Oregon beer calendar for June

With the summertime months here (even if the weather has yet to catch up), we’re seeing an uptick in the number of beer events and festivals throughout Oregon—though most of what I’ve listed here are around Portland or Central Oregon so if you know more tell me about them.

The Oregon Zoo Brew is this Friday, June 3rd, from 5 to 10pm, and it’s the only festival I’m aware of that takes place in an actual Zoo: “Enjoy beer and ale from your favorite Northwest local breweries, fantastic food from Oregon Zoo Catering and live entertainment on the main stage. Proceeds from Zoo Brew will support the continued development of zoo programs and exhibits. Only guests 21 and over will be admitted.” It’s going to be held rain or shine, and admission is $30 in advance and $35 at the door, which includes Zoo admission after 4pm, commemorative glass, and 10 tasting tokens (additional tokens available for $1 each).

On Saturday the 4th Amnesia Brewing in Portland is holding the first Amnesia Single Hop Fest (the New School writeup), a “mini-fest” dedicated to just what it says: single-hopped beers. This fest underscores that Oregon is hop country, and Amnesia plus eight guest breweries will be pouring a beer each brewed with a different hop from noon until 8pm. The only price I’ve seen is $2 per ticket, so I’m assuming entry is free (and there’s probably not a glass to take home).

The little town of Molalla is hosting their own Molalla Brewfest on the 10th and 11th (Friday and Saturday). Beer, food, and live music will flood downtown Molalla; admission is free and tasting packages (with a souvenir beer mug) will be available. Hours are 5pm to 12:30am Friday and noon to 12:30am Saturday.

The 11th and 12th (Saturday and Sunday) is the Portland Fruit Beer Festival I’ve been blogging about recently. Held at Burnside Brewing, it’s an all-ages event with free entry (though the tasting glass is $6, with $1 per taster) featuring an amazing lineup of over 20 beers plus a “Buzz Tent” featuring rare and one-off beers you won’t find anywhere else. Hours run from 11 to 9pm Saturday and 11 to 6pm Sunday.

Friday the 17th and Saturday the 18th will see the Sisters Wine and Brew Festival here in Central Oregon, which in addition to offering regional wine and beer tasting will have “live music, wine and beer pairing classes, cooking demos, art vendors, and fantastic food”. Admission is free, and hours are 3 to 9pm Friday, and 11 to 8pm on Saturday.

On Saturday the 18th, Deschutes Brewery is hosting their Barrel-Aged Beer Tasting at their Mountain Room in Bend: amazing barrel-aged beers (including The Dissident, a Sour Saison, Frosty the Snow Quad, Black Butte XXII, and more) paired with a gourmet tapas-style dinner. By all accounts this is one of the best of Deschutes’ beer tasting events and the $40 price tag is more than worth it. It starts at 6pm and runs until 10, and tickets are available online.

Deschutes Brewery is also celebrating their 23rd Anniversary this month, with celebrations on Saturday the 25th at both the Bend Pub and Portland Pub. Running from 2 until 9pm, the anniversary celebrations will feature the release of Black Butte XXIII (this year’s Imperial Porter brewed with chocolate, orange, and chiles) as well as food and beer specials and other festivities.

The 7th Annual North American Organic Brewers Festival kicks off June 24th through 26th (Friday through Sunday) in Portland’s Overlook Park: “Designed to raise awareness about organic beer and sustainable living, the NAOBF serves up more than 50 organic beers from around the nation. From summery Saison and Kolsch styles to rich and hearty stouts, the festival offers beers to please every palate. There’s also live music, organic food, sustainability-oriented vendors and non-profits, and a children’s area.” Admission and price follow the standard of being free with $6 for the glass and $1 per taster.

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