Hops and Barley Abound at CRI’s Gnarly Culpeper Block Party & Brew Fest!

Benjamin Franklin once said, “In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria.” Skip the bacteria and enjoy a taste of wisdom, served with a whole lot of freedom at Culpeper Renaissance, Inc.’s annual fundraiser and kick off to the spring and summer downtown event calendar, the Gnarly Culpeper Block Party & Brew Fest! Celebrating its 11th anniversary, Gnarly is back, showcasing your favorite local and regional brews, plus delicious cider and fine wine! Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 26 from 12pm to 5pm, and spend a great day in the historic and charming Depot District of Culpeper Downtown!

The 2025 Gnarly Culpeper Block Party & Brew Fest is the only place you can experience 12 of the best breweries and cideries in Virginia, all in one location. Sample tastings or enjoy full pours* (*additional cost) from Altered Suds Beer Company, Bald Top Brewing Company, Beer Hound Brewery, Cider Lab, Death Ridge Brewery, Far Gohn Brewing Company, Iron Pipe Alewerks, Old Bust Head Brewing Company, Silver Branch Brewing Company, Son of a Bear Ciders, Tap 29 Brewery & Pub, and WAR Craft Brewery. New this year, vote for your favorite as we name a Best in Brew, with one lucky winner claiming not only the gold, but also bragging rights! Plus, the Virginia Eagle beer truck will be in attendance with 16 taps flowing, to include Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company, Blue Mountain Brewery, Starr Hill Brewery, Bold Rock Hard Cider, New Realm Brewing Company, South Street Brewery, Michelob Ultra and more!

The Gnarly Culpeper Block Party & Brew Fest will deliver a day full of entertainment well beyond beer, cider and wine. Starting at 12pm, rock out to the alternative 90s sounds of local musician Eric Misa, with Bobby G. & the Heavies taking over the mic at 2:30pm, performing an eclectic mix of classic rock, soul, pop, blues and country hits. From 2pm to 2:30pm be sure to find yourself at the stage and learn a thing or two from Karen’s Line Dancing! Have the family in tow? You’re in luck as they will be thoroughly entertained by Danny’s Bouncy House, Sandy’s Face Painting and Brennan’s Balloons, all located within the Kid Central Kid’s Corner! Plus, enjoy a caricature from the talented Daniel Ryman or play a game of corn hole!

In between the excitement, don’t miss an opportunity to shop local artisan vendors Bad Ass Pickles, EstRaeya Jewelry Designs, Historic Smoke Cigars, Sweet Bites by Laura, Sweet Dove Crochet & Company and Uncle Andy’s. Nosh throughout the day at some of the best food trucks in the area, including Catch the Chef, Country Kettle, CRAVE Hot Dogs & BBQ, Garam Masala, Happy Family Ranch, Moo Thru Mobile, Mulligan’s Pub on the Green and Zandra’s Taqueria! With flavors from around the world, covering savory to sweet, you are sure to leave with a full belly, and maybe even some leftovers!

All are welcome, but please no pets, coolers or solicitation.

$35 Early Bird Unlimited Tasting tickets drop Friday, March 21 through Friday, March 28. 

Advanced Tickets:

• $40 Unlimited Advanced Tasting ticket  includes entry, unlimited beer, cider and wine samples, souvenir tasting glass, live entertainment, and corn hole. 
• $15 General Admission ticket includes entry, live entertainment, and corn hole. 

Day of Tickets (at gate):

• $50 Unlimited Tasting ticket  includes entry, unlimited beer, cider and wine samples, souvenir tasting glass, live entertainment, and corn hole. 
• $20 General Admission ticket includes entry, live entertainment, and corn hole.

Children 13 and under get in FREE!