Category: News

Blacksburg, Virginia, September 5, 2018– The 10^th anniversary of Blacksburg Brew Do is just around the corner, and the long-awaited brewery list does not disappoint! With over 100 different brews from more than 50 breweries, this festival is sure to be a craft beer lover’s dream.  This day of fun and brews is set for September 22, 2018 at 1600 Innovation Drive.

“As the beer industry in Virginia continues to grow, so does our festival. We are excited to be able to host some of the best breweries in the industry and offer unique beer styles. I think exposing our attendees to these selections enhances their experience, and that’s our goal,” said Diane Akers, president of The Blacksburg Partnership.

The list of brews includes hard to find beer styles and selections, as well as classics and seasonal brews. Attendees can enjoy each sip of craft beer with delicious local food and fun tailgate games.

Attendees are encouraged to purchase their tickets early because day of event tickets will sell out quickly.  Additionally, premium tickets are available at a limited basis. They include one-hour early admission and the opportunity to taste rare selections not available to the public. Regular, general and premium tickets can be purchased at both Blacksburg Kroger locations and online.

Don’t forget to follow Brew Do on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest beer news and day of festival information.

Participating Breweries

Alewerks Brewing Company	Highland
Apocalypse Ale Works	Lagunitas
Ballast Point	New Belgium
Basic City	O’Connor Brewing Company
Bell’s Brewery	Oskar Blues
Blake’s Hard Cider	Pale Fire Brewing
Blue Moon	Potter’s
Blue Mountain	Right Mind
Bold Rock	Rising Silo
Brothers Craft Brewing	Sam Adams
Bull & Bones	Sierra Nevada
Buskey	Smartmouth
Chaos Mountain	South Street
Cigar City	Southern Tier
Clubtails	Stable Craft
Damascus	Starr Hill
Deschutes	Stiegl
Devil’s Backbone	Stone
Elysian Brewing	StudioBrew
Evolution	Sweetwater
Flying Dog	The River Company
Foothills	Troegs
Fordham and Dominion Brewing	Twin Creeks
Funky Buddha	Victory
Golden Road	Wicked Weed
Goose Island	Wild Wolf
Great Lakes	Wolf Hills
Green Man	Wyndrydge
Hardywood	Yuengling
Heritage

Blacksburg, Virginia, August 30, 2018– Get ready for a day of delicious brews and great tunes at the 10^th anniversary of Blacksburg Brew Do, an award-winning craft beer festival taking place Saturday, September 22^nd from noon until 5 p.m. (with Premium Ticket access beginning at 11 a.m.) at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center. The Main Stage, sponsored by the Moss Arts Center, along with Premier Sponsors, Devil’s Backbone and Virginia Eagle Distributing, will feature two of the best Appalachian bands around.

Playing from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. is Matt Mullins & the Bringdowns, an Appalachian Rock band that has found a niche all their own. The stories in their songs are almost as diverse as the influences you hear in their music. Fueled by a driving rhythm section made up of drummer Dylan McInturff and bassist Bill Fraley, Stuart Hill creates sonic tapestries with his guitar that will leave you in awe. Add to that the lyrical prowess of raspy voiced singer/guitarist Matt Mullins and you have what the group feels to be the most honest music they have ever collectively created. With an eclectic mix of genres that have influenced the group, it’s hard to classify them as just an alt-country band.

On stage from 2:30 to 5 p.m. is the Jared Stout Band. The Jared Stout Band is a collection of musicians from the New River Valley and Virginia with their own flare. Playing a style of “hard hit’in, heart break’in,” Independent Appalachian red dirt music. They play easy on the ears and hard on the heart with their 50/50 gender blend of harmony and musicianship, bringing a show you don’t want to miss with a sound you’ll be singing long after.

In addition to the outstanding musical line up, Blacksburg Brew Do will include a day-long schedule of craft beer tastings, cooking with beer demonstrations, homebrew seminars, and much more. Tickets are on sale at both Blacksburg Kroger locations and online. Want to get in an hour before everyone else? Be sure to purchase one of the limited Premium level tickets before they are gone.

Check out www.blacksburgbrewdo.com for a list of participating breweries, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities and complete festival details.  Call 540.443.2008 or email info@blacksburgbrewdo.com for additional information, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Blacksburg, Virginia, August 27, 2018– Blacksburg Brew Do is hosting a Can Do! charity fundraiser to provide food for low income children in the Blacksburg area. This year’s festival and the Can Do! food drive will be held on September 22^nd from noon until 5 p.m. (with premium access from 11 a.m. to noon) at 1600 Innovation Drive in the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center.

The Can Do! fundraiser will benefit Micah’s Backpack, a program that addresses children’s hunger issues by partnering with local schools to provide direct assistance to students and families who qualify for the free lunch program. Each week during the school year, the students receive a backpack filled with enough food for the weekend. Attendees can participate in Can Do! by purchasing raffle tickets at $5 for one ticket, or $10 for three tickets. Tickets can be purchased prior to the festival online, or at the merchandise tent at Blacksburg Brew Do the day of the festival.

All raffle proceeds directly benefit Micah’s Backpack. Prizes for this year raffle include a kayak donated by Backcountry, a Virginia Tech hammock donated by Campus Emporium and two weekend passes to Devils Backbone Hoopla festival, which will be held September 28^th through September 30^th. Raffle winners will be announced at Blacksburg Brew Do on September 22^nd at the main festival stage.

Donations are encouraged and will be accepted at the festival entrance. Attendees who bring two or more canned food items to the festival will receive a free entry to the raffle. Festival guests are asked to bring items from the approved list below.

• 100% Juice Boxes
• Chicken or Vegetable Soup 10.75 oz
• Fruit Cups (in juice or lite syrup)
• Canned Pasta (max 14.75 oz)
• Individual Mac n Cheese Cups
• Peanut Butter (max 10.75 oz)
• Canned Tuna (in water) 5 oz

Check out www.blacksburgbrewdo.com for a list of participating breweries, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities and complete festival details.  Call 540.443.2008 or email info@blacksburgbrewdo.com for additional information, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Blacksburg, Virginia, August 15, 2018– – The Blacksburg Partnership and The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center announce the annual Blacksburg Brew Do Beer Dinner to be held Friday, September 21^st at Preston’s Restaurant.

Celebrate craft beer and fine food, featuring beer pairings from Asheville’s Wicked Weed Brewing. Preston’s will pair an outstanding gourmet meal with funky brews to create adventurous flavor combinations. Experts from Wicked Weed will share their brewing techniques, discuss industry trends and delve into the art of pairing dishes with the perfect beer. Craft beer enthusiasts can learn from the pros and gear up for the festival the next day.

“The Beer Dinner is a favored tradition leading up to our festival, and we are excited to be teaming with Preston’s Restaurant and Wicked Weed Brewing,” said Diane Akers, President of The Blacksburg Partnership. “Every year Preston’s raises the bar with their creative menu selections and adventurous pairings. This is going to be a great way to kick off our 10^th Anniversary of Brew Do.”

New this year, the Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center will offer two inclusive packages to suit every festival attendee’s needs. The Microbrewer’s package will include overnight accommodations, a complimentary breakfast buffet, tickets to the Brew Do Festival, transportation to and from the festival, and gratuity for food and beverage. Additionally, The Brewmaster’s package will include all of the above amenities and tickets to the Beer Dinner at Preston’s Restaurant.  To learn more about these packages and find pricing details, you can check out their website here.

The multi-course pairing menu includes:

Hors d’oeuvres

Chef’s Selection of Passed Appetizers

Surprise Pairing

 Fruits & Shoots

Petite Greens, Heritage Carrots, Pea and Corn Shoots, Gorgonzola Brûlée, Toasted Pine Nuts, Sherry Vinaigrette

Pernicious IPA

 Grilled Shrimp Semi Crudo

Carrot Paint, Citrus Supremes, Toasted Pistachio, Cucumber Essence, Jalapeños , Olive Oil, Cracked Pepper

Metatropics IPA

Shrub

Grapefruit and Thyme

Calimost Gose

Pulled Duck

Pulled duck leg confit, mustard scented potato gnocchi, oven roasted cellared vegetables, asparagus tips, macerated cherries, bitter greens, poultry jus

Oh My Quad Barrel-Aged Belgian Quadruple Style

 Deconstructed Tiramisu

Vanilla scented whipped mascarpone cream, broken lady finger cake, cocoa powder, shaved chocolate, fresh berries

El Paraiso Imperial Coffee Stout

Tickets for the Blacksburg Brew Do Beer Dinner are $59 per person plus tax and gratuity. Space is limited. Purchase tickets at https://www.blacksburgbrewdo.com/beer-dinner/.

Check out www.blacksburgbrewdo.com for a list of participating breweries, sponsors, volunteer opportunities and complete festival details. Call 540.443.2008 or email info@blacksburgbrewdo.com for additional information, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Blacksburg, Virginia, August 8, 2018– The Blacksburg Partnership, a non-profit economic development organization serving the Blacksburg area, is seeking volunteers to help with the 10^th anniversary Blacksburg Brew Do, the New River Valley’s award-winning craft beer festival. The event will be held at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center on Saturday, September 22^nd from noon to 5:00 p.m. (with Premium Access beginning at 11), rain or shine.

“Our 10th anniversary is a huge milestone for us,” said Diane Akers, President of the Blacksburg Partnership. “There are some individuals who have volunteered for our festival since the very beginning and we’re so appreciative of their involvement and support over the years,” says Diane Akers, president of The Blacksburg Partnership.

Nearly 300 volunteers are needed to perform an assortment of tasks before and during the festival.  Positions include ticket sales, ID checkers, parking attendants, VIP tent hosts, beer pourers and many more. Outgoing personalities are desired to help in the cooking and beer demonstrations tent, while volunteers with exceptional organizational skills are needed for the ticketing and vendor check-in areas.  Organizations wishing to volunteer as a group are welcome.

Volunteers will receive a Blacksburg Brew Do “Crew” T-shirt, a souvenir beer glass and full access to festival events before or after their shift.  To sign up for a beer pouring position, individuals must be 21 or older. Volunteers that are 21 and older will also receive six tasting tickets for beer samples. To register to volunteer or for more information, please visit the festival website at https://www.blacksburgbrewdo.com/volunteer/.

Check out www.blacksburgbrewdo.com for a list of participating breweries, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities and complete festival details. Call 540.443.2008 or email info@blacksburgbrewdo.com for additional information, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Blacksburg, Virginia, August 1, 2018  – Tickets for the tenth anniversary of Blacksburg Brew Do, the New River Valley’s award-winning craft beer festival, are now on sale at both Blacksburg Kroger locations and online at http://www.blacksburgbrewdo.com/tickets/.

This year’s event will feature over 100 beers including, but not limited to, pale ales, stouts, ambers and seasonal selections from more than 50 breweries from Virginia, the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. Festival attendees will also receive a commemorative tasting glass and full access to festival events, including beer seminars and homebrewing demonstrations at the Ballast Point Brew Tent, cooking demonstrations which showcase the area’s top chef’s at the Kroger “Cooking with Beer” tent, live music and much more!

Tickets for 15 4-oz. tastings are $30 in advance and $35 at the gate. Premium tasting tickets are $55 in advance and $60 at the gate, allowing ticket holders one hour early festival access to enjoy beer and food beginning at 11 a.m. instead of noon. These tickets also include access to the Premium Beer Tent which includes 6 additional exclusive beer tastings, cocktail and moonshine samples from Belle Isle Craft Spirits, light snacks, and seating. ID is required for all tasting tickets.

Admission only tickets for designated drivers and guests ages 13 to 20 are $10. Children 12 and under are free. The festival may sell out, so purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended. This year’s event will be held at 1600 Innovation Drive in the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center from noon to 5 p.m., rain or shine.

Check out www.blacksburgbrewdo.com for a list of participating breweries, sponsors, volunteer opportunities and complete festival details. Call 540.443.2008 or email info@blacksburgbrewdo.com for additional information, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Blacksburg, Virginia, June 22, 2018– The Blacksburg Partnership, in coordination with Ballast Point Brewing Company, announces the 10^th annual Blacksburg Brew Do Homebrew Competition.  Homebrewers from across the region are invited to see if their brew is good enough for “Best in Show.” This is “just for the fun of it” non-sanctioned event. Winners will be announced during Blacksburg Brew Do, a craft beer festival, on September 22, 2018 at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center.

Each brewer is allowed three different brew submissions at $5 per entry. Homebrewers must download and complete the entry form to be eligible to compete. Complete competition details and rules can be found on the entry form: https://www.blacksburgbrewdo.com/homebrew/

Entries must be delivered to the Vintage Cellar on Monday and Tuesday, August 20^th and 21^st from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Vintage Cellar is located at 1338 South Main Street in Blacksburg. An additional drop off for those in the Roanoke region will also be held on August 21^st from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ballast Point Brewing Company located at 555 International Pkwy in Daleville, Virginia.

All first, second and third place winners will be notified prior to the festival and will receive a complimentary ticket to Blacksburg Brew Do. First place winners in each category will receive a complimentary Premium Admission ticket. Second and third place winners will receive a complimentary regular admission ticket.

Winners in each category will advance to the “Best in Show” round, which will be announced the day of the festival. The winner of “Best in Show” will have the opportunity to brew the recipe at Ballast Point Brewing Company.

At the festival, beer enthusiasts can hang out at the Ballast Point Brewing Company “Brew Tent”, where brewing seminars and demonstrations will be hosted throughout the day.

Check out www.blacksburgbrewdo.com for a list of participating breweries, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities and complete festival details. Call 540.443.2008 or email info@blacksburgbrewdo.com for additional information, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Blacksburg, Virginia, June 19, 2018 – Calling all Craft Beer enthusiasts: Mark your calendars for the 10^th anniversary celebration of Blacksburg Brew Do on September 22. The event will take place from noon to 5 p.m., at the festival grounds located at 1600 Innovation Drive in the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center (CRC).

Once again, the festival will showcase the best in craft beer from the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond, not to mention delicious food, cooking and brewing demonstrations, and live entertainment all day long.

“This event really is a wonderful celebration of community, craft beer and the outdoors,” said Blacksburg Partnership President Diane Akers.  “Our main goal is to provide attendees with an unforgettable, memory making experience and I feel certain our 10^th anniversary festivities will deliver.”

Tickets go on sale in early August at both Blacksburg Kroger stores and online at www.blacksburgbrewdo.com.

• Premium tasting tickets are $55 in advance and $60 at the gate, allowing ticket holders full access to the festival one hour early (11am). These tickets also include access to the Premium Beer Tent offering additional, exclusive beer tastings, snacks, and shaded seating.
• Regular tasting tickets are $30 in advance; $35 at the gate. Attendees will receive tickets for 15, 4-oz beer tastings. Additional tasting tickets can be purchased throughout the day at designated locations on the festival grounds. Additional tickets will be 5 for $10.
• Non-Drinking tickets are $10.

Hundreds of volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks before and during the festival. All volunteers will receive a Blacksburg Brew Do volunteer t-shirt, a souvenir tasting glass, and access to the festival before or after their shift with six tasting tickets. To become a volunteer or learn more, visit www.blacksburgbrewdo.com/volunteer.

Save the date for Saturday, September 22, and be sure to follow the festival on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for exciting updates. For complete details, visit www.blacksburgbrewdo.com or call 540.443.2008.

Blacksburg, Virginia, October 12, 2017– The 9th annual Blacksburg Brew Do Homebrew Competition drew 51 entries in four categories. The competition, sponsored by Starr Hill Brewery, is unique in the New River Valley and was organized in conjunction with Blacksburg Brew Do, a craft beer festival that took place on October 7^th at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center.

The four categories that were judged were light, amber, dark and specialty. Homebrewers were allowed to submit up to three entries and each was judged by a panel of craft brew experts: Jeff Bowles, from Huck’s Beer Buzz; Sean O’Keefe, Virginia Tech; Evan Graham, Lefty’s and Right Mind Brewing; Dave Younger, Valley Distributing; and the Starr Hill Brewery Brewing Team.

The winners in each category had their entries judged a final time to determine “Best of Show.” Michael Czernicki with Raspberry Beret, a brett beer, was determined the winner. He won the right to brew and serve his winning beer at the Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage as a seasonal selection.

Winners in each category are as follows:

Light

1st Place: Rodger Thurlow, “Guava Gose” (Fruit Beer)

2nd Place: Ken Knott & Jen Sharp-Knott “Our Orange President” (New England IPA)

3rd Place: David & Kelli Wheeler, “Bastogne Blonde” (Belgian Blonde)

Amber

1st Place: Steve Lusk, “Jim’s Special Amber” (American Amber)

2nd Place: Jason Cromer, “Jean-Claude Van Dubbel (Belgian Dubbel)

3rd Place: Curtis Shupe & Jayson Shirey, “Citra-A$$ Down” (American Pale Ale)

Dark

1st Place: Justin & Carrie Cox, “Nyet My President” (Whiskey Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout)

2nd Place: Beth Durham, “Baba Yaga” (Russian Imperial Stout)

3rd Place: Ken Knott & Jen Sharp-Knott, “Black Hops” (Black IPA)

Specialty

1st Place: Michael Czernicki, “Raspberry Beret” (Raspberry Brett)

2nd Place: Trevor Doyle & Brandon Shaver “Yes Wheat Pecan” (Barrel Aged Wheatwine with Toasted Pecans)

3rd Place: Doug & Sara Urquhart, “Hibiscus Berliner Weisse” (Berliner Weisse)

For information about Blacksburg Brew Do, visit www.blacksburgbrewdo.com or follow Brew Do on facebook and twitter at www.facebook.com/blacksburgbrewdo and @bburgbrewdo.

Blacksburg, Virginia, October 4, 2017– This year’s festival will be held at 1600 Innovation Drive in the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center (CRC) from Noon – 5pm (with Premier Access beginning at 11am). Attendees are asked to take advantage of the free shuttle from Virginia Tech’s Chicken Hill parking lot. Mountain Valley Transportation will operate the shuttle from 10:00 am and 6:00 pm on Saturday. In addition, a special bus stop will be placed near the festival entrance for Smart Way Bus riders from Roanoke or Christiansburg. Attendee parking is not allowed in the CRC.

Festival Shuttle and Other Bus Options
Mountain Valley Transportation Shuttle – Festival parking will be available in the Upper Chicken Hill lot, located on the corner of Southgate Drive and Research Center Drive on the Virginia Tech campus. Pickup for the shuttle, provided by Mountain Valley Transportation, will be in the center of the parking lot dividing the Upper and Lower Chicken Hill lots. Drop-off and return pickup will take place at a stop at the entrance of the festival. Both stops will be marked with signs. Shuttles will run continuously from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Frequency will be approximately every 15 minutes, with the last pickup from the festival entrance at 6:00 pm.

Smart Way Bus from Christiansburg and Roanoke – Smart Way bus will have a special stop at the VT Corporate Research Center. The cost is only $4 per person each way. The bus will stop at the corner of Innovation Drive and Research Center Drive at 10:50am; 12:20 pm; 1:50 pm; 3:20 pm; 4:50 pm; and 5:20 pm.
Directions to the Festival and Chicken Hill Parking Lot:
Festival grounds are located at 1600 Innovation Drive, across from the Virginia Tech Montgomery Executive Airport. From I-81 North or South, take Exit 118B, Rt. 460 towards Blacksburg. Turn right on Southgate Drive. Chicken Hill will be on the right, just past the traffic light (Research Center Drive), and you will see signs for the shuttle. If traveling on foot or by bicycle turn right onto Research Center Drive and the festival will be on the right. Ride Solutions will offer a bike valet across the street from the festival entrance.

At the end of the day, don’t drink and drive. Call one of the taxi services below:
• Blacksburg Hooptie Ride: 540-449-DRIV (3748)
• Text-A-Cab: 540-239-9724
• Download the UBER app on your phone.

Attendees are reminded to bring their advance purchased tickets as well as valid identification to verify age. Beer sampling will end at 4:45 pm. Guests wishing to drink alcohol must purchase a beer tasting ticket to receive a corresponding wristband.

For a list of breweries, event details, and to purchase tickets, visit www.blacksburgbrewdo.com or follow Blacksburg Brew Do on facebook and twitter at www.facebook.com/blacksburgbrewdo and @bburgbrewdo.