Portland Beer Events
(in the last several years Portland has lost more the half of the beer festivals we once had. It is unlikely they will ever return) These are the larger beer event I have attended. I use to find these beer events not only fun but great place to learn about styles of micro brew beer. Now many have gotten way to expensive for what you get. If you want to try different styles of beer you are better off going to a brewery tasting room and order a flight of samplers. To see photos from these events check out the What’s New Posts. You can follow links of to the event’s website.
Zwickelmania
Did not happen in 2022
Almost 120 Oregon breweries and brewpubs open their doors to visitors for the annual Zwickelmania. Zwickelmania, hosted by Oregon Craft Beer, is a free statewide event that offers visitors a chance to tour Oregon breweries, meet the brewers and sample their favorite beers.
Portland International Beerfest
Not Happening – website Down
PIB is a high end 3-day beer festival specializing in rare, hard-to-find, exotic beers. Over 200 world-class beers from 16 countries will be on hand, hailing from all over the planet, many from right here in the Pacific NW. Stroll around the beautiful park with a cold one as you listen to music play all weekend.
Locate in the Pearl District North Park Blocks.
Portland Craft Beer Festival
July 1-3, 2022
Beer festival just started in 2015. This festival features only Portland area breweries. For me what was a plus is that they sample beer that they regularly have on tap. So if you find a great beer you can get it again. A smaller selection then the big festivals but enough to make it worth a visits. Still OK for price.
Oregon Brewer Festival
July 28 to 30, 2022
This is the big one that started it all. The Oregon Brewers Festival is the quintessential celebration of craft beer. Pouring more than 80 different craft beers from around the county it is held on the banks of the Willamette River in downtown Portland, OR. It does feature mostly light summer ales with Ambers, Belgians, Pales, Pilsners, IPAs and just a few Stouts and Porters. This one is still a reasonable price.
Portland Fresh Hop Festival
Not sure it will return in 2022
This has been held at Oaks Amusement Park in the past. Brewers use fresh harvested hops to make the events beers. There are displays telling about hops and how they works to flavor beer. Best part from the educational side is a number of different verities of hops are available to sample. Check out the difference between bitter hops and aromatic hops.
Oregon Brewers Guild Portland Holiday Ale Festival
Hopefully will return in 2022
The Holiday Ale Festival is held at Pioneer Courthouse Square in the heart of downtown Portland and features over 50 big, bold winter ales to sample. This is the place to sample Stouts, Porters, and Russian Imperials. It has gotten to expensive. Better to get samples at the breweries.