BOURBON + BACON—ROANOKE
When: Saturday, February 8, 2020
Part of the Tastings at the Taubman series, Bourbon + Bacon is a 21 and up event that combines two of our favorite things in a delicious winter event. Enjoy generous pours from noted distillers and tapas-style savory pork dishes prepared by local chefs as you browse the Taubman Museum’s stunning art collections, which remain open for the duration of the event. In addition to fantastic art, food, and bourbon beverages, the event includes live music performances and an educational talk by John Boyer, a senior instructor at Virginia Tech, about the whiskey-making traditions that shaped the spirit.
CHOCOLATE LOVERS FESTIVAL—FAIRFAX
When: Friday, January 31 – Sunday, February 2, 2020 Since 1993, the Chocolate Lovers Festival has brought people from all over the country to Fairfax to share their true love of chocolate. The three-day festival has every type of chocolate imaginable, from cocoa-based beverages like hot chocolate and chocolate beers and wines at the Liquid Chocolate event to the festival’s signature event, the Taste of Chocolate, where you’ll have the chance to try hundreds of delicious chocolate cakes, candies, brownies, fudge, and more. Continue the indulgent weekend with a Chocolate Baking Challenge, cake walk, silent auction, and open houses held at some of Fairfax’s most historic buildings.ANNUAL WINTER HONEY FESTIVAL—RICHLANDS
When: Saturday, February 8, 2020 The Annual Winter Honey Festival is a community celebration in Virginia’s Heart of Appalachia, featuring an array of outdoor events and all things honey. The festival schedule is filled with live music, wilderness walks, elk viewings, and other nature-based activities. You can also attend beekeeping classes to learn about how to maintain thriving hives and the importance of these small insects to our ecosystem. Vendors sell all sorts of bee-themed wares, craft beer, local food, wine, jewelry, art, and of course, plenty of fresh honey.BACCHUS WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL AT THE VIRGINIA LIVING MUSEUM—NEWPORT NEWS
When: Friday, February 7, 2020 The 15th annual Bacchus Wine & Food Festival at the Virginia Living Museum pays tribute to Bacchus, the God of Nature, Vine, and Wine, and supports the museum’s science education programs. Sample fine wines, small bites from local restaurants, and varied music, entertainment, and games during this tasty festival. Get the full experience when you sign up for the VIP Divine Reception, an hour-long event with exclusive samplings and priority access to all the featured restaurants. You’ll also receive full glasses of the highest rated wines (90 points or more) rather than just a tasting.GEORGE WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION—MOUNT VERNON
When: Monday, February 17, 2020
Pay tribute to the nation’s first president at George Washington’s Birthday Celebration, held at his Virginia estate, Mount Vernon. During the event, admission to Mount Vernon is free and includes all sorts of signature events to mark the occasion, like Presidential tributes from honored guests, a wreathlaying at Washington’s tomb, and character performances from George Washington and other notable colonial figures. Continental soldiers will conduct a marching drill, fire guns, and charge at their enemy as they give a demonstration of Washington’s impressive military force.
SHIVER IN THE RIVER—RICHMOND
When: Saturday, February 29, 2020
Embrace the cold at Shiver in the River, an annual winter event that supports Keep Virginia Beautiful. The day starts with a cleanup effort along the banks of the James River, ensuring that this Richmond landmark will stay beautiful for the generations to come. Next, get your blood pumping during the festival’s 5K race. You don’t have to be an experienced runner to participate in this part of the event; it’s open to people of all ages and fitness levels, so you can walk or run at your own pace. Cool off after the race with the signature event, a chilly dip in the James River at Historic Tredegar. The annual festival wraps up with a Winter Fest celebration that features live music, local food, and craft beverages. And don’t worry about the cold; Shiver in the River provides heated tents to warm you up after the icy river plunge.
