Been to a beer festival lately?

No we don’t mean visiting an alehouse or someone’s warehouse space, away from the threat of cold, rain, or winds. We’re talking about a REAL beer festival, located in an open area, filled with gravel, asphalt, dirt, or grass. A place where the only thing between you and the sky is a piece of plastic tent overhead. You know a beer festival. Well you’re gonna need to wait a little bit longer till the weather clears up.

Instead we wanted to remind you that just down the street in Silverton (Oregon) the Ninth Annual Oregon Garden Brewfest is returning. From April 26th thru April 28th you are asked to skip the outdoor ‘honey-do list’ and stop by between noon and 11 PM (Friday or Saturday) or Sunday between noon and six.

Ok. How much is this gonna cost me?

Like all things there is a pre-pay and the ‘at the door’ version. If you are willing to go online and freely post your credit card number, you can pick up a one-day pass for $15 or a three-day pass for $25. What’s included (for a one-day pass) is seven tasting tickets compared 15 tickets (for the three-day pass). Also included is express entry. Oh and the tasting glass is included as well, since we can’t have you drinking out of your hand.

But if $25 still isn’t making the wallet light enough, you can spend $50 for a VIP pass. Included in the VIP pass is the glass, early entry, 45 tickets, a t-shirt, and a food voucher.

Then again if you are concerned about giving a total stranger your Mastercard, Visa, or Discover Card number, you can purchase tickets at the door. The only catch is you miss out on early entry and between 2 – 10 extra tickets (depending on which package you purchase).

Now that we have your attention how about some rules.

A full glass of beer costs four tickets, and a taster costs one ticket. Additional tasting tickets may be purchased for $1 apiece. The event is cash only, with an ATM on-site. Parking at The Oregon Garden is $5 per car; free shuttles will be available to various locations in town. The Oregon Garden Brewfest is for ages 21 and over on Friday and Saturday; minors are welcome all hours on Sunday.

Then again you might consider the following should you already have a long weekend planned.

Brewer’s Tasting Dinner

The second annual Brewer’s Tasting Dinner will take place on the eve of the festival, Thursday, April 25 at 7 pm. 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 limited tickets available to the public for $40 apiece.

Connoisseur Tasting

The Connoisseur Tasting is from Noon to 2pm on Friday and features many brewers at their booths to engage with the general public. This tasting is included with Friday admission.

Finally the organizers wanted us to remind you there are still reservations available for those who wish to spend the night or the weekend.

Oregon Garden Resort Brewfest Package

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 $219 is available on April 25 only and includes accommodations, two tickets to the Brewer’s Dinner, breakfast for two the next morning, and two one-day tickets to the Brewfest on April 26. The Brewfest Package for $189 is available April 25 through April 28 and includes accommodations, breakfast for two, two one-day tickets to the Brewfest and two food booth vouchers. Reservations are available at http://oregongardenresort.com/Packages.htm or call 503-874-2500.

Get your tickets online at Oregon Brewfest’s website (http://ogbf2013.blogspot.com) or at the door.

Friday April 26th, 2013 – Sunday April 28th, 2013
Oregon Garden Brewfest in the J. Frank Schmidt Jr. Pavilion and Event Tent
879 West Main Street Silverton, OR 97381

Cheers

About the Oregon Garden Brewfest

Now in its 9th year, the Oregon Garden Brewfest features nearly 100 handcrafted beers and ciders from 50 different breweries. There are also games and activities, food, live music, a Brewer’s Tasting Dinner, a Connoisseur Tasting and a homebrew competition.