NW Beer Festival Guide

Get your brews on

By Shelley Seale

Photo at right: Raise a glass to the Space Needle’s 50th anniversary! Photo courtesy of Portland Beer Commission.

The Pacific Northwest is known to the rest of the country for many things: green forests, blue coastline, outdoor adventures, rain, and its location as the center of the universe for craft beer.

The number of small brewpubs, brewers and festivals celebrating the drink has exploded over the past decade. There are now so many different methods that brewers use to create their own unique beers, incorporating many varied and unusual ingredients including flowers, herbs, chocolate and even Peruvian purple maize.

A new documentary, The Love of Beer, premiered in Bellingham, Wash. last March and tells the story of women in the Pacific Northwest brewing industry. Couple that with other media attention such as Beer America, an eight-part television series highlighting breweries from six regions of the country, and you begin to get an idea of just how popular micro-brewing has become.

Our handy guide starting on the next page makes it easy for you to navigate the festivals and parties that celebrate the Pacific Northwest’s love of craft beer. Cheers!

Ongoing:

Der Hinterhof Leavenworth Beer Garden Weekends

Every weekend from mid-May through September, Leavenworth.

More than 20 craft and premium beers on tap, with a different brewer featured each weekend. For 2012 both live music and food from Gypsy Café have been added. Located two blocks off Front Street. Family- and dog-friendly and never a cover charge. www.leavenworthbeergarden.com

Bend Ale Trail

Discover Central Oregon’s 10 world-class breweries within walking distance of each other. Get your passport stamped at each one and receive a commemorative Bend Silipint—made for beer drinkers on the go. www.visitbend.com

The Huffy Huck contest at Hopworks’ BikeToBeer Festival. Photo courtesy of Hopworks Urban Brewery.

Festivals:

Seattle Beer Week

May 19–29, Seattle, Wash.

A celebration of the beer culture of the city and the Pacific Northwest. Ten days of beer tastings, brunches and dinners and new beer releases. Don’t miss the kickoff at the Elysian Brewing Company on Capitol Hill, a pig roast, the Cask-o-Rama nights and Beer O’Clock, an extra-special happy hour, every day at Quinn’s Pub on Capitol Hill from 3–5 p.m. www.seattlebeerweek.com

Brewer’s Memorial Ale Fest

May 18–20, Newport, Ore.

Benefitting dog charities of Oregon, this pet-friendly festival was created in memory of Rogue Brewmaster John Maier’s dog, Brewer, who grew up in the brewery. More than 50 microbreweries will be on hand, along with music and dog activities. $10 admission fee gets you four taster tickets. www.brewersalefest.com

Zoo Brew

June 1, Portland, Ore.

Enjoy beer and ale from your favorite local breweries, fantastic food from Oregon Zoo Catering and live entertainment on the main stage. Proceeds from Zoo Brew will support the continued development of zoo programs and exhibits. $25–$35. Tickets include entry and 10 tasting tokens. Must be 21 years old. www.oregonzoo.org

Bavarian Bike & Brew Festival

June 2, Leavenworth, Wash.

This unique event combines a rigorous 8.6-mile cycling race on an IMBA-sanctioned loop amidst spectacular scenery, with craft beer, music and camping on-site. The course is not for the timid, but offers categories for beginner, sport and expert. www.dasradhaus.com

Firkin Fest

June 2, Portland, Ore.

Buckman Botanical Brewery will host the 5th annual Firkin Fest at the Green Dragon Bistro and Pub. Firkin Fest features unique beers from 30 Oregon breweries. Firkin beers are unpasteurized, unfiltered, naturally carbonated in the cask and served at cellar temperature of approximately 55 degrees. $10 admission includes 10 tasters. www.rogue.com

Portland Fruit Beer Festival

June 9–11, Portland, Ore.

Curious about Red Delicious apple beer? Mango or huckleberry flavored beers? Come get fruity at this unique festival featuring fruit beer from 15 local breweries. Hosted by the Burnside Brewing Company. Food will also be available, and a pre-festival party is scheduled June 8. www.burnsidebrewco.com

Sisters Wine and Brew Festival

June 15–16, Sisters, Ore.

Enjoy fantastic wine and brews of the Pacific Northwest in this classic Western town in central Oregon. The day will include live music, wine and beer pairing classes, cooking demos, art vendors, and fantastic food. Free! www.sisterswineandbrew.com

Washington Brewers Festival

June 15–17, Redmond, Wash.

Sponsored by the Washington Beer Commission, this event brings together over 60 Washington breweries with food, live music, games, craft market, a brewer’s keg toss and a root beer garden for the kids. This Father’s Day weekend festival is moving to King County’s Marymoor Park in Redmond. Also new this year: gourmet food trucks! www.washingtonbeer.com

Gorge Blues and Brews Festival

June 22–23, Stevenson, Wash.

Located directly on the beautiful Columbia River Gorge at the Skamania County Fairgrounds, this 19th annual festival has expanded into two days, starting with a free Friday Night Waterfront Jam featuring hometown brewery Walking Man. Three amazing blues performers, nine regional microbreweries, several local wineries and food vendors will be on hand. Proceeds benefit local charities. $15 entry includes commemorative beer mug or wine glass. www.gorgebluesandbrews.com

Barley Cup

June 23, Salem, Ore.

This is a brewers’ competition with a twist: the brewers cannot just brew anything they want, but rather must craft a beer based on a random drawing. For the patrons and judges, this ensures a full range of beers from which to choose. Brewers are on hand to answer questions, give tours of the brewery and plead their cases for their own brews. The competition is held at the Thompson House, built in 1905 and rumored to be haunted. www.mcmenamins.com

North American Organic Brewers Festival

June 29–July 1, Portland, Ore.

Two of Portland’s beloved industries—organic beer and sustainability—come together in an annual celebration designed to raise awareness about organic beer and sustainable living. Organic beers and ciders from around the world, accompanied by live music, organic food, sustainability-oriented vendors, non-profits and a children’s area—all overlooking downtown Portland—will be on hand. Bike parking is free, but donations will be accepted to benefit the Washington County Bicycle Transportation Coalition. www.naobf.org

Oregon Craft Beer Month

July 1–31, Oregon

The entire month of July celebrates craft beer throughout the state of Oregon. There are more than 350 different events around the state, including pub crawls, beermaker dinners, runs, golf tournaments, brewery tours and more, and ending with the Oregon Brewers Festival. www.oregoncraftbeermonth.com

Seattle International Beerfest

July 6–8, Seattle, Wash.

Billed as an “over the top” beer festival, more than 150 hard-to-find and exotic world-class beers from 15-plus countries are featured. Sit under the Space Needle and enjoy these brews while bands play. Dogs are welcome, kids are not. 21 and over. www.seattlebeerfest.com

Frogs and Dogs

July 7–8, Issaquah, Wash.

Join the Issaquah Brewhouse for the fourth annual Frogs and Dogs festival. Enjoy craft beer alongside your furry friend! Activities such as a gummy frog leg-eating contest, dog-jumping contests, and dog washes will be available throughout the weekend. Frogs and Dogs is held annually in honor of “Brewer,” long time companion to Rogue Ale’s master brewer John Maier. www.rogue.com/events

Puckerfest

July 13–19, Portland

Portland’s original festival of sour, wild, and funky beers is now in its sixth year, and is one of the most popular events during Oregon Craft Beer Month. Adventurous beer lovers can look forward to a rotating cast of 12–14 funky beers on tap daily, along with numerous “Meet the Brewer” nights where brewers come from around the region to share their stories and some extra special beers in the Biercafé. www.puckerfest.com

Portland International Beerfest

July 20–22, Portland, Ore.

Taste the greatest beers you’ve never heard of. More than 150 rare and exotic beers from around the world are showcased at this pet-friendly venue in the Pearl District, with music, food and games. 21 and over. www.portland-beerfest.com

The Ziggy Zoggy girls at the Bremerton Summer BrewFest. Photo courtesy of Silver City Brewery.

Bremerton Summer BrewFest

July 23, Bremerton, Wash.

In its second year, this festival will spotlight 23 craft breweries, pouring more than 50 Washington summer style beers. Pacific Avenue will be closed off for the event, and a downtown walking map will encourage visits to local restaurants. 21 and over. www.Bremertonsummerbrewfest.com

Oregon Brewers Festival

July 26–29, Portland, Ore.

This is one of the oldest and most popular festivals in the Northwest. Pouring more than 80 craft brews from around the country, the festival takes place at Waterfront Park on the banks of the Willamette River. Local restaurants are on hand with food, along with demonstrations and beer-related merchandise. www.oregonbrewfest.com

New Belgium Brewing Clips of Faith Beer and Film Tour

Aug. 3, Portland, Ore.

Beers and film in Riverfront Park! Try 16 varieties of New Belgium beers and pair them with inspiring short films created by fans. A truly unique event. Even better: all proceeds from beer sales benefit Willamette Riverkeeper. www.newbelgium.com

Willamette Valley Blues and Brews Festival

Aug. 3–4, Springfield, Ore.

This 4th annual festival is a two-day event featuring beer from local and regional microbreweries, food vendors, and music from Northwest blues musicians. Participants can also enjoy raft rides on the Willamette River, and a Kid Zone with face painting, juggling and balloon animals. Blues legends Rick Estrin and The Nightcats close out the festival, along with many other live music performers. Proceeds go to the Springfield/Eugene Habitat for Humanity. www.wvbbf.org

Bones and Brew Festival

Aug. 4–5, Portland, Ore.

Benefitting the Oregon Zoo, this event is held in the historic Pearl District and draws more than 4,000 attendees. This year’s family and dog-friendly event will be a celebration of the American backyard barbeque including barbeque vendors, a barbeque contest, a Kobe Bleu Ball (Rogue Ale’s signature sandwich) eating contest, a charity dog wash and more than 30 microbreweries. www.rogue.com

BiketoBeerFest

Aug. 11, Portland, Ore.

Sponsored by Hopworks Urban Brewery, this is the world’s only “bike-in” Oktoberfest Party. Expect 15 organic Hopworks Beers on tap, five local bands, 12 Oregon bike builders and great games and food. The event is carbon-neutral and zero waste. Quite possibly the hippest festival in the Northwest. hopworksbeer.com/biketobeerfest

Bend Brew Fest

Aug. 16–18, Bend, Ore.

This three-day event features more than 80 distinct craft beers, most of them from the Pacific Northwest. Admission is free, but you must purchase a souvenir mug for tastings. Children are welcome until 7 p.m. Food vendors are also on site at the Les Schwab amphitheater. The festival benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon. www.bendbrewfest.com

Olympia Summer Brewfest

Aug. 18, Olympia, Wash.

This will be the inaugural brewfest hosted in Olympia! Located at the Port Plaza, it will feature 30 different Northwest breweries with food and musical entertainment. This is a charity event benefiting the Thurston County Chamber Small Business Development Program. Tasteful “Crab Hats” awarded to those guests who are unfortunate targets of the seagulls. $25 in advance, $30 at the gate, age 21 and older. www.olybrewfest.com

Lighthouse Brewfest

Aug. 18, Lincoln City, Ore.

Brewfest on the Oregon Coast! The Lighthouse Brewpub offers food and drink specials along with brewery tours all day long. The brewfest kicks off weeks earlier with the “Vallancing Act” (named for former Lighthouse brewer Rob Vallance) during which each participating brewer picks a number, and must create a particular beer style to correspond to that number. Brewers will create an original recipe and offer samples. Don’t miss the “Tiny Brewer Art.” Exactly what it sounds like! www.mcmenamins.com

Everett Craft Beer Festival

Aug. 18, Everett, Wash.

At least 24 Washington state breweries are expected to be on hand pouring more than 60 unique craft beer creations. There will also be live music and food available at the event which takes place on Hoyt Avenue between Pacific and Hewitt avenues in the recently refurbished arts district in downtown Everett. www.washingtonbeer.com/festivals

Little Woody Barrel Aged Brew and Whiskey Fest

Aug. 31–Sept. 1, Bend, Ore.

This two-day festival in downtown Bend features beers aged in wooden barrels. A highlight is the whisky tasting room located inside the Deschutes Historical Museum, where the festival takes place. With 13 Northwest breweries featuring beers aged in wine barrels, whiskey barrels and oak barrels, this is a weekend that commemorates Central Oregon craft beers. www.thelittlewoody.com

Mt. Angel Oktoberfest

Sept. 13–16, Mount Angel, Ore.

Oregon’s oldest and best-loved Oktoberfest began in 1966 as a traditional harvest festival in this Bavarian-themed town. It is now Oregon’s largest folk festival, with live music, traditional biergartens, 50 Alpine food chalets, arts and crafts, street dancing and kids’ events. Don’t miss the Mount Angel Glockenspiel. Lederhosen are optional. www.oktoberfest.org

Leavenworth Blues Brews and BBQ

Sept. 15, Leavenworth, Wash.

A day of blues and funk right in the heart of the Bavarian Village. Five great Pacific Northwest bands, a barbecue competition and of course, beer. Discounted tickets online, more at the door.  www.leavenworthblues.com

Bend Oktoberfest

Sept. 21–23, Bend, Ore.

For the 8th year, the Downtown Bend Business Association (DBBA) will hold the Bend Oktoberfest on Oregon Avenue. Highlights of the festival include the legendary wiener dog races, a yodeling contest and a hammerschlagen competition (race to hammer a nail into a log). There will also be Bavarian music and food, games and beer, provided by local breweries. Proceeds to benefit Downtown Bend beautification projects.
www.downtownbend.org

Fremont Oktoberfest

Sept. 21–23, Seattle, Wash.

One of America’s funkiest Oktoberfest events, this one is held along the banks of Fremont’s ship canal and features over 80 microbrews and German beers, live entertainment, food, craft vendors and a children’s area. There will also be a Dogtoberfest event, a Street Scramble race and a 5K run—with special “Beer Belly” division for larger runners. A portion of the proceeds goes toward local schools and the community. 21 and over.
www.fremontoktoberfest.com

Hood River Hops Fest

Sept. 29, Hood River, Ore.

More than two dozen Northwest craft brewers will be on tap, with the focus on Hood River County’s own microbreweries. Music, arts and crafts and great local food. Kids are welcome until 6 p.m., then it’s adults only until 9 p.m. Admission includes commemorative stein, and tasting tokens are a nominal price. www.hoodriver.org

Anacortes Oktoberfest: Bier on the Pier

Oct. 5-6, Anacortes, Wash.

Located on the pier over-looking the beautiful Guemes channel in Anacortes, the festival provides seating with food vendors. There is also a prize give-away both Friday and Saturday for best “German Costume.” www.anacortes.org/oktoberfest

Regular contributor Shelley Seale continues to refine her beer palette at these Northwest festivals.