complex. The Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival features unlimited sampling of over 60 beers and 40 bourbons, with notable participants including Devils Backbone Brewing, Blue Mountain Brewery, and Buffalo Trace Distillery. Local pitmasters and restaurants, such as ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque and Deep Run Roadhouse, serve up hearty portions of pulled pork, brisket, and smoked chicken alongside traditional Southern sides. Live bluegrass music fills the air throughout the day, with performances by regional favorites The County Line Band and River City Band keeping the crowds of approximately 3,000 attendees entertained.

 

Each guest receives a souvenir sampling glass and has access to educational seminars led by master distillers and brew masters in the Bourbon Theater. The festival maintains a unique tradition of hosting a bacon eating contest and offering a designated "Shrine of Swine" area where whole hogs are smoked on-site by award-winning barbecue teams.

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Whether you're sipping wine along the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, sampling bourbon in Richmond, or enjoying a craft beer in historic Williamsburg, there's a festival to suit your tastes. So, mark your calendar and savor the flavors of Virginia's finest festivals.