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Annual Beer & Wine Festival Returns To Water Park National Landing

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 23rd 2025 at 18:45 GMT by Patch
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Arlington’s Annual Beer‑and‑Wine Festival Makes a Splash at National Landing Water Park

Arlington County’s long‑running Beer‑and‑Wine Festival has come back to town, and this year it’s taking a liquid twist. After a two‑year hiatus due to the pandemic, the festival is set to launch on the 14th and 15th of July at the National Landing water park, a popular waterfront destination on the Potomac River. The event, which promises a cornucopia of craft beers, local wines, live music, and family‑friendly fun, is slated to attract thousands of visitors to the downtown corridor that has become the city’s new cultural hub.

A Quick Snapshot

The festival’s organizers, a collaboration between the Arlington County Parks Department, local craft breweries, and the National Landing Development Group, have announced that this year’s lineup will feature more than 30 breweries, 12 wineries, and a handful of distilleries—an expansion from the roughly 20‑plus breweries that attended in 2019.

What’s New This Year

1. Waterfront Venue & Expanded Activities

The National Landing water park is a sprawling 30‑acre recreation area featuring a wave pool, splash pad, and a new amphitheater. By moving the festival to the water park, organizers aim to combine the joy of a sunny day by the river with the sophisticated palate of craft beverages. In addition to the usual beer tastings, the festival will include a “Sip & Savor” food truck festival featuring local chefs serving Mediterranean tapas, Korean BBQ, and farm‑to‑table burgers.

2. Family‑Friendly Programming

To encourage families to attend, the festival will open its doors to children at a reduced rate and include a dedicated kids’ zone. Activities include a mini‑water park for toddlers, interactive craft beer “science” demonstrations (safe for all ages), and a “Wine Tasting for the Younger Palate” where kids can learn about grape varieties in a playful setting. Live kids’ concerts will be performed by the Arlington Youth Orchestra, who will play classics and pop hits throughout the weekend.

3. Music and Entertainment

The festival’s musical lineup features a blend of local and national acts. On Friday evening, the indie rock trio The Grape Vine will headlining the amphitheater, followed by a DJ set from DJ H2O. Saturday will feature the popular pop‑fusion band Siren Song and a live acoustic set by singer‑songwriter Lila Quinn. Additionally, a “Live Art” station will host watercolorists painting river scenes, offering an interactive visual backdrop to the event.

4. Health & Safety Protocols

Arlington County has pledged to maintain a safe environment with updated health protocols. Mask‑wearing will remain optional for adults but will be required for anyone under 18. Hand‑sanitizer stations will be installed throughout the venue, and the water park’s pool area will be regularly monitored. A first‑aid tent staffed by volunteers will be available near the main entrance.

Highlights of the Beverage Line‑up

• Craft Breweries: The festival will feature standout breweries such as Brookside Brewing Co. (known for its Imperial Stout), Redwood Ale House, and Hometown IPA. Specialty releases include a limited‑run Summer Saison by Vernon Valley Brewery and a Pumpkin Ale by Jolly Rancher Beer. A unique highlight is the “Sustainable Stouts” booth featuring breweries that use recycled glass and local coffee beans for their brews.

• Local Wineries: Wineries from the Potomac Valley and Virginia’s Monticello Region are in attendance, offering signature reds like Oaks & Clay’s Cabernet Sauvignon, and light, crisp whites such as Ridgeview Winery’s Sauvignon Blanc. Visitors can also sample Rosé from the popular Silver Springs Vineyard, a favorite for summer pairings.

• Distilleries & Spirits: While the festival’s primary focus is beer and wine, a small “Distillery Corner” will feature artisanal gin from Cascade Gins and a new line of craft vodkas from Stone River Distilling. They will conduct “Tasting & Mixology” workshops on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.

How to Get There

The National Landing water park is conveniently located on the western edge of Arlington, directly across the Potomac River from downtown Washington, D.C. The Rosslyn Metro station is just a two‑block walk away. MBTA’s 12 and 16 bus lines also drop passengers near the entrance. For those driving, a newly constructed parking lot adjacent to the water park will accommodate up to 250 vehicles, and a “Valet & Car‑Share” program will help reduce traffic congestion.

Why the Festival Matters

The Beer‑and‑Wine Festival is more than just a tasting event. For Arlington, it signals a return to normalcy and a commitment to revitalizing the National Landing area. The partnership between the County Parks Department and the local beverage industry underlines the city’s strategy to promote sustainable tourism while supporting small businesses. In a recent statement, the County’s Director of Parks, Janet Lopez, said, “This year’s festival is a celebration of community resilience, showcasing the diversity of our local craft scene while giving residents and visitors a safe, vibrant space to enjoy summer.”

The festival’s location at the water park also aligns with Arlington’s “Liveable City” plan, which encourages mixed‑use development and recreational amenities. The addition of the amphitheater will offer a permanent venue for future concerts and festivals, further cementing National Landing’s status as a cultural nexus.

Tickets, Schedule, and More

Tickets for the Beer‑and‑Wine Festival can be purchased through the official festival website (https://www.arlingtonbeerwinefestival.org), where a “Festival Guide” is available for download. The guide lists all participating breweries, wineries, and entertainment acts, and includes a detailed map of the park, rest‑room locations, and vendor stalls.

In addition to the official website, the festival’s social media channels—Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter—provide daily updates on lineup changes, weather advisories, and interactive contests (e.g., “Name the Brew” challenge). Fans are encouraged to use the hashtag #ArlingtonBrewFest for a chance to win free entry to the next year’s festival.

Final Thoughts

With its combination of craft drinks, culinary delights, live music, and family activities, Arlington’s Beer‑and‑Wine Festival promises to be a splash of culture, community, and celebration. The return to the National Landing water park underscores the city’s innovative approach to event planning—turning a beloved recreational space into a lively, multi‑sensory experience that appeals to all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur, a wine aficionado, or just looking for a fun way to spend a July weekend, the festival is sure to offer something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this flavorful, festive gathering—grab your tickets early and get ready to toast to Arlington’s vibrant future.