The seventh annual Virginia Craft Brewers Fest has a new home, a new vibe and more brews than ever before. On Saturday, August 18 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., craft beer lovers will experience tastings poured by award-winning brew masters, food pairings and more from nearly 100 of the Commonwealth’s craft brewers and vendors. VIP access begins at 1:00 p.m.
This year’s Fest, held during Virginia Craft Beer Month, is hosted by Three Notch’d Brewing Company at their new Craft Kitchen & Brewery located at IX Art Park in Charlottesville, VA. Situated on 17 acres, IX Art Park is only four blocks from the Charlottesville Downtown Mall area and within walking distance to hotels. Three local bus transit routes serve the site, which is easily accessible and offers plenty of free parking.
“The Virginia Craft Brewers Fest is the largest independent Virginia-only craft beer festival in the Commonwealth and it has cultivated craft beer enthusiasts from across the Commonwealth, U.S. and Canada over the last seven years,” said Brett Vassey, president and CEO of the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild. “Fest is the centerpiece of Virginia Craft Beer Month where brewers and owners, not just volunteers, interact with enthusiasts and celebrate Virginia’s independent craft beer industry.”
General Admission Tasting packages are $50 in advance and $60 at the door and include a 4-ounce tasting glass. Visit www.vacraftbrewersfest.com to purchase tickets.
New this year, attendees can experience the Sours Garden for an additional $10. The Sours Garden will feature a limited collection of several Virginia sour-style beers from breweries including Väsen Brewing, Strangeways Brewing, Blue Mountain Brewery and more.
Food and craft beer pairing demonstrations are another exciting addition this year. Executive Chef Patrick Carroll from Three Notch’d and Honor Brewing’s BBQ pit master, Blair Meason will give Fest goers a “taste” of one of the hottest trends happening in craft beer. There will also be exclusive pairing demonstrations for VIP attendees.
The Fest features live music from three Virginia-based bands starting at 3:00 p.m. Headliner Three Sheets to the Wind is America’s #1 Yacht Rock band offering AM Gold tunes from the ‘70s and ‘80s. Fredericksburg’s Elby Brass team up for a set of horn heavy, funky brass tunes. The opener, Saw Black and his band will showcase a distinctive Americana sound featuring songs from their recently released Water Tower album.
Several food vendors – including Capt’n Crabby, Blue Ridge Kettle Corn, Mexican Tacos, Blue Grass Creamery, 106 Street Food, Honor BBQ and more – will be on-site serving delicious specialties. The Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery will be open during the festival and serving food as well.
You can follow Virginia Craft Brewers Fest on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to learn more, and join the conversation with the hashtag #VCBF18.
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