Cigar, Bourbon & Beer Festival
Program Details & Spotlights
Indulge in premium selections of cigars, rich bourbons, and exceptional local craft beers at the annual Cigar, Bourbon & Beer Festival, hosted at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds. This popular regional festival brings together numerous Virginia distilleries, craft breweries, and cigar vendors in a relaxed, open-air setting. Enjoy live musical entertainment on the main stage, explore mouth-watering barbecue and other local food trucks, and relax with fellow enthusiasts in designated tasting zones.
For those of us living or vacationing at Lake Anna, a quick trip "into town" to Fredericksburg is a cherished tradition—especially when it involves one of the region's most anticipated sensory events of the year. The annual Cigar, Bourbon & Beer Festival transforms the historic Fredericksburg Fairgrounds into a lively, open-air lounge that is well worth the 35-minute drive from the lake. It is the ultimate transition from sunny dockside days to cozy, flavor-packed autumn evenings, bringing together the absolute best of Virginia's craft beverage and tobacco scenes.
This isn't just a tasting event; it's a full-throttle celebration of craftsmanship. Virginia’s bourbon distillery scene has exploded in recent years, and this festival gathers some of the commonwealth's finest master distillers alongside top-tier craft brewers. Whether you are a seasoned cigar aficionado looking to pair a rare, hand-rolled beauty with a smoky, high-rye bourbon, or a casual fan eager to sample a crisp local IPA while enjoying the cool evening air, the atmosphere is incredibly welcoming, relaxed, and distinctively Virginian.
As the sun goes down, the fairgrounds truly light up. The air fills with the rich aromas of premium tobacco and slow-cooked pit barbecue from a fleet of the area's favorite food trucks. With live bands keeping the energy high from the main stage and plenty of designated tasting zones scattered throughout the open-air venue, you’ll find plenty of space to spread out, mingle with fellow lake locals, and enjoy a vibrant night out under the stars.
Why You Should Attend
- Unrivaled Craft Selection: Sample a curated portfolio of rich, oak-aged Virginia bourbons and exceptional local craft beers that you won't easily find on standard store shelves.
- The Perfect Cigar Pairings: Browse and purchase premium cigars from top-tier regional vendors, with experts on hand to help you find the perfect smoke to complement your drink of choice.
- Mouth-Watering Food & Music: Pair your pours with legendary Virginia barbecue and local eats while enjoying a curated lineup of live musical acts performing all evening long.
- A Great Lake Escape: It’s the perfect excuse to gather your lake crew, head up Route 208, and experience the thriving culture of nearby historic Fredericksburg.
Insider Tips
- Bring a Travel Humidor: Many of the boutique cigar vendors offer exclusive festival-only deals. Bring a humidor bag or travel case so you can take a few premium sticks back to the lake to enjoy on your dock later.
- Plan Your Safe Ride Home: Fredericksburg is about 30 to 40 minutes from most parts of Lake Anna. We highly recommend booking a local shuttle service, arranging a designated driver in advance, or planning for a rideshare to ensure everyone gets home safely.
- Arrive for Sunset: The gates open at 4:00 PM, which is the perfect time to get your bearings, beat the longest tasting lines, and secure a great spot near the main stage just as the autumn evening chill sets in.
- Dress in Layers & Bring a Chair: The festival is entirely outdoors at the fairgrounds. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on grass and gravel, bring a light jacket for when the sun sets, and consider packing a couple of lawn chairs to create your own personal lounge zone.
⚓ Local Visitor Navigation Tips & Parking
This is a ticketed, 21-and-over event. Tickets include tasting tokens and a souvenir glass, with options for general admission or VIP lounges. Parking is available on-site at the fairgrounds. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome for outdoor seating.