RVA Hogtoberfest: A Great Alternative to RVA-B-Q

Now I'm not gonna spend any time actually bashing RVA-B-Q.  It's alright.  As long as you know that you're just going to eat BBQ at an overly crowded farmer's market.  That's all I'm saying.

But RVA’s annual Hogtoberfest for 2013 took place on Oct. 5th in Libby Hill Park (2801 E. Franklin St.) in Richmond’s historic Church Hill district; a beautiful more spacious location to eat BBQ, drink beer, and enjoy the last of the warm weather for the year.  And on top of having more space with (possibly) less people, you have some of the most beautiful views of the city.

(Ok in certain places, at certain times, there were a lot of people)

BBQ sponsors included Richmond staples like Alamo BBQ and Buz and Ned’s Real Barbecue (among many others).  However there were also vegetarian options provided by the Mosaic Food Truck, like vegan brisket (they also served non-vegetarian food like Korean barbecue sliders).

 The Halligan's Bar fire truck

 Of course I had to get Alamo

And my new favorite portable dessert company King of Pops was there with maple bacon and chocolate bacon popsicles.

And of course there was beer, provided by Brown Distributing (and apparently Shock Top was a presenting sponsor), and wine.  Why wouldn’t there be?

On the live stage, music was provided by bands like The Southern Belles, People’s Blues of Richmond, and The Hit List.  By the time we go there, we only get to catch the full performance of Long Arms around 3:30.  They were more folk/indie with a little rock, but we also heard the end and beginning of other bands that were more bluegrassy.  Regardless, the live bands of Richmond were an excellent accent to the scenery, food, and overall atmosphere.

Since this was basically a big neighborhood event (that the whole city was welcome to join) there were lots of family activities like face painting, balloon animals, and an arts and crafts play station.  And I saw some little games and cut outs for photo ops and such.

And an interesting new experience was trying the Newport News Airport’s flight simulator van…truck…vehicle thing.  In the Style Weekly article, it says “Church Hill has the best view of Richmond, and no you can fly right above it”.  It didn’t look like I was flying above Richmond on the screen…there was a lot of water…like ocean style.  But hey, it was still really cool. For about 10 minutes. Then I got bored.  But I’m ADD soooo…..

Anyway, it was definitely a really good time in some BEAUTIFUL unseasonal weather.  I look forward to attending the 2014 Hogtoberfest for sure!

You can find out more information at the Style Weekly Hogtober article from last year, and in the meantime keep your eyes peeled around September or October for more info about plans for this year’s event.  Just remember to leave extra time to find parking on the streets of Church Hill!