Red Dragon, 6 Bears & A Goat, Highmark, and Strangeways – Fredericksburg’s local breweries have helped the city earn a nomination for USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Small Town Beer Scenes. Staunton is the only other Virginia city on the list.

The city said the nomination celebrates the area’s craft beer culture and recognizes the community of brewers and craft beer enthusiasts. Josh Summits, Director of Economic Development and Tourism for the city, said, “This nomination is a testament to the hard work of our local breweries and the support of our community. We invite everyone to cast their votes daily and help us showcase Fredericksburg’s exceptional beer culture to the nation.”

The Fredericksburg area, including Stafford and Spotsylvania, is home to 12 breweries and a new dog park with a taphouse expected to open this year. Stafford is home to World Beer Cup winner Barley Naked and the newly opened Laudenbach Brewing.  The Fredericksburg Area Beer Trail marks the breweries located in Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg, and Stafford, and offers a Passport visitors can have stamped at each participating brewery.

The nomination also noted Fredericksburg’s annual beer festivals at the Fairgrounds and the city’s Oktoberfest celebration, which began in downtown Fredericksburg before moving to the FredNats stadium.

The Brewer’s Association estimates the brewing industry contributed over $1.6 billion to Virginia’s economy in 2023 and over 11,000 jobs.

Fans can visit USA Today daily and cast their vote for Fredericksburg, VA.

Voting ends on February 24 at noon, and the top 10 winners will be announced on March 5.