Virginia Beach is home to toasty waves and even tastier beer. Adored by locals for years, folks who visit have started to make it part of their tradition, too, even taking part in the Virginia Beach Beer Trail. Our craft beer scene has evolved over the years, with very humble roots and few breweries, to now a full-fledged scene with something for every taste bud in mind.
Festivals are one of the best ways to sample our local beers. Something unique about Virginia Beach is that we don’t have a dedicated beer festival season, unless it’s Oktoberfest. We often pair up a beer festival with a food festival, an art festival, or something with all three together, because we know they will draw diverse crowds and bring our community together. Check out some of the fan-favorite festivals we think you’ll enjoy below.
10th Annual Coastal Craft Beer Festival
A can’t-miss end-of-summer bash for some, but also signals the beginning of the Neptune Festival season (a local favorite), is the 10th Annual Coastal Craft Beer Festival. Held in the heart of the resort district and just steps from the beach, beer lovers will be treated to over 60 beers from over 30 breweries, plus a corral of food trucks and live music. The ambiance of the resort district will allure potential festival goers with ample parking and lots of great places to pop into before or after the festival as well, it’s going to be a great time. New for this year, there will be zero proof options for those interested in non-alcoholic beer and seltzers to ensure everyone can partake and sample around the scene.
Common Grounds Collab Beer Fest and Camp Night
Fan-favorite brewery Commonwealth Brewing Co. proudly brings back the Common Ground Collab Beer Fest & Camp Night at the Holiday Trav-L-Park, just outside the Resort District. This innovative event plans to serve up some one-time-only craft brews in every style imaginable. Attendees will get to speak with the brew masters themselves and dance the night away. Part beer fest, part camping trip, and a whole lot of fun. Folks can enjoy tasty brews, bonfires, and also reserve a night in a lodge or bring a camper for some good old-fashioned, camp-style fun. You may want to bring your own snacks, as minimal information was provided, and you know when the beer starts flowing, the hunger pangs start going.
12th Annual 757 Battle of the Beers
Part beer festival, part game show, and definitely a mega fundraiser for amazing charities in Virginia Beach—it’s the 12th Annual 757 Battle of the Beers. Over 40 local breweries will battle it out in September for bragging rights in three different categories while raising money for their favorite local charity.
Festival attendees vote for the “People’s Choice” award.
Folks cheer on their favorite brewery’s team as they try to best each other in the Battle of the Beers competition with trivia and physical games.
Watch as the brewmasters compete in the “Brewers Choice” award in the very official blind judging competition.
As if that’s not enough to love, you’ll have that standard food truck rodeo present with a variety of fun and funky options. There will also be corn hole, beer pong, and fan-favorite yard games, so this will feel more like a big family-style cookout competition with a beer festival as a bonus.
It’s always a great time to visit Virginia Beach and grab a beverage with your loved ones. If you don’t partake, no worries, several local breweries are working towards creating a variety of non-alcoholic offerings so that everyone can enjoy a seat at the table when you visit. When you book your vacation and want to be in the heart of the action, choose a Virginia Beach vacation rental in the Resort District or Chesapeake Beach so you never miss a fun moment. See you soon!