Taste of NoVA, Northern Virginia Magazine’s signature two-day food and drink festival, had to quickly seek a change of venue when the original host, the National Museum of the U.S. Army in Fort Belvoir, closed due to the federal government shutdown.
Now, the region’s biggest foodie festival is headed to Prince William County’s NOVA LIVE 21-acre campus this weekend, October 11 and 12. It will feature sips and bites from more than 120 of Northern Virginia’s top chefs and award-winning beverage creators.
“When the clock is ticking and the expectations are sky-high, that’s when our team shines,” said Marcus Silva, President & CEO, Villagio Group Hospitality. “NOVA LIVE is the perfect stage for this festival because we capture the energy, diversity, and creativity that define Northern Virginia.”
Taste of NoVA is empowered by Northern Virginia Food Rescue, a nonprofit fighting food insecurity and waste. Guests can enjoy tastings from dozens of the region’s acclaimed restaurants — including The Inn at Little Washington on Sunday — and award-winning wineries, breweries, distilleries, and mixologists over the course of the two-day event.
Federal government workers can use promo code GOV20 to save 20 percent on general admission tickets to Taste of NoVA with a valid government ID.
"This would not have been possible without Prince William County working 24/7 over the last week to get expedited permitting for this festival,” said Sang Yang, CEO, Northern Virginia Magazine. “The event has expanded to two days for the first time this year, and we will present Chef Patrick O’Connell with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the magazine. He’ll also chat on stage with NBC4’s Eun Yang and answer guests’ questions."
By hosting Taste of NoVA at the new venue, the festival will be adjacent to the entire NOVA LIVE campus, featuring 2 Silos Brewing Co., The Black Sheep restaurant, and live music at theYARD music stage. NOVA LIVE rebranded this spring with the expansion of MurLarkey Distilled Spirits and Proof Kitchen + Bar restaurant as well as Everybody Eats catering and the upcoming Tempo by Hilton hotel.
"As I like to tell my team: pressure is a privilege, and we thrive under it," said Christina Winn, executive director, Prince William County Department of Economic Development and Tourism. “I want to acknowledge the strong commitment of county staff, particularly the Development Services Department, who have stepped up to meet the accelerated permitting and coordination needs of this event. Their responsiveness mirrors the dedication shown during recent large-scale events like the 2024 Solheim Cup and LIV Virginia golf tournaments, demonstrating once again that Prince William can rise to the occasion for high-profile opportunities."
