Happy 25th to the OBF. I remember my first festival as I had just moved to Portland late in July of 1996. My aunt whom I was staying with while I found a new place to live said you know there is a beer festival downtown so I thought I should go check it out. So I ventured out down to Tom McCall Park and we can mark July 28 the day I discoverd truly terrific beer and beer scene.
25h annual Oregon Brewers Festival
Venue
Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland Oregon
Main entrance at S.W. Oak Street and Naito Parkway
Dates
July 26 – 29, 2012— “Always the last full weekend in July”
Times
Thurs through Sat, taps are open from Noon to 9p.m.
Sun, taps are open from Noon to 7p.m.
Token & mug sales close one-half hour prior to the taps shutting off
Admission
Admission into the festival grounds is free. In order to consume beer, purchase of a 2012 souvenir mug is required and costs $6. Mugs from previous years will not be filled. Beer is purchased with wooden tokens. Tokens cost $1 apiece. Patrons pay four tokens for a full mug of beer, or one token for a taste. The festival is cash only; there are ATMs on-site.
Description
The Oregon Brewers Festival is one of the nation’s longest running and best loved craft beer festivals. Situated on the west bank of theWillametteRiver, with towering Mt.Hood as a backdrop, it is the ideal venue for anyone who loves craft beer. With a laid back attitude and scores of award-winning beers, the festival reflects the essence of the city of Portland.
The Oregon Brewers Festival exists to provide an opportunity to sample and learn about a variety of craft beer styles from across the country. Eighty-two craft breweries from all parts of the nation offer more than 30 styles of handcrafted brews to 80,000 beer lovers during the four-day event. A Buzz Tent offers another 50+ rare and specialty beers, and this year will feature the debut of a Sour Tent as well.
The festival’s focus is craft beer, but there’s more than sampling involved. The event features live music, beer-related vendors, beer memorabilia displays, beer writers and publishers, homebrewing demonstrations, and an assortment of foods from a variety of regions. The Crater Lake Root Beer Garden offers complimentary handcrafted root beer for minors and designated drivers. Minors are always welcome at the festival when accompanied by a parent.
The Oregon Brewers Festival strongly encourages responsible drinking, and urges patrons to take advantage of the MAX Light Rail line, located just one block west of the festival on SW Oak Street. Go by bus, train or taxi, just don’t drink and drive. The festival also offers free, on-site bicycle parking.
Contact Information
www.oregonbrewfest.com
www.facebook.com/oregonbrewersfestival
www.twitter.com/oregonbrewfest
