Harvest Jubilee presents second annual Brew Fest

As the leaves change once again, so returns the Bright Leaf Brew Fest. The beer sampling festival that brought hundreds to downtown Danville last year is back for a second round Nov. 14.

Heather Vipperman, assistant director of tourism for Danville, said organizers expect to double the crowd of 450 from last year’s inaugural event. 

“(The Brew Fest) was created to meet the needs of a young professional to (someone) 50 or 60 who wanted something different,” Vipperman said. “If we want our college-educated students to come back home, we have to have something to entice them to the area.”

The festival offers more than 80 different types of beers — from “malternatives” and ciders to microbrews and craft brews — for sampling. Ticket prices include admission, nine four-ounce samples and a souvenir glass, with additional samples available for sale. There will be a DJ on site, with food from Texas Steakhouse and vendors selling gift items, from oak barrels to cigars.

“Last year more than 450 people attended, not including volunteers,” Vipperman said. “That was pretty remarkable for our first event… It’s been really well-received.”

The event, hosted by Harvest Jubilee, will take over the Community Market at The Crossing in Danville’s Tobacco District for six hours — a space with plenty of room for the nearly 1,000 visitors Vipperman is expecting.

Danville resident Rod Tomlinson, who attended the Brew Fest last year and serves on its board this year, said the event is great for Danville because it brings in visitors from out of town.

“I have people coming in from Atlanta, Raleigh, Richmond,” Tomlinson said. “It’s a larger city-type of event. It’s a real opportunity for Danville to shine, to show us as a little more metropolitan but also show off our small city charm.”

Tomlinson said he often travels to other cities for similar events and looked forward to bringing that type of financial support home to Danville.

“I travel every year to at least three different beer festivals,” he said, “and every time I go, I end up going to another city, staying in their hotels and eating in their restaurants. It’s just a real good opportunity for us to bring in revenue from other places.”

For people interested in trying beers but not interested in driving afterward, there are a few safe options to avoid getting behind the wheel. Designated driver tickets are available for $5 and Woodall Auto Mall will be sponsoring free transportation to and from the Comfort Inn & Suites. City residents can also reserve a ride from the Danville Trolley, which will pick up passengers at their scheduled time and take them home.

Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce President Laurie Moran is not directly involved with the Brew Fest, but she works with the chamber’s young professionals group — a demographic Vipperman hopes to attract.

“I think anytime we can provide diverse opportunities and activities that attract young professionals,” Moran said, “it’s a great way to keep them in our area. It’s also a great way to bring people here to see what’s available.

“It’s important that we have lots of different types of quality-of-life amenities, and that can be anything from bike trails to events and festivals in the region.”

Bright Leaf Brew Fest
• Saturday, Nov. 14, 2 to 8 p.m.
• Danville Community Market
• Tickets: $18 in advance, $25 at the gate, $5 for designated drivers.
• Information: (434) 793-4636
• Driving options: Free transportation to and from the Comfort Inn & Suites or reserve a ride through the Danville Trolley, (434) 799-5144.