News Summary
Busch Gardens Williamsburg has kicked off its Bier Fest Brews and BBQ Festival, running every weekend in August and Labor Day. Guests can enjoy over 80 craft brews and BBQ dishes while live music adds to the festive atmosphere. In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the park is also holding a sweepstakes with the chance to win $50,000, making this event a perfect community gathering to enjoy local flavors and entertainment.
Williamsburg, VA – Busch Gardens Williamsburg has officially kicked off its Bier Fest Brews and BBQ Festival, celebrating the end of summer with a vibrant array of craft beverages and barbecue dishes. The festival, which runs every Friday through Sunday in August and also includes Labor Day, began on August 16 and will continue until September 2. The event will be accessible to guests from noon until 30 minutes before the park’s closing time each day.
Attendees at the festival can look forward to sampling more than 80 craft brews and specialty cocktails available at various restaurants and stands throughout the park. A comprehensive barbecue menu is also featured, offering a range of delicious options including pulled pork, chicken barbecue sliders, and barbecue smoked salmon, accompanied by decadent desserts such as chocolate bourbon pecan pie. Guests can enhance their experience by purchasing a 10-item sampler lanyard, allowing them to try a selection of both food and beverages during their visit.
The festive atmosphere includes live music, with a rotating lineup of local bands performing on the Prost Patio each weekend. This year’s musical lineup showcases rising artists, including Broke Royals and Tyler Meacham, who will provide entertainment to guests while they indulge in the myriad of food and drink offerings.
In addition to the festival, Busch Gardens has launched a special sweepstakes contest in celebration of its 50th anniversary. This contest offers participants a chance to win a grand prize of $50,000. To enter, visitors must purchase a single admission ticket or possess an existing admission pass by September 14. Each ticket qualifies for one entry into the sweepstakes, while visits made from Tuesday to Thursday are counted as two entries, allowing a maximum limit of 100 entries per participant. Contestants must be 18 years of age or older and are required to complete a sweepstakes application form, which is available online.
The Bier Fest Brews and BBQ Festival not only provides an exciting way for guests to enjoy the final days of summer but also serves as an engaging community gathering, featuring local music talent and specialty culinary delights. The event aligns with Busch Gardens’ tradition of hosting seasonal festivals that cater to a diverse audience, offering a unique blend of entertainment and gastronomy.
The festival highlights the park’s commitment to presenting local and artisanal flavors while creating memorable experiences for visitors of all ages. For more details about the festival, including a complete schedule of events and park hours, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the official Busch Gardens Williamsburg website.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bier Fest Returns to Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que Crowned Best in Virginia
Williamsburg to Host Revolutionary BBQ Brawl and Music Festival
Additional Resources
- Daily Press: Busch Gardens Bier Fest
- Wikipedia: Busch Gardens Williamsburg
- Williamsburg Families: Food & Wine Festival Review
- Google Search: Busch Gardens Williamsburg
- WY Daily: Food & Wine Festival Returns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Festival
- Northern Virginia Magazine: 50th Anniversary Celebrations
- Google News: Busch Gardens Events
- 13 News Now: Bier Fest Brews & BBQ

Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.