Steins Up, Crozet.
The first real fall weekend brings Oktoberfest to Starr Hill, pro wrestling to Bold Rock, a Norton grape showcase to DuCard, classic British cars to Merrie Mill, and Chef Patrick O'Connell to Early Mountain. Here's your guide to 12 events across 9 venues in Charlottesville wine country.
Featured This Weekend
Oktoberfest at Starr Hill — Crozet
Saturday, September 12 · 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM · 5391 Three Notch'd Rd
Starr Hill was born in a Charlottesville music hall in 1999, and its Crozet production brewery and taproom on Three Notch'd Road is still where the beer gets made. On Saturday the whole place goes Bavarian: an all-day Oktoberfest from open to close with festbier on tap, live music from The Loya Brothers, and the kind of long-table, steins-up afternoon the season was made for. It's dog-friendly and family-friendly, with plenty of outdoor seating and the Blue Ridge right there. Come early for a table; stay for the Loya Brothers.
Friday — September 11
Kick off with a five-course supper or a free set in the garden.
A Night in Tokyo Secret Supper — Hazy Mountain Vineyards & Brewery, Afton · 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Hazy Mountain's Secret Supper series heads to Japan for an intimate five-course dinner: Virginia wagyu striploin tataki, yellowtail sashimi, tori chashu ramen, and a cherry blossom raindrop cake to finish, each course paired with a Hazy Mountain wine. Cocktail hour starts at 6, dinner is seated at 7 in the Solarium. Seats are limited — reserve ahead.
Ian Gilliam & The FireKings — Glass House Winery, Free Union · 6:00 PM
Blues, rockabilly, honky tonk, and straight-ahead rock & roll from one of the area's most reliable good-time bands, played inside Glass House's tropical conservatory among the banana trees. Jones Catering is on hand for dinner, so you can make a full night of it.
Friday Night Out with Nathan DiNapoli — DuCard Vineyards, Etlan · 5:00 – 8:00 PM
DuCard's Friday Night Out means half-price wine flights and an acoustic set from Nathan DiNapoli, who moves easily between jazz, bossa nova, funk, and country on solo guitar. No cover; reservations recommended. A mellow way to start the weekend at the foot of Old Rag.
Saturday — September 12
Pro wrestling, a Norton showcase, and a night under the stars.
Cider Slam — Bold Rock Hard Cider, Nellysford · 12:00 PM · Free, all ages
Pro Wrestling Hype returns to Bold Rock for an afternoon of live professional wrestling on the lawn, bell time at noon. Admission is free and it's family friendly, so bring the kids, grab a cider, and pick a side. Easily the most unexpected event in the valley this weekend.
Norton Mini Fest at DuCard Vineyards — DuCard Vineyards, Etlan · 12:00 – 5:00 PM · $10
Norton is America's oldest native wine grape, and the Norton Network is bringing DuCard, Nokesville Winery, and Fifty-Third Winery together to pour their takes on it side by side. A $10 tasting ticket (advance or at the door) gets you in, and live music runs 2 to 5 and 6 to 9 if you want to make a day of it. A rare chance to taste the grape across producers in one place.
2026 Central Virginia Star Party — Albemarle CiderWorks, North Garden · 6:30 – 10:00 PM
The annual Star Party returns to the orchard, hosted by UVA Astronomy and Dark Skies, Bright Kids. Telescopes come out as the sun goes down, and the ciderworks' rural setting means real darkness once it does. Bring a blanket, a sweater, and a glass of Virginia cider.
September Bachata with C'Ville Bachata Social — Hazy Mountain Vineyards & Brewery, Afton · 5:00 – 9:00 PM
C'Ville Bachata Social takes over the Hazy Mountain patio for an outdoor social dance with sunset views over the Blue Ridge. Salsa and bachata lessons run from 5 to 6 for anyone new to it, then the floor opens up. All levels welcome; food and drinks available all evening.
Sunday — September 13
Classic cars, a legendary chef, and a Sunday set in Crozet.
6th Annual Classic British Car Show — Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard, Keswick · 12:00 – 5:30 PM
Jaguars, MGs, Triumphs, and Minis line the lawn at Merrie Mill for the sixth year of this Keswick tradition. The Invasion Band plays British hits from 1 to 4, The Pie Guy food truck handles lunch, and the wine is close at hand. A great afternoon whether you know your E-Type from your Spitfire or not.
An Evening with Chef Patrick O'Connell — Early Mountain Vineyards, Madison · 4:00 PM
Patrick O'Connell, the three-Michelin-star chef behind The Inn at Little Washington, comes to Early Mountain to celebrate his new memoir, *Main, Middle & Gay*. A VIP reception runs 4 to 6, followed by dinner at 6:30. A once-a-season kind of evening — check availability before you drive out.
Wine & Cheese Pairing with Razzbourne Farms — Afton Mountain Vineyards, Afton · 1:00 – 2:00 PM · $60
A guided hour pairing Afton Mountain wines with cheeses from Razzbourne Farms, the Rockbridge County creamery behind the Kick Ash and other small-batch wheels. $60 per person; tickets are on Afton's website and the seating is small, so book ahead.
Live Music: Ellen Ruth — Starr Hill Brewery, Crozet · 3:00 – 5:00 PM
The day after Oktoberfest, Starr Hill slows things down with singer-songwriter Ellen Ruth in the taproom. Two hours of warm acoustic songs, a fresh pint, and a low-key way to close the weekend in Crozet.
Browse all events at weekendr.info.