PORTLAND -- The Oregon Brewers Festival opens at Tom McCall Waterfront Park this Thursday.
The 25th annual event runs through Sunday. At least 80,000 beer lovers from around the globe were expected to take part in the 4-day celebration of suds. From Belgians to Browns, Doppelbocks to Dunkels, Pales to Pilsners and Scottish ales to Stouts, the Oregon Brewers Festival serves up more than 30 beer styles, including two gluten-free offerings.
The festival will kick off with a parade at 11:30 am on Thursday. The parade route will start at SE 9th & Belmont Street and end at the festival grounds for opening ceremonies.
Admission into the festival grounds is free. Anyone who wants to drink beer must purchase a 2012 souvenir mug for $6. Then, beer can be purchased with wooden tokens which will cost $1 apiece. (Four tokens will fill your mug with beer and one token will earn you a taste.)
The event will also feature 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 event hours are as follows:
- July 26: Noon to 9 pm
- July 27: Noon to 9 pm
- July 28: Noon to 9 pm
- July 29: Noon to 7 pm
The festival is cash only; there will not be any ATMs on-site.
