There are a ton of beer festivals coming up- whether you’re looking for something soon or in a few weeks, in Williamsburg or further away, kid-friendly or not, there is something for you! Here’s a quick overview, infographic-style (don’t laugh! it’s my first one!)
And finally, the brewery spiderweb! This tells you which breweries will be at which fest. The rings are the breweries and the spokes are the fests. The more dots per spoke, the more breweries are represented at that festival (again, forgive the high-school science fair-quality . . . learning graphics is hard!)
and now! the details, from soonest to latest:
Free for festival; $25 for beer fest
Stand-out quality:
The beer festival is a new add-on to this family-friendly neighborhood fair. They’ll have a decent representation of local breweries, but the real draw is all the “local”-ness- local vendors, local music, local artisans, and kids activities.
Sunday, April 26, 1-5pm
near the Williamsburg Public Library on the lawn across the street from the Williamsburg Community Building
General Admission 21 and older, $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Admission includes a complimentary 16-oz tasting glass.
VIP tickets for $50, includes access to VIP hour from noon to 1 p.m. including 3 small batch special release beers, free food for the hour and more!
Stand-out quality:
It’s soon, has a great selection of beers, and it’s all for charity, folks- proceeds benefit local non-profits.
Saturday May 2, noon-6pm
Yorktown Riverfront
$25 in advance / $30 day of
Stand-out quality:
You can bring in coolers and blankets and lawnchairs! Also music, vendors . . . a thoroughly festive atmosphere and a pretty good beer selection.
Sunday May 3 1-5pm
Barksdale Field, adjacent to Phi Beta Kappa Hall on the campus of the College of William & Mary
$35 in advance / $40 day-of
$12 in advance for kids 5-12 / $15 day-of
kids under 5 free
Stand-out quality:
UNLIMITED beer and UNLIMITED FOOD!! This is the only festival where food is included. They’ve got a menu up on their Facebook page. Also, it will be kid-friendly. Participating breweries will be posted Monday.
May 3, noon-5pm
- $30 for Museum Members in Advance
- $35 for General Admission in Advance
- $45 Day of the Event for everyone
- $15 for Non-Drinker
Your ticket includes 20 four-ounce craft beer tastings, a souvenir tasting glass and day’s admission to tour The Mariners’ Museum!
Stand-out quality:
This is the beer connoisseur’s beer festival. Not only will they have a great selection, brewery representatives will be on-site to answer questions and offer several “Beer Talks” throughout the event. Also, you can vote for your favorite unfiltered ale in the Brewery “Cask-Off” competition.
Virginia Beer Festival
May 15-16, 2-6pm each day
$15 to get in the door, no tasting privileges
Saturday – $30 in advance, $35 at the gate (Cash sales only at the gate)
Sunday – $25 in advance, $30 at the gate (Cash sales only at the gate)
Stand-out quality:
This is the big one, folks. I counted over 90 breweries and over 125 beers from around the world. They’ve got the macros and the micros. From California to Virginia and beyond. If you’re willing to cross the water and you want to taste a BUNCH of different beer, grab a book (to write down notes on all those beers, as you’ll never remember them all), a designated driver, and go for it. (But honestly . . . who can drink 125 beers??)
A note for my gluten-free friends- THIS is the festival for you as they have by far the greatest selection of ciders 🙂
June 20, 1:30-5pm
$15, $25 for VIP access; both prices go up $5 May 1
Stand-out quality:
Best value! Very, very nice selection of beers (it’s not listed on their Facebook page, but they listed them out for me and that’s what’s marked on the spiderweb above). This one has everything- beer, vendors, shopping, music, and kids activities!
Hope you enjoyed this round-up! Post your pics from the festivals on the WHW Facebook Page and let everybody know how it is!
