Oregon Brewers Festival
Set the GPS for downtown Portland, Oregon. At the Oregon Brewers Festival, sample craft beer and cider and enjoy the view of the Willamette River.
Event information
It’s described as Beervana, and the collection of Pilsners, Blondes, Sours, and Hazys won’t disappoint. Meet the Brewer and a Brewer Dunk Tank are two events to partake in between sips of cider and ale. Dozens of types of drinks are yours for the tasting, so come and try each one.
Dance to the sounds of a DJ and play a game of corn hole between visits to the brewers. Get a temporary, hand-painted tattoo or play an Oregon Lottery game. Take part in or watch the parade that marks the opening of the Brewers Festival.
Although the event is family-friendly, minors between the ages of 14 and 20 must be accompanied by a parent, and the parent has to sign a form stating they are responsible for the minor. A handcrafted soda garden is on site so that underage patrons and designated drivers can enjoy a free drink.
While in the Portland region, take a hike in the Tryon Creek State Natural Area, explore the Columbia River Gorge, or take a drive through wine country. Outdoor enthusiasts love the area for its abundance of fresh-air activities.
Tickets
Entrance to the Oregon Brewers Festival is free. Once there, purchase a current year festival mug and ten drink tokens for around $25. Additional tokens can be purchased onsite. Children will not require a token for their free drink of soda.
Explore Oregon Brewers Festival RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Set your GPS for downtown Portland, Oregon, and head to the Tom McCall Waterfront Park. It’s the perfect picturesque location for an event like this. Scenic views of Mt. Hood and the downtown skyline are the ideal backdrop for the brewfest. Peruse the website Trip Check before leaving home to get information on weather and traffic alerts.
Parking areas
A recommendation is that you take advantage of the light rail system by parking your RV there and commuting to the Oregon Brewers Festival. Parking an RV in the city is not feasible. You can park at the transit system lot, and some malls near the lots allow motorhome owners to park their rigs there.
Public Transportation
The MAX light rail service is the suggested mode of transportation for festival-goers, and there is a stop one block from the event. There is a bike corral nearby if that works logistically for you. Taking a cab or ridesharing vehicle to get to the festival is an idea, too.
Where to stay
Onsite
The Oregon Brewers Festival does not have overnight RV accommodation, but there are private campgrounds in proximity to the city. Amenities are plentiful, and activities for the kids in abundance. Some of them are near bussing options and the light rail system line. It’s convenient to stay just outside the city and commute daily to explore the sights.
Nearby
If you are looking to stay further outside the city, look to state parks. Enjoy canoeing at Milo McIver State Park and then set up camp under the trees. Cape Lookout State Park is a location that offers stunning views and access to the ocean. Privately owned campgrounds in the area are a good choice as well.
Getting around
Plan to walk from one end of the festival to the other, making sure that you have time to play a few games. Hit your favorite beer trailers at least once and stop at the Meet the Brewer Tent to ask questions of your preferred brewmaster. The fest is ADA accessible, with pathways set aside for wheelchairs if need be. Servers are more than happy to deliver beer to your table in specified ADA serving areas.
What to pack
Clothing
Warm and dry weather means shorts and t-shirts are the ideal apparel of choice for the Oregon Brewers Festival. Bring along a hat, too, for protection from the sun’s rays. Comfy shoes are a must as you make your way from one beer station to the next. A light sweater for the evening is recommended.
Gear
Pack a light bag for the beer fest and throw in your camera and sunscreen. Add a refillable water bottle, too. Take water breaks in between tastes of cider and beer. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on under a shady tree as you enjoy a bite to eat. You can pack a lunch to tote to the fest, but no outside alcohol is allowed.
Health & Safety
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Posters will be on display at the fest that have a scannable code that gives you a discount on a drive home as negotiated with partnering companies. Taxis and Transportation Network Companies work together in this initiative to get attendees home safely.
Where to eat
Cooking
Before heading to the Oregon Brewers Festival, have a healthy breakfast that will stay with you throughout a good part of the day. Do not go to the fest and drink on an empty stomach. Start the day with oatmeal, granola, or pancakes. When prepping for the trip, check your inventory of charcoal briquets and propane. Rinse out and top up fresh water tanks.
Restaurants
Portland has an array of restaurants for every taste. From chic meals to comfort food, you can find it here. Try hand-pulled noodles, crispy roti, lamb skewers, tapas, or black-bean masala. Top off the night with a slice of blackened cheesecake or a dish of homemade ice cream.
Vendors
Cash is required to buy your souvenir mugs and tokens, although credit cards can be used at some of the vendor food and souvenir booths. Several ATMs are located within the boundaries of the beer fest. Buy a souvenir bottle opener, clothing, and gourmet foods perfect for accompanying a cold glass of beer.
Safety
Security
Expect to have your bag checked as you enter the festival gates. There may be a lineup to get in, but it moves quickly and is in place to verify the ID of attendees so that underage drinking is not an issue. Security staff members are on hand to ensure the safety of all patrons.
Weather
Being near the Willamette River means that the evenings could get cool. Sport a light sweater or jacket just in case. Bring along rain gear in the event the clouds move in on the fest. Rain or shine, the beer and cider will still flow. Back at camp, put up the awning and play a board game at the picnic table if inclement weather makes an appearance.
Medical
Smoking and vaping are not permitted at the event as the city of Portland passed an ordinance to the effect. Dogs are not allowed to be on site unless they are certified service dogs. Have identification handy if you have a service animal. Offer your dog water throughout the day and take advantage of a break in the shade for both of you.
