Fall Beer Festivals 2016
The days of autumn offer some of the best times for beer festivals in the Mountain State. Here are some of the major craft beer festivals and events you won’t want to miss.
Happy Retreat Craft Beer and Music Festival
September 10
11:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.
Happy Retreat
600 Mordington Av.
Charles Town, WV
$20 – Beer Sampling admission w/ glass and 3 samples. Additional samples sold at the festival.
Ticket sales closed until next year.
The festival will include a big variety of state, regional and national craft breweries who will be serving their latest creations. Staff will be on hand to discuss everything beer.
Musical lineup will include four bands. 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.
Additional beer sample tickets sold at the festival. Non-beer-tasting tickets are also available.
Home Run & Hops Craft Beer Festival
September 24
12:00 Noon – 4:00 P.M.
WV Black Bears Stadium
Monongalia County Ballpark
Granville, WV
$30 General Admission (presale)
Ticket sales closed until next year.
The West Virginia Black Bears will be hosting The Home Run and Hops Craft Beer Festival to bring even more fall fun to Mo’town. A wide variety of beer is promised.
For every ticket purchased, you will receive 20 tasting tickets, which can be redeemed for one 3-oz. beer sample each. Additional tasting tickets are available for $1.50 each.
More information on Home Run & Hops
Oktoberfest in the Park
October 8
1:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.
Lotito City Park
1780 Stadium Drive
Bluefield, WV/VA
$25 General Admission
Tickets on sale now.
The City of Bluefield hopes to channel a bit of Bramwell for its new Oktoberfest at the Park. Something novel here: you enter the park in WV, but the festival site is actually on the Virginia side of the park. That’s an attractive twist.
German foods, beer and bands will bring a festive atmosphere to what the city promises will be a laid-back-type of festival similar to the Bramwell of old. Virginia’s largest beer distributor, Blue Ridge Beverage, is putting together the beer list, so expect a number of breweries not available in WV. Admission gets you a cup and unlimited sampling.
The festival is sponsored by The Bluefield Beautification Commission, the Mercer County CVB, the Greater Bluefield Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Bluefield. All proceeds will go to the Bluefield Beautification Commission for future
community projects.
Oktoberfest Pipestem 
October 8
11:00 A.M. – Midnight
Pipestem Spa & Event Center
Pipestem, WV
$8 General Admission advance purchase; $15 at the door
Tickets on sale now.
West Virginia craft beer, local bands, and German food highlight this new Oktoberfest celebration on the grounds of the Pipestem Spa & Event Center. The festival is working in partnership with Pipestem Resort State Park to provide lodging for out-of-area guests.
Buying a General Admission wristband will allow adults 21 and over receive small samples of beer and to purchase beer tickets, which cost $10 for four beers. Food will be catered by Brandon’s BBQ, Tracie’s German Grille, and Powerhouse Food Service & Catering Staff at Pipestem State Park.
Oktoberfest Pipestem website
Morgantown Brewing Oktoberfest
October 8
10:00 AM – Close
1291 University Ave.
Morgantown, WV
No admission charge
Cash bar
Morgantown Brewing Company is again celebrating Oktoberfest at its downtown brewpub. The staff dresses in traditional Bavarian festival clothing and the kitchen serves up a great mean of fest food. The outdoor Biergarden behind the brewery is the happiest place in town. Specials all day long. Enjoy Morgantown’s delicious Oktoberfest beer.
OktoberWest
October 15
4:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
Washington St. W. at Bigley Av.
Charleston, WV
Tickets on sale here.
This annual outdoor street festival celebrates craft brews with a focus on West Virginia breweries. Food vendors from around the city will set up food carts, trucks, and kiosks to sell their delicious goods. Expect three or four premier bands to provide the musical entertainment. The festival raises funds for the revitalization of Charleston’s West Side business district.
Hops & Heat
Saturday, October 22
2:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.
East End Bazaar
Washington St. E. & Ruffner Av.
Charleston, WV
$30 General Admission
Tickets on sale now
This chili and craft beer fest returns to the East End Bazaar for another year with beer ticket sales limited to 400 tickets. Expect about 70 beers from around 20 WV and Appalachian regional breweries. Ticket gets you unlimited chili samples, 4-oz beer samples, plus three full 12-oz pours. Five ounce logo tasting cup included. Extra 12-oz beers are $4.00 each. Non-drinker tickets are $20. Music provided by The Harp Twins. Profits support the East End Bazaar.
Wild & Wonderful Craft Beer Festival
POSTPONED – Date TBA
2:00 P.M. – 5:00 (VIP at 1:00)
Charleston Civic Center
Charleston, WV
Ticket info TBA
This first-time festival will be held indoors in downtown Charleston, so weather will not matter. It includes craft beer sampling, food specially prepared by Civic Center vendor Distinctive Gourmet, a game area (including large-size Jenga), and live music from local bands. The festival will conduct a beer competition for participating West Virginia breweries and announce the winners at the festival.
Other details to come at Civic Center website.