Summer 2017
Warm days bring out the best summer beer festivals in our region. Here’s a brief rundown of the ones we like, in chronological order.
Savor 
June 2 & 3, 2017
7:30 – 11:00 PM each day
National Building Museum
Washington, DC
$135 Admission (each session)
Ticket Link
At SAVOR, 86 small and independent breweries from around the country showcase 172 beers, each one thoughtfully paired with a small plate that will dazzle your palate. A fundraiser for the Brewers Association, which is the trade association of American independent craft breweries. Souvenir tasting glass included. Easily accessible from WV’s eastern panhandle.
Red, White & Brew 
June 17, 2017
4:30 – 9:00 PM
Pipestem Event Center
Pipestem, WV
$45 Admission (advance)
Ticket Link
Why we like it: Enjoy WV craft beer and wine sampling in a casual atmosphere. Local bands & a great menu of authentic German food. A laid back celebration of American summer. Includes 5-oz tasting cup and samples. A good option for folks in the southern part of the state.
Firkin Fest
June 17, 2017
2:00 to 6:00 PM
Winchester Avenue, downtown
Ashland, Kentucky
$25 General Admission includes 10 tasting tickets
$50 VIP adds one hour early admission, t-shirt and parking
Ticket Link
Why we like it: Firkin Fest is a good place for WV beer fans to try a bunch of beer that you don’t normally get in West Virginia. You can count of finding small Kentucky breweries and several popular Cincinnati breweries there. A few good Indiana and other midwest breweries too. It all takes place in the heart of downtown and profits support city improvement projects. See our review of Firkin Fest 2016 here.
Sound Waves and IPAs
June 25, 2017
4:30 pm – 10:00 PM (VIP enter at 3:30)
Bridgeport City Park
Bridgeport, WV
$ 40 General Admission; $60 VIP
Ticket Link
Why we like it: More breweries, beers and bands this year. Excellent food vendor/truck line up. Moving the festival to evening hours should help beat the heat. The line up of musical entertainment is top-notch. The Bridgeport Arts Council uses funds raised to bring quality cultural arts to the community.
Kegs 4 K9s
July 1, 2017
4:00 – 9:00 PM
Magic Island
Charleston, WV
$35 general admission / $40 at the door
$50 VIP (limited availability)
Ticket Link
Why we like it: The new venue on Magic Island should be a special treat. Plus it’s a great way to kick off your Independence Day weekend. All funds raised help the Kanawha County Humane Association serve animals in need: mending hearts, healing bones, and finding homes. Leashed, friendly dogs welcome.
Pittsburgh Summer Beerfest
July 14 & 15, 2017
6:30 to 11:00 PM
One session each evening
Stage AE on North Shore
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
$45-$55 Admission includes unlimited sampling for one session
Ticket Link
Why we like it: Possibly the best place around to learn the breadth of Pennsylvania and, especially, Pittsburgh-area breweries. Two evenings of unlimited sampling with over 120 breweries and 350 craft beers of all styles and flavors. Raises funds for Animal Rescue Partners supporting animal rescues, pet adoption groups, and community spay/neuter programs in the Pittsburgh area.
Ohio Brew Week
July 14-22, 2017
Downtown
Athens, Ohio
Why we like it: There is no better place to experience Ohio craft beer than a visit to Ohio Brew Week. Ohio craft brews are sold throughout the downtown in a massive tap takeover. Hundreds of beer selections, a wide variety of activities, and incredible Ohio craft beers. See our 2016 article on Ohio Brew Week here.
Brew Week Website link
Rails & Ales Festival 
Saturday August 12, 2017
Two sessions
(1) 12:00 PM – 4:00 (11:00 AM VIP)
(2) 6:00 – 10:00 PM
Harris Riverfront Park
Huntington, WV
$40 general admission; $60 VIP
Ticket link (Begins June 1)
Why we like it: Rails and Ales Festival is WV’s most well-curated festival with the best selection of brews from West Virginia, U.S., and foreign breweries. This year you choose between an afternoon and an evening session, which should help prevent over-crowding. Beautiful location along the Ohio River. Festival expects to provide around $20,000 in donations to local non-profits. See our review of the 2016 Rails & Ales here. **Use this link to see how Rails & Ales benefits local charities & nonprofits.
Mountaineer BrewFest
August 19, 2017
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Wheeling Heritage Port
1201 Water Street
Wheeling, WV
$25 general admission; $65 VIP (3:00 pm admission)
Ticket link (Begins June 1)
Why we like it: Super venue. A good mix of West Virginia and out-of-state brews. Lots of food options. Musical entertainment all evening. Major contribution to their selected local charity each year. See our preview of the 2016 Mountaineer Brewfest.
West Virginia Craft Beer Week
August 12–19, 2017
A statewide celebration of West Virginia’s craft breweries, pubs, beer retailers, and restaurants.