Love is in the air at Virginia Craft Beer Magazine!
For our cover story, we are doing a variation on our much-loved Beertenders We Love feature from a few years ago. This time, we are showing all of our love to our furry friends who accompany us to our favorite breweries in the Brewery Dogs We Love cover story! We’ve reached out to craft beer fans and brewery folks to submit photos of their precious babies and tell us why their pet is awesome and where they like to kick back and relax while sipping on a craft beverage. Take a look – you can’t help but smile once you see the pictures!
Also in this issue, we’ll feature profiles on Pro Re Nata’s new location in Staunton and Coyote Hole’s expansion of its non-alcohol cider production. Plus, Jeff shines a spotlight on the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild’s new President, Bill Spence of St. George Brewing Company in Hampton.
As always, we’ll feature our Events Calendar & Brewery Guide. Thank you to all who continue to support us by advertising in the magazine. Virginia Craft Beer Magazine is the only independently owned and operated print magazine dedicated to promoting Virginia’s craft beer culture. We couldn’t do what we do without you! And, thanks to all of our readers and craft beer fans! Thanks for reading! And, be sure to patron the breweries you see within our pages! Cheers!
Jennifer
Big Ugly Celebrates Big 10
By Jeff Maisey
Chesapeake’s first craft brewery marked a decade in business in February with a tiki themed party. The success of the suburban beer maker has spurred additional growth in the city with the addition of Studly Brewing, The Garage Brewery and a Wasserhund satellite. These are all connected by the city’s tourism division as the recently established Chesapeake Ale Trail.
Over Big Ugly’s 10 years, the brewery has won statewide awards as well as taking home Veer Magazine’s Golden Tap Award three times.
Big Ugly quickly outgrew its original micro-brew system and location, moving about a mile down the road to a much larger facility and outdoor space. The move was a game-changer.
“Having a larger brewhouse and production area allowed us to brew more beer,” said Aaron Childers, the brewery’s co-founder and co-owner. She also runs Pretty Ugly Distribution as an independent company.
“We have 20-plus beers on tap daily. It enabled us to increase barrel-aging and be able to package/can many of our fan favorite beers. The outdoor space is home to vendor markets, Trunk or Treat, YMCA adult soccer, Club Waka Cornhole and so many more events and fundraisers. Inside, we have been able to partner with Taxus Street Coffee to have an in-house coffee shop. We have nightly entertainment, food trucks and space for private events and larger crowds.”
Vacationers from all points north heading to North Carolina’s Outer Banks pass right by an exit sign with a “services” marker that includes the Big Ugly logo.
“Highway 168 funnels visitors from as far away as the Midwest, eastern Canada and New England past our location,” Childers said. “We have customers who make us a stop in their travels back and forth each summer.”
According to Childers, Big Ugly’s top five best selling brands are Rockers IPA, Peake Lager, Sunbeam Blonde, Maybe Today Satan Hazy IPA, and Road Worthy Pilsner.
Peake Lager remains a huge favorite amongst Big Ugly Brewery fans.
New Realm Makes First In-Market Expansion
New Realm Brewing Company has opened a spin-off location in North Suffolk.
New Realm, which originally opened in Atlanta, Georgia in 2016, made its debut in Virginia Beach in 2018 after unexpectedly acquiring the former, shortlived Green Flash Brewing manufacturing facility and expansive grounds at a fire-sale price.
The brewery has since become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike with in-demand brands such as Hazy Like a Fox, a well distributed NEIPAstyle liquid.
For New Realm Brewing Company, which has also opened locations in Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia, Suffolk represents a rare same-market opening.
“It’s a first for us,” said New Realm co-founder and master brewer Mitch Steele. “We had a great opportunity here. So, we decided to try it.”
Steele said the brewery’s leadership discussed the potential cannibalization of the customer base, but ultimately felt the two locations — separated by space, a river, and tunnel — served two completely separate markets.
While the massive Virginia Beach facility serves as New Realm’s premiere manufacturing hub, the one key ingredient missing has been a small pilot brewing system for experimental, recipe-testing batches of beer.
For Mitch Steele, the Suffolk location now provides a happy solution.
“The nice thing here being so close to our Virginia Beach location,” Steele continued, “is our brewers get to brew here and they finally have a creative outlet to brew some beers they’ve always wanted to brew.”
New Realm brewers will experiment on a 5-barrel system. Most of the small production beers will be served on tap exclusively in Suffolk.
“Some may make it to our Virginia Beach facility,” Steele added.
And as for Mitch Steele, the guy who literally wrote the book on IPAs, he will be spending time on the pilot system.
“I like to get creative too,” he said with a smile.
Photo courtesy of the brewery.
Spence to Guide Brewers Guild
By Jeff Maisey
The membership of the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild has elected Bill Spence as the organization’s chairman for 2025. Former chair, Porter Hardy of Smartmouth Brewing Company, will move to the vice chair position.
Spence brings a wealth of experience to the leadership position.
In 1998, Spence co-founded The St. George Brewing Company in the coastal Virginia city of Hampton. For nearly 30 years, the brewery has remained dedicated to traditional European beer styles from Germany, the United Kingdom, and Czech Republic.
St. George continues to operate much as it did three decades ago with focus placed as a production facility. Since 2012, they’ve maintained a modest tasting room inside the brewery with expanded seating options on the outdoor grounds.
For 2025, Spence shared some of the Guild’s priorities.
“We’re going to continue doing the Gala with the (Virginia Craft Brewers) Cup competition,” Spence said. “We’re going to look at doing a design competition for a commemorative pint glass. A lot of other states are doing this. The winning design will be announced at the Cup awards.”
Sales of the pint glasses will be a fundraiser for the Guild and available at individual breweries who are members of the association.
The Guild will also continue with its quarterly seminars, but regionalizing them “to give more people an opportunity to participate,” according to Spence. The regions will include a Northern Virginia location, central Richmond, Roanoke Valley area, greater
Charlottesville, and Coastal Virginia. Spence expressed some anxiety about the economy and the potential impact of tariffs on the cost of goods used to manufacture and package beer. Many craft brewers use imported malts from Bamburg, Germany. Aluminum is imported. Canada is a major barley producer for American breweries.
Spence also noted the United States did not have “a very good barley crop year due to weather” in 2024.
Upstart independent breweries on a tight budget often find made-inChina brewing equipment affordable and lowers their barrier to get small
operation off the ground. That too could be affected.
As for trends in the year ahead, Spence sees more, well-funded breweries expanding their brands with satellite locations.
Additionally, he believes the Virginia Beer Distribution Company will gain traction and help small capacity breweries gain sales and visibility this year.
On the legislative front, the Guild looks to continue to advocate in the Virginia General Assembly for a bill to reduce the distribution warehousing fee charged by the Virginia ABC.
St. George Brewing Company founder and president Bill Spence has been elected chairman of the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild for 2025.
MUG SHOTS
Crozet Winter Brews Festival, Crozet •
Veer Magazine's Golden Tap Awards, Big Ugly Brewing Company, Chesapeake
we Brewery Dogs
Love
What could be better – man’s best friend AND man’s favorite beverage! Dogs and craft beer go hand-in-hand at most breweries throughout the Commonwealth. We’re celebrating this dynamic duo with Brewery Dogs We Love! We’ve reached out to craft beer fans and brewery folks to hear where they like to take their fur babies and which breweries are ideal settings for a laidback day of tail-wagging fun!
Abby
Parent: David Brewery: Big Ugly Brewing, Chesapeake
Abby is a retired K9 who did bomb detection! She’s living her best retired life with her dad and always shows all her cool tricks for treats! Big Ugly loves all the pups and ALWAYS keeps treats behind the bar for their furry friends. While relaxing at the brewery, David enjoys a Rockers IPA and Abby opts for water.
Baxter
Parents: Some of VBC’s favorite Full-Time Friends
Brewery: The Virginia Beer Co., Williamsburg
Baxter has been a part of the VBC family since he was a puppy! We’ve all grown up together. He’s always rocking a VBC-branded leash, and always up for a round of Free Verse (in a glass), water (in a bowl), & cheers (in a brewery)!
Hops
Parents: Bri Boyd & Brady Fox
Brewery: Barley Naked Brewing Co., Stafford
When Bri first got Hops when she was 7 weeks old, Barley Naked was one of the first places she and Brady took her. Hoppy is now 5 years old and she has grown up surrounded by the wonderful patrons of the brewery who have helped raise her into the amazing dog she is today! She is sweet, caring, smart, and curious. Hops loves the brewery because she gets to meet new people (who will pet her), she loves to explore (and maybe find someone who will give her food), and the brewery has the perfect sunny spots for her to lay in (usually right in front of the door so she’s the first to greet everyone)! Bri’s favorite beer at the brewery is our Rock Hill Irish Red, which currently holds the title as the best Irish Red in the world. Hops’ favorite drink is water with a few ice cubes.
Jinx
Parents: Bri Boyd & Brady Fox
Brewery: Barley Naked Brewing Co., Stafford
Jinx is Hops’ younger sister (even though she is much bigger than Hops) who was adopted from the Stafford SPCA in January of 2024. She loves to come to the brewery and watch her parents brew - from a safe distance of course! Her favorite person in the entire world is the owner of Barley Naked, Barry Boyd, her grandpa. She is extremely smart, stubborn, and loves to cause mischief! Jinx loves the brewery because there’s a chance she gets to see grandpa there! She loves to watch the birds in the parking lot, and she gets to meet other, amazing dogs who stop by the brewery! Jinx’s favorite
Willow
Parent: Dave
Brewery: Bold Mariner Brewing Company, Norfolk
Bold Mariner welcomes dogs on the upper and lower decks and allows service dogs inside the tasting room. Willow has been a long-time member of the Bold Mariner team. Her shifts are Saturday 5-10 pm and Sunday 12-8 pm. Located directly across from the Chesapeake Bay, Bold Mariner is a great spot to stop in after a beach walk. Be sure to order a Lucky Cat Japanese Pilsner to benefit Spike’s K-9 Fun. If you don’t see a water bowl on the porch, just ask a bartender to hook you up!
Spot
Parent: Nick Dayawon
Brewery: Post Secondary Brewing, Portsmouth
Spot and his dad Nick are two of the best customers at Post Secondary. All of their customers have learned Spot’s name and call Nick, Spot’s Dad! Post Secondary is a small brewery, but a large family. It’s perfect for animals, including cats! All of their customers LOVE the pets that come through here! It’s really good for the BEST zoomies EVER! Nick’s favorite beer is Caber Toss (no longer on tap) and currently either After Lights Out or Hibernian run, depending on how he’s feeling. But the one he’s drinking the most of now is Fur Elise.
Beau
Parents: Femia Family Brewery: Lost Barrel Brewing, Middleburg
Beau is awesome because he has a very adventurous spirit, is loving and is very cute! Lost Barrel Brewing is a perfect spot to bring our dog, Beau. The staff is incredibly friendly—they always say hi to him! LBB offers fun treats like pup cups and beer-shaped dog treats. The outdoor space is perfect, with plenty of room to roam, shaded seating, and water bowls everywhere. After a nice walk in the scenic surroundings, we settle in to relax while Beau lounges happily. We’re sipping on the Farm Water, their signature cocktail on tap or the Toasted Lager! It’s the perfect place for both of us to unwind and enjoy the day!
Maggie, whose full name is Magnolia Opal Moser Dog: Melissa Moser Brewery COVA Brewing Company, Norfolk
I rescued Maggie (or, like you hear about most rescue dogs, she rescued me) from a shelter in a suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio, when Maggie was only 12 weeks old. Next month, Maggie will be 12 years old, so she’s been my fur baby a long time! She is likely a mixed breed, but her predominant breed is called “Carolina Dog.” Maggie is social, loyal, athletic, smart, the best girl, and my soul dog. Maggie is not only the COVA brewery mascot (complete with a COVA bandana), but also the mascot for Run OV, Ocean View’s nonprofit run club, which meets at COVA (and other locations in Ocean View) each Wednesday at 6pm for fitness, fellowship, and philanthropy. Maggie is happiest when she gets to see all her run club friends each week, go on a run, and hang out afterwards – often getting fed some goodies from whichever food truck is at COVA. COVA is a perfect place to bring your dog because they have lots of dog water bowls, a big tub of dog treats, a potty station, and lots of space to spread out. COVA’s tagline-there’s always something brewing at COVA- is so fitting because you may find me there sipping an Americano during a business meeting or an East Beach Blonde after a hot summer run, or a spicy hot chocolate after a winter run.
Cletus
Parents: Chris & Niesha Brown Brewery: BrewHaHa Brewing Company, Elkton
Cletus, BrewHaHa’s official brewery mascot! This lovable pup is more than just a friendly face—he’s the embodiment of the fun, laid-back spirit that makes the brewery a special place to gather, sip, and enjoy. Cletus, a Great Dane with Hound mix, has already won the hearts of staff and customers alike with his wagging tail and charming personality. Whether he’s lounging on the patio, welcoming guests at the door, or posing for photos with visitors, Cletus brings an extra dose of joy to every visit. Cletus’s Dad’s favorite beer is a single hopped IPA and his mom enjoys BrewHaHa Brown Ale.
Charlie
Parents: Ashley & Walter Burke Brewery: Gloucester Brewing Co., Gloucester
Charlie is an awesome dog who is a social butterfly. He loves people and other dogs. He has been loving his trips to GBC since he was seven weeks old. His parents love to drink Rosewell Red and Kohlman Kolsch.
Fritz – Technically, he is “Friedrich of Aquia.”
Dog Parent: Brewery: Wild Run Brewing Company, Stafford
Fritz was named after Friedrich Heyn Kelly, son of Dr. Howard Atwood Kelly, who once owned Government Island. Fritz greets every guest with a wagging tail and a nose for the truth. He is always excited to meet a new best friend. Fritz’s parents drink only Great Beers at this brewery!
Parker and Mary Jane are the ultimate brewery buddies, bringing their vibrant energy and playful spirits to work alongside their Moma. These two adorable pups are not just companions; they are part of the team, greeting guests with wagging tails and infectious enthusiasm. The brewery is the perfect setting for them, with ample space to explore and charm everyone around. As we all share in the joy of the day, Moma pours herself a refreshing Star City: Pale Ale, knowing that nothing pairs better with great beer than her amazing girls by her side. Together, they create an atmosphere of warmth and fun, making every visit a little brighter!
This beauty is one of Coastal’s brewery dogs. She’s sweet, smart, and talkative…in a good way. She loves lounging in the sun, butt scratches, and treats. Coastal Downtown is the perfect spot for your dog due to its laid-back atmosphere, and stellar beertenders who will give them treats and pets!
Oliver
Parents: Pete & Robyn
Brewery: Elation Brewing, Norfolk
Oliver is awesome because no matter what the day is, he rushes into Elation Brewing just to give everyone a big hug! This is a picture of Oliver on stage for karaoke for his birthday when he sang “Everything is Awesome” from the Lego movie while drinking a nice cold Larchmont Lager (he’s a crispy boi). Cheers Oliver!
Blue
Parent: Lisa Davis Brewery: Barking Rose, Warrenton
Blue is welcomed as a family member at our favorite brewery! She gets her water bowl and lots of attention from the owners, staff, and customers. She also loves it because there are lots of other friendly dogs, and she never misses the Sunday yoga class. And, the beer is pretty amazing too!!
Kayah is the chillest pup who loves all the fun games at the brewery. If you stop by Southern Revere, you HAVE to have their Three Oaks Honey beer. It’s the best!
Submitted by Jay Gates, Owner/Brewer
We do a “Brew Dog of the Day!” at TBL where we take a portrait of dogs who have never been to our brewery before, add their fancy name, then post it to our social media with “Meet ______, our Brew Dog of the Day!” and hashtag it #BrewDogs. We then add the dog to our digital frame that rotates the over 600 past “Brew Dogs of the Day.” Many of our guests will bring their dogs to the brewery just to make them “Brew Dog of the Day.” We also honor the passing of our furry friends by making them “Forever Brew Dogs” with the tag #BrewDogsLiveForever.
As we pride ourselves on “Dogs welcome, people tolerated” with our outdoor dog park and indoor free reign, we take our dogs very seriously. We have several beers named for our furry friends that donate to the Retired Police Canine Foundation out of NYC, who help with the transition from working dog to civilian life and have found homes for countless police dogs.
Tito
Parent: Lisa Brewery: Lost Rhino Brewing Company, Ashburn
Tito is a lively 1-year-old pup who is a frequent visitor of Lost Rhino and was recently at the Photos with Santa event in December! Lost Rhino has a great covered outdoor area in the warmer months that are perfect for Tito & Lisa to chill out at with a cold Cider or Meridian Kolsch beer!
Fasha
Parents: Kim & Jace Morton Brewery: Billsburg Brewery, Williamsburg
Fasha passed away in 2024, but she was a daily staple at Billsburg since 2017. When she passed away, our Brewers brewed a beer in her honor called “To Fasha, With Love.” She belonged to Kim & Jace Morton who are also a staple at Billsburg - over 7 years now. They have another dog, Rocco, who visits sometimes, and they just adopted a rescue pup from the same Rottweiler Rescue that Fasha came from. Fasha is featured here with the beer and tribute.
Pro Re Nata co-owner Joe Reed, a former UVA wide receiver and kick return record-setter, shares a beer and bite at the brewery’s new location in Staunton.
Photo courtesy of the brewery.
PRN+ Staunton
By Jennifer Waldera
In 2015, longtime friends and fraternity brothers Andrew Messina and John Schoeb opened Pro Re Nata Brewery in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Crozet. Since then, the pair has grown the brewery operation to include expanded gathering spaces, frequent events, live music, and an onsite food truck. Now, with three additional owners, Pro Re Nata has opened a second location, Pro Re Nata + (aka PRN+) on the west side of Staunton.
since its inception. While Schoeb said that the owners leave brewing decisions to the Hornig and Lorenzen, he noted that while they’ll continue to make a variety of styles, there will be a strong focus on lagers, which tend to be the biggest seller. Additionally, Pro Re Nata intends to expand its collaborations with other local breweries.
Housed in the property that was once occupied by Skipping Rock Beer Co., PRN+ is intended to offer a similar experience as the original location, Schoeb said. The cozy taproom mixes rustic elements alongside industrial influences and the dog-friendly outdoor area features a fire pit. And, just like its predecessor, PRN+ will play host to events and musical performances, though Schoeb notes that the latter will be acoustic due to the smaller space in Staunton.
“The new location was not planned for. It fell into our laps,” Schoeb said. “We could not produce enough beer in Crozet due to no connection to a county septic system. We contracted with Blue Mountain Brewery for two years and they made our large-selling flagships from our formulas.” Now, nearly all of the brewing will take place at the Staunton location.
Award-winning brewer Derek Hornig, previously of Basic City Beer Co., will be heading the brewing operation alongside Erik Lorenzen, who has been with Pro Re Nata
Visitors to PRN+ can sip on the brewery’s craft brews or take them home in the form of cans or kegs. In addition, they’ll also be offering ciders, wine, and even a full liquor bar. And for those looking to soak up all of that beer, wine, and booze, PRN+ has that covered. It’s still employing an onsite food truck-based model in Staunton but also offers options from its own in-house kitchen. Options range from pizzas and hamburgers to sandwiches and more. “Food is so important at our locations,” Schoeb said.
While this is Pro Re Nata’s first expansion into Staunton, it’s not the last of their plans there. In fact, it intends to eventually move into the old Coke building. When renovations are complete, it will be a 33,000-square-foot restaurant space with a full bar and event space.
“Lots of super cool things [are] coming soon,” Schoeb said. “We will be expanding Crozet for larger concerts, the Coke building will begin renovation in 2025, and we are also starting the project at The Steam Plant building in Staunton, as well.”
825
Coyote Hole: An Oasis of Ciders
By Jennifer Waldera
In 2017, Laura and Chris Denkers opened the doors to Coyote Hole in Mineral, Virginia. Hailing from upstate New York, the couple had purchased 37 acres of land at Lake Anna and had plans to plant apple trees. Already versed in home-brewing of beer and wine-making, Chris then decided to delve into cider-making, too. Now, Coyote Hole is branching out into non-alcoholic ciders with its LUNA brand which comes in several
varieties that incorporate adaptogens, nootropics, THC, and CBD.
“As a competitor and coach, Chris has always been into mind and body wellness,” Laura said. “Looking at non-alcoholic cider, it’s basically just carbonated apple juice. We wanted to add functional ingredients to the ciders to help people’s mind and body wellness. We couldn’t put all of the functional ingredients into one beverage so we decided to make three
different series of ciders.”
The first of the three to be released was the nootropic and adaptogen-infused ciders which have ashwagandha, L-Theanine, and lemon balm. The ingredients are intended to help reduce cortisol, boost mood, and provide mental clarity. Available since August of 2024, the Green Apple, Hopped, and Wild Berry flavored ciders clock in at 50 calories or fewer. In addition to finding them at the
brewery’s tasting room, they can be purchased at Whole Foods and eventually at Giant, too.
The second of the series was released in October of 2024. These ciders are infused with five milligrams of CBD and two milligrams of hemp-derived THC per 12-ounce can. Apple was the initial flavor that the cidery offered with elder-cranberry to be added to the list later.
“As we move further in life, we feel the after-effects of alcohol [which] makes drinking alcohol not as attractive and some don’t choose it at all,” Chris said. “With micro-dosed THC and CBD ciders, you can skip the hangover the next day and enjoy a beverage or two without the effects the next day.”
Coyote Hole will also be launching its final variety of LUNA ciders, with Lions Mane and Super Mushroom, in early 2025. These adaptogens are intended to support natural energy levels, improve heart health, and mitigate stress and anxiety.
“These ciders will give you that natural high, without alcohol or THC,” Chris said.
The non-alcoholic offerings will now provide even more options for guests to the brewery who could already enjoy a wide variety of cider flavors as well as beers. Additionally, the sale of the ciders will help the couple sponsor their sons’ sports.
“Laura and I also have twin 15-year-old boys who compete nationally in snowboarding, and we have always wanted to help sponsor and raise money for these organizations but always ran into roadblocks due to the alcohol factor of our business,” Chris said. “In early 2024, LUNA Craft Beverages was born which would be our nonalcoholic line of canned beverages.”
Coyote Hole also makes numerous other contributions to the community. The cidery tries to make fundraising a priority, regularly giving to numerous organizations.
“We try to rotate every year and fundraise for different non-profits along with tying a cause to our packaged products,” Chris said. “Our Adventure Pack variety pack donates to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF.org) and we have collaboration ciders with UVA that we also do [and] a portion of those sales [are] for the University of Virginia’s athletic department.”
Chris also says that Coyote Hole welcomes new opportunities to collaborate with others, noting the importance of working together with businesses throughout the area. One way in which the cidery would like to work with others is by making space available on their property for businesses to sell on a regular basis. Chris says they’re open to other options for working with local organizations as well.
“We’d love to invite other businesses that want to collaborate with us or include any of our beverages in their establishments to reach out,” Chris said. “We all need to work together to create something more amazing and attractive to others.”
Check Coyote Hole’s website for information on daily events, large-scale events, a food menu, and ciders and beers that are currently available.
CENTRAL VIRGINIA
Dueling Pianos at Random Row
Fri., Feb. 14, 7pm
Our dueling pianos will keep the love and laughs flowing all night!
Random Row Brewing
608 Preston Avenue, Charlottesville
Winter Beer Fest at Stone Sat., Feb. 15, 12-4pm
Featuring an array of VA breweries. Tickets: $45. Includes unlimited tasters, a souvenir tasting glass, and 15% discount on merchandise. Food available for purchase.
Stone Brewing 4300 Williamsburg Avenue, Richmond stonebrewing.com
Spring Equinox Celebration at Brewing Tree
Sat., March 15, 11am-8pm
Usher in the beginning of warmer weather with live music, food specials, kids’ activities, and more. Plus, the first 150 people receive a free Dogwood tree from the Virginia Department of Forestry.
Brewing Tree Beer Company 9278 Rockfish Valley Highway, Afton
COASTAL VIRGINIA
Galantines Gala Market at COVA Sat., Feb. 15, 10am-4pm
Celebrating friendship, love, and your local community! Shop local vendors, enjoy live music, create matching jewelry, and more!
COVA Brewing Company 9529 Shore Drive, Norfolk Dark Knight of Winter at St. George Sun., Feb. 16, 12pm
Sample unique dark styles from 20 local breweries. Tickets include unlimited samples, festival glassware, and live music.
The St. George Brewing Company 204 Challenger Way, Hampton
The Fighting Jamesons will perform at this year's Shamrockin’ in Ghent Friday, March 7 from 6:00 to 10:00pm on Colley Avenue in Norfolk. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Ghent’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Street Party featuring live music, adult beverages, food, and more – all to benefit Hope House Foundation!
Celebrating 6 Years of Elation
Fri. Feb. 28, 4pm-Sat., March 1. 11pm
Celebrate 6 years with 6 of our favorite bands and 6 of our favorite beers in cans to go!
Elation Brewing 5104 Colley Avenue, Norfolk
Mardi Paws at Afterglow Sat., March 1, 12-5pm
Bring your furry friends and celebrate with us. Enjoy live music, food trucks, vendor pop-ups, and fun for the whole family.
Afterglow Brewing 2330 Bowdens Ferry Road, Norfolk Shamrockin’ in Ghent
Fri., March 7, 6-10pmCome out for Ghent’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Street Party featuring live music, adult beverages, food, and more – all to benefit Hope House Foundation! Colley Avenue, Norfolk hope-house.org
St. Patrick’s Celebration at Big Ugly Fri., March 15
Featuring the release of Irish Red Ale and live music by Plastic Eddie. Big Ugly Brewing Company 845 Battlefield Blvd S., Chesapeake
After Parade: St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at COVA
Sat., March 15, 12-9pm
Join us for a party after Norfolk’s famous Ocean View St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Enjoy green beer, food trucks, and live Irish music! COVA Brewing Company 9529 Shore Drive, Norfolk covabrewco.com
St. Patrick’s at Bold Mariner Sat., March 15, 12pm Join us after the Ocean View Parade and enjoy live music, great beer, food, and limited edition merchandise.
Bold Mariner Brewing Company 1901 E. Ocean View Avenue, Norfolk
Apres Ski Party at at Lost Barrel
Sat., Feb. 22, 3pm
Dress for the occasion in your coziest winter attire and embrace the ultimate ski lodge vibes. Live music 3-6pm, DJ 6-9:30pm. Enjoy delicious themed drinks, dancing, and more.
Lost Barrel Brewing
36138 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg
10th Anniversary Party at Fair Winds
Sat., March 1, 12pm
Celebrate 10 years with live music, food trucks, axe throwing, games, anniversary shirts, Anniversary Ale, and more!
Fair Winds Brewing Company 7000 Newington Road, Lorton
Mardi Gras at Full Distance Brewing
Tues., March 4, 6pm
Join us for damn good beer, bingo, and King Cakes!
Full Distance Brewing 650 Corporate Drive, Stafford
A Barley Naked St. Patrick’s Day
Sat., March 15, 12-9pm
Mermaid City Craft Beer & Wine Fest
Sat., April 12, 2-6pm
Unlimited tastings of 40+ beers and wines plus live entertainment. Waterside District 333 Waterside Drive, Norfolk mermaidcityfest.com
NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Galentine’s Day at Solace Thurs., Feb. 13, 4-9pm
Drink specials for ladies. Pop-up boutique. Galentine’s Day themed trivia. First 50 ladies receive a long stem rose.
Solace Brewing Company 42615 Trade West Drive, Sterling Stout Fest at Mustang Sally Sat., Feb. 15-Mon., Feb. 17
Featuring 16 unique dark beers from Mustang Salley. Flights available and 2pks, 4pks, 500ml bottles will be sold.
Mustang Sally Brewing Company 14140 Parke Long Court, Chantilly
Take a Sip of History: Presidents in Northern VA Wed., Feb. 19
Join the staff of Prince William Historic Preservation for a celebration of U.S. Presidential history in Northern VA – a home to presidents, presidential landmarks, and significan moments in history. Enjoy craft beer while you enjoy a blend of history, culture, and local flavor!
Baker extraordinaire and owner of Out of the Bubble Bakery is visiting and bringing sweet treats to pair with handcrafted brews by Brewmaster Charlie Buettner. Tickets: $40 and includes one reception full pour, five 5oz craft beer tasters, and five desserts.
Fair Winds Brewing Company 7000 Newington Road, Lorton
Celebrate with food trucks, Irish dancers, games, competitions, vendors, green beer, and more!
Featuring new releases crafted just for St. Paddy’s Day, accompanied by performances from Irish dancers and tunes from local musicians.
Old Bust Head Brewing Company
7132 Farm Station Road, Warrenton Brews & BBQ Festival
Sat., March 22, 1-6pm
Enjoy mouthwatering, slow-cooked BBQ paired with over 40 craft beers from local breweries. Plus, live music, games, and more!
Shipgarten
7581 Colshire Drive, McClean shipgarten.com
SHENANDOAH VALLEY
GF Cider Pairing Dinner at Stable Craft
Sat., Feb. 22, 7-10pm
5 Course, Gluten Free Cider Pairing Dinner. Learn from our Cidermaker as you’re walked through the fermentation and flavors of each cider, along with our Executive Chef describing the hand-selected ingredients for each plate.
Stable Craft Brewing
34 Livery Lane, Waynesboro
The Lucky Brew Drag Show at Winchester Brew Works
Sat., March 15, 8pm
Join us St. Patrick’s Day weekend for the Lucky Dog Drag Show with these amazing queens. Tickets: $20. Winchester Brew Works
320 N. Cameron Street, Winchester
APPALACHIA
Busted Still Brewing Company
185 Homeplace Drive, Gate City
276.210.6038
Lonesome Pine Brewing Company 15 East Main Street, Lebanon
Stable Craft Brewing & Cidery, Waynesboro 540.490.2609 • stablecraftbrewing.com life is hard cider, Mt Jackson Shenandoah County 540.477.3570 • kindredpointe.com
