After the soul-filling weekend at KLCC, I’m still thinking about beer fests. What does it mean for the consumer, for the brewer? For the “fester,” it’s a party, right? They’re the closest we get to being so subversive as to walk down the street beer-in-hand. “Look, ma, I’m walking around with a drink!” There is opportunity and challenge in a beer fest: to find the unusual, the new favorite, the best one, or the cheapest pour of Alesong you’ll ever find. Could all be the same thing!

For me, it’s the social aspect. I saw folks I hadn’t seen since I worked at the Stein (hi, Zack!) and reconnected with old beer friends while bopping around aimlessly. *Arsenio fist pump, woop woop!* So exciting.

For the brewery, it’s mostly marketing. That looks different depending on the brewery. Larger, established breweries being served from the Columbia Distribution trailer by a volunteer have less on the line than, say, Chief’s Brewpub, whose booth was staffed by the owner/brewer/employees for the entire fest, and actively engaged with folks who came by.

KLCC Brewfest gets its beer donated; it is a fundraiser, after all. So, essentially, breweries participate “for the exposure,” to use a four-letter phrase, freelancer’s kryptonite. But I was not alone in noticing, over all, more people getting beer from breweries you don’t normally see on grocery store shelves. Good!

There’s more coming up in the state: Festival of Dark Arts is on Saturday. Sold out, of course, and I’m missing that shit show, sadly. Also missing SheBrew, a very popular festival of “femmentation” (ha!) in Portland on March 5. The Portland Oregon Beer Awards bursts from its seams this April by hosting a beer fest after the awards ceremony at Revolution Hall in Portland. Date and details TBA.

But now, go fest yourself!

February 16

The Bier Stein – Thursday Tasting Series featuring Pelican Brewing, 5-7pm

February 17

WildCraft Ciderworks, 5:30-11pm: Quench Your Desires, An Immersive Experience
5:30pm – Pair of Hearts – Four course pairing dinner with Chef Isaiah Martinez and specialty WildCraft ciders and cocktails. Full Details Here

February 18

Drop Bear Brewery, noon-6pm – For the Luv of Dogs Benefit
Don’t buy, adopt! Drop Bear Brewery is hosting a fundraiser for the love of dogs, come and meet your new love, cuddle them, pat them, and take them home.

WildCraft Ciderworks, 5:30-11pm: Quench Your Desires, An Immersive Experience
5:30pm – Pair of Hearts – Four course pairing dinner with Chef Isaiah Martinez and specialty WildCraft ciders and cocktails. Full Details Here

February 20-27

Beergarden – 7th Annual Bacon, Bluegrass & Boneyard Festival

What is better than bacon? Bacon, Bluegrass AND Boneyard Beer… That’s what. We are at it again with our 7th installment of this epic 7 day event, and I know you’ve heard this before… but this will be the best one ever. More Details

February 22

Oakshire Inspires: Oregon Supported Living Program
Join us on Wednesdays as we donate $1/pint to a local nonprofit
Oregon Supported Living Program’s mission is empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Bier Stein, 5-8pm – Matryoshka & Friends:
Come celebrate Stout Month with Fort George at The Bier Stein!
We will be the only place around town to get this wide selection of Matryoshka variants and other unique draft offerings. We will have flights, tastings to try before you buy, and swag!

February 23

The Bier Stein – Thursday Tasting Series featuring Oakshire Brewing, 5-7pm

February 25-26

Plank Town – Anniversary Beer Fest

Featuring the release of Springtucky Strong Ale, plus strong beers from Alesong, Block 15, Oakshire, The Wheel, Covered Bridge, Coast Fork, and the 3 Legged Crane. VIP Tickets: $50, include 10 4oz tasters, commemorative glass, t-shirt, and a bottle of Springtucky. Regular entry $10, includes four 4oz tasters and a commemorative glass.