Craft beer events for September 8-9

Looking for a craft beer related activity for the weekend? The card of events around West Virginia and the surrounding area is enticing, so plan to attend whichever one tickles your fancy. 

Happy Retreat Craft Beer & Music Festival

This Charles Town, WV, festival will include more than 50 local, state, regional and national craft beers. Staff will be on hand to discuss everything beer. Souvenir glass and limited beer sampling included with admission. Additional samples sold at the festival. Kicks off at

Musical lineup will include Jah Works, Black Masala, The Primate Fiasco, The Woo Yeahs. The festival takes place on the grounds of the historic property of Charles Washington, brother of George Washington and founder of Charles Town. Festival proceeds support the upkeep of the property. While you’re in town, visit the areas two newest breweries: Abolitionist Ale Works and MASH Brewing Company.
Ticket/Info Link

Oktoberfest at Weathered Ground Brewery

This brand new brewery in Cool Ridge is holding its first Oktoberfest Celebration and releasing AJ’s Festbier, an Oktoberfest-style Lager (6% ABV). The festival beer is named in honor of  brewery co-owner Aryn Jayne Fonda. Brewed with traditional German malt and hops, the beer promises a clean toasty flavor for some easy fall drinking.

The brewery will serve up special foods with music provided by popular local band Virginia Ground. The festivities kick off at noon on Saturday, with live music from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.  Admission is free.
Info Link

Martinsville, Virginia, Brewster Walk

The third annual Brewster Walk Craft Beer Festival & Concerts will take place Saturday, Sept. 9th in uptown Martinsville, Va.

The event will feature more than 60 craft beers (see the current list HERE,)  plus live performances from Yarn, Mission in the Rain (a Jerry Garcia Band tribute set) and the Jason Springs Band.

Gates open to VIPs at 1 pm and to General Admission at 2 pm. GA tickets are $35 for advance purchase.
Ticket/Info Link

The Steel City Big  Pour

This fundraiser for Pittsburgh’s Construction Junction offers beer from local breweries, food from area restaurants, and live music and art.

Tickets may sell out soon. Tickets to afternoon session were still available on Monday. Session One tickets are $80. Runs Saturday from 12 noon to 3 PM.
Ticket/Info Link

ZooBrew Oktoberfest

This fundraiser at the Pittsburgh Zoo could be just the thing for those who like drinking with animals around. Your ticket gets you beer samples from 60 breweries, food bites, live entertainment, and a tasting mug.

It happens Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Advance tickets are $63.
Ticket/Info Link

Bring on the Fall Pop-Up Sale at Little Fish

Little Fish Brewing in Athens, OH, hosts an afternoon of locally crafted merriment. Local craftspeople will have their wares for sale, including naturally tanned leather work, natural skin care, jewelry, seeds, cards and more. Plus you can enjoy shopping for some great beer too.

The sale runs from 1:00-8:00 PM on Saturday.  Music by DJ Peacock begins at 7:00. This is an outside event and will be weather dependent. 10% of all sales will be donated to Seed Savers. No admission charge.
Info Link

Cincinnati Beerfest on Fountain Square

This festival, held annually downtown, is a good way to celebrate the end of summer and see Cincinnati while you do it. You get access to 250 craft beers from over 100 breweries, many of which are not sold in West Virginia.

Two evenings of fun begin 6 PM-11 PM on Friday night and continue 3 PM-11 PM on Saturday night.  Several ticket options available.
Ticket/Info Link