The annual Bend Brewfest returns this month to run three days from Thursday, August 16 through Saturday, August 18. As always it takes place at the Les Schwab Amphitheater next to the Deschutes River in Bend. This year 72 breweries and cider makers are pouring nearly 200 beers and ciders, including specialty or exclusive offerings on the X-Tap.

This is the biggest beer event in Bend, which draws thousands of people over the three days. I’ll have an in-depth look at the beers that will be pouring soon.

Here is the official press release, which contains schedule and pricing information.

Bend Brewfest, Central Oregon’s annual celebration of all things craft beer, will once again transform the Les Schwab Amphitheater in Bend, Oregon’s Old Mill District on August 16-18, 2018. Over the three-day event, visitors will enjoy an inspired lineup of brews from more than 70 breweries, along with creations from regional cideries and wineries.

Breweries from across Oregon and the region, including new participants from as far away as Michigan, will share their craft brews with the 2018 festival’s thousands of patrons. A list of breweries and tentative beer lineup can be explored here: https://bendbrewfest.com/brews.html

“Craft beer is a large part of our culture here in Bend and the Bend Brewfest celebrates this to its fullest,” said Marney Smith, director of the festival. “As we enter our 16th year holding this festival, we are looking forward to our participating breweries bringing their most unique beers to our visitors. We have become the festival where brewers tend to showcase their specialty, very low production beers at the X-Tap tent that you can’t find anywhere else.”

WHEN: August 16-18, 2018, Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 12 noon – 11pm, Family friendly till 5pm

WHERE: Les Schwab Amphitheater

ADMISSION: Admission is free. For beer tasting, purchase a 2018 Brewfest tasting mug for $20, which includes five tasting tokens. Limited edition Deluxe mugs are available for $30 and include 10 tokens. Additional tokens are $5 each sold in packs of four.

CONTACT: 541-312-0131

Each year, the event offers over 200 craft beers and ciders from around the country raising money for local charities. Founded in 2002, the Bend Brewfest has raised over $70,000 dollars for charity since its inception. Money raised in 2018 will serve the following four nonprofit organizations: Deschutes River Conservancy, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon; Neighbor Impact; and Bend Fire Department’s Community Assistance Program.

Smith continued, “Our beneficiaries are really at the heart of the Brewfest and we are looking forward to the community coming together once again in 2018 to support them in a significant way.” Over a thousand volunteers help support our nonprofit partners by pouring tasters. Sign up to join in this fun favorite community opportunity. Shifts now open at https://bendbrewfest.com/volunteer.html

Bend Brewfest features booths from well-known breweries all the way to small-batch nano-breweries. Local food vendors and a festive atmosphere round out the well-loved annual event. For more information and details, visit www.bendbrewfest.com.

Last year, the Brewfest raised $8,583 for the four local non-profits, and it will be exciting to see if that amount can be topped this year.