SOUTH BOSTON- It’s the return of the 2nd annual SoBo Brew Fest craft beer festival. The event is on tap for Saturday, May 11 from 2 – 4 p.m. at Constitution Square in historical Downtown South Boston. VIP entry is at 1 p.m. The festival will take place rain or shine.

Last year’s inaugural event drew a crowd of more than 200 people who came out in rainy weather to sample craft beers from all over the country. Local breweries-Buggs Island Brewery and Staunton River Brewing Company-represented well and made quite an impression with the attendees. The local distillery, Springfield Distillery, served up samples of their spirits.

The second-year craft beer festival will provide a day of fun sampling expertly chosen craft beers, live music, food trucks, and lounging. More than 60 craft brews from national, regional, and local breweries will be on hand for sampling. The 2019 event will also feature ciders from two regional cideries.

SoBo Brew Fest Returns

“We are thrilled to bring back the SoBo Brew Festival and to partner with Destination Downtown South Boston and Blue Ridge Beverage,” said Linda Shepperd, director of tourism for Halifax County. “Last year’s event was a success, and we hope to build on that and create a real opportunity to bring visitors from across the state and from neighboring states to Halifax County for this festival. Craft beer tastings are popular throughout the country and have a large following. We look forward to welcoming connoisseurs, novices, and folks who want to enjoy a new experience to our community and this event.”

Festival-goers may purchase tickets at three levels-VIP ($45); general admission ($25) or designated driver ($10). Each ticket includes admission to the festival, sampling tickets, a commemorative festival glass (while supplies last), access to food trucks, and live music. Ticket prices increase to $50 (VIP) and $30 (General Admission) at the door on the day of the event.

Tickets will be available in advance at the South Boston-Halifax County Visitor Center or online at www.sobobrewfest.com

Hop heads purchasing the VIP ticket will have access to the festival beginning at 1 p.m. and will enjoy an exclusive craft beer on tap until 2 p.m. The event opens to general admission ticket holders at 2 p.m., and festivities go until 8 p.m.

Two live bands and a DJ will be spinning to provide music throughout the day. The local trio, Burn the Batteau, will dazzle the crowd with classic blues sounds. The complete music lineup will be announced in early March.

“We hope you join us in having a great time, creating memories and all the while supporting the local community”, Shepperd said.

For more information and updates about the festival, go to www.gohalifaxva.com/sobo-brewfest.