Bacchus Wine and Food Festival

Join us for Bacchus
a Night of Wine, Food, and Wild Fun

presented by TowneBank

Friday, February 6, 2026
Divine Reception: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. (SOLD OUT)
Main Event: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Raise a glass to a good cause at the Virginia Living Museum’s 22nd Annual Bacchus Wine and Food Festival, one of Hampton Roads’ favorite winter events. Sip and savor your way through the galleries as you enjoy fine wines, gourmet bites from local restaurants, live music, and a lively silent auction, all while supporting science education and conservation.


Tickets often sell quickly, so advance purchase is strongly encouraged.

There are live musicians during Bacchus.

Bacchus Event Highlights

Experience an unforgettable evening that brings together food, wine, and the wonders of nature:

  • Tasting stations featuring wines, craft beverages, and signature pours
  • Delicious samplings from local Hampton Roads restaurants and caterers
  • Live music and entertainment throughout the museum
  • A diverse silent auction with unique experiences, dining, and more
  • Time to mingle with friends among beautiful exhibits and galleries


Inspired by Bacchus, the god of nature, vine, and wine, this is an evening designed for indulgence that also makes a meaningful impact.

Divine Reception

6:00 – 7:00 p.m. (Includes Main Event)

Start your night with an elevated experience. The Divine Reception is your chance to enjoy the very best of Bacchus in a more intimate setting.

During this exclusive hour you will:

  • Arrive early, get close spots, avoid the shuttle
  • Commemorative tasting glass & tray
  • Sample premium wines and select offerings before the main crowd arrives
  • Enjoy elevated bites from featured restaurants
  • Relax in a VIP atmosphere with extra time to mingle and explore


Tickets:

Advance: $140 per person
Week of Event: $150 per person

Cocktail or business professional attire is recommended.

Main Event

7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Once the doors open for the Main Event, the museum comes to life with music, food, and energy.

At the Main Event you can:

  • Commemorative tasting glass & tray
  • Taste a curated selection of wines and other beverages
  • Enjoy fabulous food selections from local restaurants
  • Sway to live entertainment 


Tickets:

Advance: $75 per person
Week of Event: $85 per person

Cocktail or business professional attire is recommended.

Sip and Savor: Bacchus Wine and Food Festival

VLM Bacchus Event
Fine Wines & Signature Pours

Enjoy the finest wines, craft pours, and gourmet bites Hampton Roads has to offer. From bold reds to crisp whites and sparkling favorites, each pour is thoughtfully selected from regional and national partners.

Beer Garden is BACK!

Step into our indoor Beer Garden, featuring a curated selection of local craft brews and seasonal favorites. This beloved addition became a standout last year, offering guests a place to sip and mingle!

Gourmet Bites & Sweet Treats

Savor delicious small plates, savory bites, and indulgent desserts crafted by popular Hampton Roads restaurants. Each station offers something different so you can sample, linger, and enjoy at your own pace.

Fine Food Contributors

Schlesinger’s Steakhouse 
Riverwalk 
Water Street Grill 
Ember
The Jewish Mother’s Deli
DD214 Smokehouse 
MOMO’s Cafe
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Chef’s Market

Live Entertainment

What pairs best with good food and wine? Great music.

Throughout the evening you will enjoy live tunes by Sam and Friends, creating the perfect backdrop for dancing, laughter, and an unforgettable night at the Museum.

Silent Auction

Do not miss the chance to bid in the Bacchus Silent Auction.

Browse an array of items that may include:

Local dining and experience packages
Artwork and unique finds
Special museum opportunities and behind the scenes experiences

Every winning bid helps the Virginia Living Museum continue its mission, so you can feel good about every item you take home.

Support Science Education

Every ticket to Bacchus Wine and Food Festival directly supports the Virginia Living Museum’s work in:

  • Hands on science education for students and families
  • Care for native animals that call the museum home
  • Conservation and environmental programs in our community


By spending an evening enjoying wine and food at the museum, you are helping to inspire a lifetime of learning and care for the natural world.

Guests work through a hands-on science experiment during Bacchus.

Know Before You Go

  • Ages 21 and up only. A valid photo ID is required for entry.
  • Tickets are nonrefundable. The event is held rain or shine.
  • Cocktail or business professional attire is recommended.
  • Free on site parking is available.

Sponsor Bacchus

Bacchus Wine and Food Festival would not be possible without the generous support of sponsors who care about education, conservation, and community.

Interested in becoming a sponsor?

View the sponsor packet or contact us to learn how your business can be part of this beloved event and reach an engaged Hampton Roads audience.

Presented by

Sponsored in part by

Bacchus Sponsors - updated 120 - v2
  • Devils Backbone Brewing Co
  • Kona Construction
  • US Lawns of Hampton Roads
  • Pelican Parking
  • Link, Jacobs, and Link, DDS
  • Trinchero Family Estate
  • Rebecca Aman & Tom Aman
  • The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
  • Curated Events
  • Time Passages Event Entertainment
  • Kevin & KJ Jordan
  • Melvin & Michelle Ferebee
  • AJ Johnson – Virginia Farm Bureau
  • Hank and Suzanne Beckstoffer
  • The Neighbor Group – Morgan Stanley
  • Tu and Suki Ritter
  • Dominion Energy

Heads Up!

The Virginia Living Museum will open at 11AM to the public today to allow staff to get operations up and running after extensive power loss last night.

This will NOT interfere with regular summer camp operations, camp will begin at 9AM. 

Thank you for your patience!

Wild Explorations

Heads Up! The Changing Exhibit Gallery, where our Wild Explorations exhibit lives, will close at 3PM today in preparation for an after hours event!