Words by Katie Brownfiel. Image courtesy of York County Chamber of Commerce.
Nothing says fall to beer connoisseurs quite like an Oktoberfest. From the iconic German celebration along Portsmouth’s High Street to local breweries’ seasonal releases, fall is a festive time in Hampton Roads. Before the end of October ushers in the holiday events, there’s one last Oktoberfest celebration to mark your calendars with: Yorktoberfest.
Running from 12PM-5:30PM on Sunday, November 6th at Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown, Yorktoberfest is an annual unlimited craft beer tasting event. Tickets are $30 until October November 5th and $40 at the door. VIP tickets, because of their popularity, are already sold out this year. These tickets, in addition to the unlimited tastings, give you early-bird access at 11AM and two full-pour beer tickets for $50. Nearly two dozen local breweries will be represented, and the spectrum of over 35 unique brews is wide. From ciders and porters to IPAs and marzens, there will be something for every taste and preference. Some breweries are embracing the fall season with pumpkin ales, festbier, caramel apple cider, and honey meade lager. If none of these beers or ciders catch your eye, a wine booth will also be available. Non-alcoholic general admission is available for $10, and children aged 10 and younger are free.
When you get hungry, veteran-owned DD214 Smokehouse will be available with their award winning pulled pork. Local favorites Get Cheesy, Boyd’s Dogs, Healthy Eatz Vegetarian Cafe, and Pop’s Kettle Corn will also be available at the event to meet a variety of dietary restrictions and preferences. Acoustic group CK Music Band and a DJ will be providing the musical entertainment for the event. Law enforcement, first responders, military, and the Educator of the Year will all be recognized at the event.
This year’s theme is Home Improvement, and many of the vendors will be related to that theme. The county’s leadership, Board of Supervisors, sheriff, and economic development and tourism offices will all be represented at the community event as well.
Mike Lewis is on the Board of Directors of the York County Chamber of Commerce and is the co-chair of the event with Snap Troeschel, the current President of the Chamber of Commerce. Lewis reports that the event is expecting a significant crowd this year. Lewis says, “After not having the event in 2020 due to Covid, there were over 900 attendees in 2021.” The proceeds from the event go directly to the operating budget for the York County Chamber of Commerce.
Yorktoberfest is utilizing it's rain date, November 6, 2022.