It’s the season for beer festivals. Here’s where you can find German-themed, chili-starring and beard-celebrating sipping parties within the state.
Richmond Oktoberfest
Oct. 20-21, 6-11 p.m.
Musical performances, food (sausages, pork loin, roasted chicken, cabbage, potato pancakes, potato salad, sauerkraut, pretzels and pastries) and international and domestic beer will celebrate German Bavarian culture at this two-day event. Find music by Die Lustigen Almdudler, with an opening act featuring The Sauerkrauts. Activities include folk dancing by the Hirschjager Bavarian dancers and a men’s and women’s stein-hoisting contest. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $15 and in advance for $12.// Old Dominion Building: Richmond International Raceway, 600 E. Laburnum Ave., Richmond
Northern Virginia Fall Brewfest
Oct. 21-22, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Over 30 breweries from Delaware to North Carolina, including about a dozen from Northern Virginia, will bring their best fall, winter and holiday brews to this two-day festival presented by Mad Fox Brewing Company. Food items range from fried seafood and chicken to Greek gyros, Italian or Polish sausages, jerky and bacon on a stick. There will also be live music and arts and crafts for sale. Tickets for adults 21-plus are $35 (and include a 5-ounce sampling glass plus six beer sampling tickets) and tickets for 16-plus are $10. // Special Events Center at Bull Run Park: 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville
Participating NoVA breweries: Brew Republic Bierwerks, Caboose Brewing, Fair Winds Brewing, Farm Brewery at Broad Run, Heritage Brewing, Mad Fox Brewing Company, Mustang Sally Brewing, Old Bust Head Brewing, Old Ox Brewery, Ornery Beer, Port City Brewing
Chili Cook-Off and Brew Festival
Oct. 21, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
A $20 tasting ticket gives guests 10 beer tastings and (while supplies last) a miniature mug. Guests can sample and judge the chili cook-off from noon-3 p.m. while also enjoying a live performance by The Worx. Chairs, blankets and coolers (for food, not outside drink) are permitted. Individuals not drinking can purchase passes for $10. Youth admission costs $5. // Orange County Fairgrounds: 14500 Old Gordonsville Road, Orange
Participating NoVA breweries: Beer Hound
Beards & Brews Festival
Nov. 11, noon-6 p.m.
Grow your own or paint on a beard at this hairy-themed event. Awards will be given for the best real beard, the best fake beard and best bearded costume. There will be food trucks and music, though kid-friendly entertainment is limited. Beer tickets are $22, designated driver tickets are $10, and admission for kids over 12 is $5. // Riverfront Park: 713 Sophia St., Fredericksburg
Thanksgiving Craft Beer & Wine Festival
Nov. 25, 1-6 p.m.
This pet- and kid-friendly event includes live music, bratwursts, pretzels, wings and other food, plus competitions, contests, yard games and prizes. Over 50 area breweries and wineries will be present. Online tickets are $20, and tickets at the door will cost $30. // Tysons Biergarten|: 8346 Leesburg Pike, Tysons Corner
Participating NoVA breweries: Old Ox Brewery, Old Bust Head, Caboose Brewing
