It’s approximately 4,497 miles from Tazewell VA to Munich, the German home of Oktoberfest, the world’s largest celebration of beer.
But if a trip to Deutschland isn’t in your Autumn travel budget, there’s an awesome alternative in beautiful Tazewell County, Virginia, with no passport required!
Virginia Fall festivals are our jam, and the Southwest Virginia town of Tazewell serves up one heck of a Brewfest in an Appalachian wonderland beloved by nature lovers.
On Saturday, October 7, the Historic Main Street in Tazewell hosts the annual Oktobrewfest. The celebration features local and regional breweries, cideries, and wineries, along with music, food, and arts and crafts vendors.
The weekend kicks off with a Friday night showcase of local Tazewell County restaurants offering dinner and/or drink specials, and continues with an “After Brewfest Party” Saturday night at Back of the Dragon (a local brewery).
Read on for our in-depth guide to Oktobrewfest in Tazewell VA, including information on ticket prices, driving directions, and the best things to do at the Virginia Oktoberfest.
Bring your friends and say “Prost!” a German toast to life and health.
READ MORE: 10 Best Virginia Mountain Towns to Visit
TAZEWELL OKTOBREWFEST INFO
ADDRESS: Main Street, Tazewell VA, 24651
PHONE: 276-988-5091
2023 OKTOBREWFEST DATE: Saturday, Oct 7
HOURS: Saturday 5PM-10PM
OKTOBREWFEST TICKETS: Official Website
OKTOBREWFEST PRICES: $35 for a wristband w/unlimited drink tastings (ID required); $5 for non-drinkers
PARKING/SHUTTLE INFO: There will be shuttle service available from the Tazewell County Chamber of Commerce parking lot at 165 Chamber Drive, Tazewell VA. Shuttle service is also available to area hotels and AirBnBs.
PARTICIPATING TAZEWELL COUNTY HOTELS: Mention “Oktobrewfest” when booking for a discount!
The Holiday Inn Express • Pounding Mill VA • Check Rates
The Super 8 • Claypool Hill/Richlands VA • Check Rates
Comfort Inn • Bluefield VA • Check Rates
DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM ABINGDON VA
From Abingdon VA, follow US-19 for 56.1 miles to VA-16 Alt S/Fairground Rd in Tazewell County. Continue following VA-16 for 1.3 miles to W Main St in Tazewell.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM WYTHEVILLE VA
From Wytheville VA, take I-77 toward Bluefield VA for 22.8 miles. Take exit 64 for VA-61/US-52 toward Rocky Gap and go 0.3 miles, then turn left onto US-52/VA-61 W (following signs for Tazewell) in 0.2 miles. Continue on VA-61 W for 24 miles, then turn left on Ben Bolt Ave and go 0.3 miles to W Main St in Tazewell.
READ MORE: 20 Fun Things to Do in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia
Fun Things to Do at Oktobrewfest in Tazewell County VA
1. Live Music on Main Street
Live music is a mainstay at many of our favorite Virginia festivals, and Oktobrewfest features two bands that will make you want to put down your beer stein and dance.
Makenzie Phipps, a talented country music singer-songwriter, will be performing from 5:30PM to 7:30PM. Phipps has a captivating voice, and capably blends classic country music with soulful blues.
This small-town girl from Bluefield WV has been delighting audiences at fairs and festivals since she was a young child. Check out her cover of “Amazing Grace” and her latest single, “A Little of Both.”
The Steele Cookin Band (SCB for short) is a soulful rock and blues jam band with 20+ years of experience in southwest Virginia. Like all true “Jam Bands,” the SCB focuses on creating unique performances for every show.
SCB are avid music lovers, with influences ranging from the Allman Brothers and Bonnie Raitt to Steve Winwood and Traffic. The Steele Cookin Band will play on the Oktobrewfest stage from 8PM to 10PM.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Virginia Music Festivals to Visit
2. Historic Tazewell Main Street
One of the oldest communities in southwest Virginia, the picturesque town of Tazewell was originally named Jeffersonville in honor of President (and longtime VA resident) Thomas Jefferson.
In 1891, at the request of the US Postal Service, the name Jeffersonville was abandoned in favor of Tazewell.
Historic Tazewell’s Main Street has seen many changes, but you can still soak up the nostalgia of the past at Oktobrewfest while enjoying modern amenities and innovations.
While enjoying the festival, be sure to check out Main Street stores like Between Friends Gift Shop and the Bliss on Main clothing boutique.
The Front Porch on Main and Bee Noodle’d are two great Main Street Tazewell restaurants, in addition to the myriad Oktobrewfest food vendor delights.
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3. Drive the Back of The Dragon
The friendly little town of Tazewell VA is known for the famous Back of The Dragon Road, the only designated motorcycle route in the State of Virginia.
Tazewell resident Larry Brent Davidson was stationed in Heidelburg, Germany in the U.S. military, and found his Jack Kerouac moment on the mountainous roads of Austria and Germany.
After returning to the States, he realized similar driving experiences could be found near his hometown of Tazewell VA.
Larry saw this as an opportunity to help revitalize the former mining town. With help from the Governor of Virginia, Larry and his friends pushed legislation to officially name Route 16 “The Back of The Dragon.”
Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, the gives motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts a chance to experience 32 miles of exhilarating driving from Marion VA to Tazewell VA.
The “Dragon” offers over 400 curves for thrill seekers, with amazing expansive views of three mountain ranges.
Located on Main Street Tazewell, The Back of The Dragon Store offers a gift shop, brewery, and food truck well worth exploring after a day of fun on the open road.
READ MORE: Where are the Blue Ridge Mountains? A State-by-State Guide
4. Friday Night Kick-Off
In 2023, the organizers of Oktobrewfest have added a Friday Night Kick-Off to the Tazewell Virginia Brewfest.
This event showcases Tazewell County restaurants in Bluefield VA, Pocahontas VA, Richlands VA, and Tazewell VA. These towns share a rich Appalachian history of rugged coal mining and mountain living.
Oktobrewfest offers a chance to explore these welcoming Virginia towns and sample some of the local culinary offerings, with specials and live music at participating restaurants.
In Bluefield VA, visit the Restaurant and Bar at the Fincastle Country Club. This casual restaurant is a great place to relax with friends over a meal, with drinks from the full bar.
Nine miles west of Bluefield you’ll find the lively town of Pocahontas VA and the nostalgic Ole No. 3 restaurant. Housed in the former bathhouse for the town’s coal mine, the Ole No. 3 serves up comfort food and a step back in time.
Coaltown Taps, a taproom and restaurant in Richlands VA, will be serving up craft beers and fine food for the Friday Night Kick-Off.
Back in Tazewell, visitors can stop at The Back of the Dragon, The Front Porch on Main, or Bee Noodle’d for dinner and drink specials to kick off the 2023 Oktobrewfest.
READ MORE: 30 Fun Facts About Appalachian Scots-Irish History & Culture
5. Sample Beers, Ciders, and Wines
Tazewell County VA and other nearby cideries, craft brewers, and wineries are joining together to provide the spirits that are essential to any great brewfest.
The Back of the Dragon Brewery will be providing beer for the festival, along with 7 Dogs Brewpub, Damascus Brewery, Virginia Eagle, and Abingdon’s Michael Waltrip Brewing.
In addition to the craft beers, the Tumbling Creek Cider Company will be offering hard ciders that satisfy your taste buds with rich apple flavors.
Virginia Wineries such as Mountain Rose Vineyards and Plum Creek Winery will also be at the festival, offering exquisite wines made from grapes grown nearby.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Staunton VA
6. The After Brewfest Party at Back of The Dragon
592 Main Street, Tazewell VA • Official Website
On Saturday night, the After Brewfest Party will be held on Main Street at the Back of The Dragon Brewery, from 10PM to midnight.
All festival attendees are welcome to join their fellow Brewfest revelers in the short walk to the Back of The Dragon after the Steele Cookin Band finishes their concert.
The After Brewfest Party at Back of The Dragon is the perfect way to close out Oktobrewfest with craft beer, food, and music for everyone to enjoy. –by Heather Taylor & Jon Weaver
This post was brought to you in partnership with the Tazewell County Chamber of Commerce. But, as always, our opinions remain our own.
