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Photo courtesy of the GWCTA.
JWCW members and volunteers Lizzie Bailey, Rebecca Houston, Kasey Pittman, Alex Joose.
Two years ago, I discovered that I love Whistle Belly! But, at the beginning of August in our smoldering town, it’s often very hot in what we call “the Rock Star Parking Lot.” This year’s Whistle Belly moves to a better location on Duke of Gloucester Street in Merchants Square, where you’ll be able to be in the center of town enjoying one of the best beer festivals around. It will also be on a Saturday night! Just the idea of a cooler breeze with all that beer sampling sounds delightful.
The event, on August 4, is expected to draw around 1,000 people, so make sure to get your tickets early. There are also VIP tickets where you can get tastes of some select batches. Last year the hot sample was Alewerk’s Jubilee Rare, which was only available for one day and then again as a VIP selection at Whistle Belly. The VIP list was around a dozen last year, adding to more than 60 different options available to festival guests with their Mason jar glasses. VIP entry starts at 6 p.m. with access to rare beers and to the entire festival an hour before general admission.
The state fair theme will continue, according to Lauren Moore, the event coordinator and general manager of the DoG Street Pub. Get ready to load up on corn dogs, funnel cake sticks and wings!
“Whistle Belly is a festival that elevates an evening of libations into an adventure of more than 70 beers and state-fair-inspired food. Whistle Belly has become the premier Williamsburg beer event that raises money for a worthy non-profit,” said Moore.
That non-profit cause is the Junior Women’s Club of Williamsburg high school student scholarships.
“Whistle Belly is an event that generates funds for our club’s general donations, including various projects across the community as well as our Pete and Nan Cruikshank scholarship, whichis awarded to multiple seniors eachyear recognizing their commitment to community service,” said Tori Otstot, president of the JWCW.
This event is creative and fun—it looks to only be more of that this year. It’s a great opportunity to socialize and learn about beer in Virginia—I was inspired to plan trips to Pleasure House brewing in Virginia Beach and Blue Mountain Brewery in Afton, near Charlottesville after trying some of their goses (a sour, salty beer, pronounced goes –ah,) my favorite style that’s perfect for hot Virginia summers.
If you’d like to go, the fourth annual Whistle Belly will take place on Saturday, August 4, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Whistle Belly will feature 45 breweries, 8 non-alcohol vendors along with multiple food stations. Tickets include food and beverage along with live music.
williamsburgjuniors.org/donations-and-scholarshipsalewerks.com