For more than 25 years, around 80,000 craft beer lovers flock toPortlandthe last weekend in July to sample the wares of more than 80 independent craft brewers from around the country. Situated along the banks of the Willamette River, offering views of the Portland skyline and Mt. Hood, the festival has a laid back atmosphere conducive to sipping and enjoying some of the best brews around. An international tent features craft beers from overseas, and live music, home brewing demos, food and memorabilia add to the fun. The Oregon Brewers Festival is one of the longest-running craft beer festivals in the U.S. and they’re celebrating the big 3-0 this year. With 30 years of experience, you can expect this beer fest, which takes place in the heart of craft beer country, to bring its A game.
It’s wider than many of the other historic bridges in town, making it more ideal for a beer festival than the other narrower structures. Since 2017, the annual holiday ZooLights display at the Oregon Zoo has gotten a grown-up spinoff. Tickets include adult-only access to the festive display and samples from local breweries. This three-day-long celebration brings together delicious local food, drinks and live music to Monroe Field outside Revolution Hall in southeast Portland. Soak up the sun while sampling beer, cider, spirits, and finger-licking-good BBQ.
The usually wine-centric town of Paso Robles turns their attention to the fine art of craft beer each June during the Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest. This single-day, intimate gathering of beer lovers and brewmasters showcases brews from more than 50 American and international breweries. Advance tickets are $30 and include entry, a logo tasting glass, and 10 tasting tickets. Advance VIP tickets are $40 and include early entry and 15 tasting tickets. Designated driver tickets are $10 and include six tickets for water or craft soda.
The autumn hops harvest marks an extra-special season for local brewers, who celebrate with fresh hop ales and festivals. There’s nothing better than the smell and sights of fields and fields of fresh hops ready for harvest. Every year, during the fall new modelo beer 2021 harvest season in Yakima, Washington, the Fresh Hop Festival takes place, showcasing more than 100 beers brewed with hops picked no more than 24 hours prior to brewing. If you’re a fan of fresh hop beers, you won’t want to miss this festival.
The website also notes that the bridge has a grated surface, and recommends against women wearing heels. Proctor worked with Paul Starr, publisher of the “I’m a Beer Hound” blog, which focuses on Michigan’s beer scene. Starr, a college friend of Proctor’s, is connected to a number of other beer festivals in the state, including one at Lansing’s Lugnuts stadium. The mother of all categories at GABF is the American India Pale Ale. It’s the 60th category in sequence, but the festival announces it last.
