The dates for the annual Bend Brewfest have been set for 2019, and the three day beer festival will return August 15 through 17. Starting Friday, February 1, applications are open for breweries to would like to participate; the application process will remain open for three weeks.

Here is the official press release:

The Les Schwab Amphitheater is getting ready to host the much-anticipated annual Bend Brewfest, slated for August 15-17, 2019. The popular outdoor venue in Bend, Oregon’s Old Mill District will be filled with a resounding number of “cheers!” as 70+ breweries share their unique creations with upwards of 40,000 patrons. The brewery application process begins on February 1 and closes on February 22; breweries that are interested in participating in the event should visit the Bend Brewfest website where they can find an application to submit for consideration.

“Every year, we are honored by the number of fantastic breweries from around our region – and beyond – that are interested in participating in Bend Brewfest,” said Marney Smith, director of the festival. “While we wish we could accommodate them all, our final lineup will hold 70 to 75 breweries. We will be announcing the participants in early March, so stay tuned.”

Last year’s event served up over 200 craft beverages, raising more than $15,000 for charity. The money was divided equally among four local nonprofit organizations to help them achieve their respective missions:

• Bend Fire Department’s Community Assistance Program – identify crisis within our community and provide timely solutions with purpose and compassion.
• Deschutes River Conservancy – to restore streamflow and improve water quality in the Deschutes Basin.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon – to provide mentoring programs for area youth.
• NeighborImpact – to help families access skills for success, family services, financial assistance, food, housing, heat and energy assistance.

Founded in 2002, the Bend Brewfest has raised more than $80,000 dollars for charity since its inception. Each year festival visitors can taste both incredibly rare and popular beers from nano-breweries to some of the most highly recognized craft breweries in the region, in addition to hand-crafted ciders and wine. Bend Brewfest has become known as an event where brewers showcase their specialty, hard-to-find brews on the festival’s X-Taps, and 2019 promises more of the same rare beers not available in stores or restaurants.

I don’t know how long the application process will take to go through after the 22nd, but I’d expect an announcement of participants sometime in March.