Frothy fun: Northern Virginia BrewFest kicks off Saturday

Some may consider Oct. 31 the big day in October, and yes, Halloween surely holds its own as one of the most fun events of the year. But for beer lovers, the true good times are this weekend at the third annual Northern Virginia BrewFest, this Saturday and Sunday at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville. This year, there will be more than 60 beers from more than 45 breweries on site, enough to satisfy even the most demanding taste buds.

“The most important thing is to have a good variety of beer [that] people are excited to try for the first time,” said Dean Lake, brewmaster at Vintage 50 Restaurant & Brew Lounge in Leesburg, which is presenting the BrewFest.

NOVA BrewFest actually holds two events a year — the Summer BrewFest featured more American selections. The beers at each event reflect the season as well.

“We try to have more world-style beers, more of an Oktoberfest-style feel,” said Bill Collins, events manager at the High Road. He added that he expects about 5,000 people to attend this year’s event.

Newcomers to this year’s event include Holy Brew Brewing Co. from Northern Virginia, Terrapin Beer Co. from Athens, Ga., and a number of German selections.

“We’re always happy to have the freshest and the best” mid-Atlantic beers, Lake added.

One highlight promises to be Duck-Rabbit out of North Carolina, which only recently has been introduced to Northern Virginia and D.C.

“We’re pretty new in the Northern Virginia market,” said Paul Philippon, owner of Duck-Rabbit. “We’re a small brewery without much of a budget. Our best tool is to get the beer in front of people”

Duck-Rabbit, which has been around for five years, will most likely be pouring its Amber Ale, Brown Ale, Porter and Milk Stout.

“If I don’t love it, I don’t brew it,” said Philippon.

In addition to beer, there will be a number of food options, as well as live music all day. For more information, visit www.novabrewfest.com