OREGON GARDEN BREWFEST

Oregon Garden Brewfest offers ideal spring getaway, with more than 90 handcrafted beers & ciders, live music and great room deals

Now in its 8th year, the Oregon Garden Brewfest has established itself as one of the foremost beer festivals in the Willamette Valley, and a favorite in the Northwest. This year’s event will take place April 27 and April 28 from noon to 11 p.m. each day at The Oregon Garden’s J. Frank Schmidt Jr. Pavilion, 879 W Main St. The festival will feature more than 90 handcrafted beers and ciders from 45 different breweries spanning from Silverton’s backyard to across the Atlantic.

Located in the historic town of Silverton, 45 miles south – just over an hour’s drive – from the Portland metropolitan area, the Oregon Garden Brewfest will also feature games and activities, live music, food, beer trivia and tasting lessons by Women Enjoying Beer, a Brewer’s Tasting Dinner, a Connoisseur Tasting and a homebrew competition presented by Capitol Brewers.

Two stages will offer live music both days from well-known Northwest bands. Friday’s lineup includes Tiffany Kuenzi, Brownish Black, Ben Rue, The Ty Curtis Band, Celilo, Symmetry/Symmetry, Violet Isle and Tango Alpha Tango. Saturday’s lineup includes Jamalia, WEINLAND Acoustic, Quiet Life, Blitzen Trapper, Matthew Price, Frame by Frame, Battleme, Denver, Old Light and The Dimes.

A one-day advance tasting package cost $15 and includes admission for one day, a tasting mug, 7 tasting tickets, and express entry. A two-day advance tasting package costs $25 and includes admission both days, a tasting mug, 14 tasting tickets, and express entry. Tickets at the door cost the same, but include only 5 tasting tickets for one day, 10 tasting tickets for both days, and no express entry. A full mug of beer costs 4 tickets, a taster costs 1 ticket. Additional tasting tickets may be purchased at $1 apiece. Minors are welcome on Saturday only until 3PM. Tickets are available at www.oregongardenbrewfest.blogspot.com.

The first annual Brewer’s Tasting Dinner will take place on the eve of the festival, April 26 at 7 p.m. This six-course tasting will be attended by participating brewers and industry insiders. Each course will be a small plate paired with a beer tasting from one of six area breweries. There are a limited number of tickets available to the public for $40 apiece.

A Connoisseur Tasting will be held from noon to 2 p.m. on April 27 and feature many brewers at their booths engaging with attendees. This tasting is included with Friday admission.

For those from out of the area who wish to make a night of it, The Oregon Garden Resort is offering two room packages: the Brewer’s Dinner Package for $199 includes a room on Thursday night, two tickets to the Brewer’s Tasting Dinner, breakfast Friday morning, two tasting glasses, 10 tasting tickets and food vouchers for the fest. The Brewfest Package goes for $139/Thur and $169/Friday and includes all of the above except for the Brewer’s Dinner tickets. Saturday is sold out. Call 503-874-2500 to make reservations.

For a complete list of participating breweries and beers, a detailed entertainment schedule, or more information about the event, visitwww.oregongardenbrewfest.blogspot.com