Salem’s first Winter Brewfest

Salem Winter BrewfestThe city of Salem, Oregon has not historically been a big craft beer town, with few breweries (for years numbering only McMenamins Thompson House and the Ram Restaurant and Brewery) and few if any major beer events to speak of. Thankfully, over the past few years that has been changing, with a growing number of new brewpubs opening up (including the likes of Gilgamesh, Santiam, Salem Ale Works, and Vagabond) and now, Salem’s first Winter Brewfest.

This inaugural fest will be taking place at the end of this month, January 30 and 31 at the Capitol Mall. In fact here’s the press release blurb:

Warm up your winter at the inaugural Salem Winter Brewfest, featuring more than 60 craft beers on tap, plus food and live entertainment – all located inside a heated tent on the Capitol Mall grounds, across the street from the Oregon State Capitol Building (900 Court Street NE). The Brewfest will be held Friday, January 30, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday, January 31, noon to 11 p.m.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased at the following Salem area breweries and taphouses: Gilgamesh Brewing, Salem Ale Works, Santiam Brewing, Vagabond Brewing, b2 Taphouse, Westside Taphouse and 2 Sparky’s Taphouse.

I don’t see a brewery or beer list posted, but from their Facebook page I can glean some of the participating breweries:

  • Crux Fermentation Project
  • Breakside Brewery
  • Elysian Brewing
  • Flat Tail Brewing
  • Seattle Cider Company
  • Deschutes Brewery
  • Pyramid Brewing
  • Full Sail Brewing
  • Portland Brewing
  • BridgePort Brewing
  • Rogue Ales
  • Plus I assume the local Salem breweries as well

It’s a 21-and-over event and is sponsored by Columbia Distributing. If you’re out and about around Salem next weekend, give it a look.

2 comments

  1. I’m so excited for it I’m actually leaving Salem and heading to Bend that weekend. Yea sorry Salem Winter Brewfest, if you want me to get interested in going to an event you need to provide a beer list ahead of time and have some unique beers at the fest. With it being beers I can pick up in a store or locally it’s just not worth my time

  2. Looking forward to this fest annually. Traditionally i take amtrax as my designated driver for Portlands winter beer fest. Itll be great to have this in Salem like past events simular. ( cinko de micro, brewfest at Mission mill.)

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