Whether standing in line to try a bold blueberry ale from Belgium or a chocolate-infused stout crafted in Virginia Beach, you probably had plenty of company while waiting for a taste.
"We've been just about at capacity for the last few seasons," said Rob Cross, director of the Virginia Arts Festival, which co-sponsors the annual affair with Norfolk Festevents. "Last year we actually sold out and had to turn people away."
Imagine what the turnout will be for this year's event, now that it's been named one of the country's best beer festivals by USA Today.
Luckily, organizers had a plan in effect well before being recognized in the national press.
"The Beer Festival has been such a success for us that we've added a second day," Cross said. "Hopefully that will make it less crowded and more comfortable for people to enjoy."
Now in its 12th year, the Virginia Beer Festival, at Town Point Park in downtown Norfolk this Saturday and Sunday, has grown in popularity in tandem with the burgeoning craft-beer movement.
"Microbreweries are popping up all over the country," Cross said. "Hampton Roads has at least five now. Ten years ago, there weren't any local breweries."
Craft brewers generally use traditional ingredients such as malt and barley to produce beer in smaller batches, and often with unique tastes that mass-produced beers lack.
This weekend, festivalgoers can sample craft beers from around the region and across the world.
"We have brewers coming from as far away as Germany to as close as Norfolk," Cross said.
A tasting ticket will serve as your passport to visit the 65 breweries on site offering more than 100 different beers. Spring for a premium ticket and get the VIP treatment with seating, special brews designated for that area only and "beer pairings" that match foods with brews that complement specific flavors.
But you don't need to be a high roller to soak up the suds. There will be plenty of food vendors on site for those with general admission tickets, live music will play each day, and participants can get schooled in the art of brewing with a variety of brewmaster seminars scheduled throughout the weekend.
Despite the celebratory air of the event, Cross emphasized the importance of responsible drinking and shared a few tips.
"Pace yourself and eat some food," he said. "Bring plenty of sunscreen, and remember to drink water between tastings."
But by all means, raise your souvenir 6-ounce glass and experience new flavors.
"Get a group of friends and make it a point to share and taste a bunch of different beers," said Cross. "There's going to be a lot of stuff that you just can't get at your local bar."
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