On Oregon’s northern coastline, the final weekend of September means beer mugs, tasting tokens, food and friends among the changing foliage. For the thirteenth year, the Pacific Northwest Brew Cup is set to return to Astoria, Ore., from September 26-28, when PNW beer lovers can gather downtown to celebrate old favorites and discover the new.
Established in 2002 by the owners of the town’s beloved Baked Alaska Restaurant and now hosted by the Astoria Downtown Historic District Association, the festival welcomes breweries large and small from around the Norhtwest. The list includes last year’s People’s Choice Award winner Prodigal Son Brewing from Pendleton, Ore., and last year’s “Thar She Blows” winner (the first keg to run out) for the Five Pine chocolate porter from Three Creeks Brewing in Sisters, Ore.
Northwestern Oregon’s historic marine town is expected to host both regional and home state brewers who will pour 36 of their best products in exchange for tokens throughout each day. For the cup’s 13th anniversary, Brew Cup organizers have added two new mouthwatering events, including Thursday’s pre-festival Brewer’s Reception and Sunday’s Pacific Power Brewer’s Breakfast. Anyone eager to get sipping can kick of the festivities a day early at Thursday’s meet-and-greet, and on Saturday, brunch gets a kick in the pants with a hoppy spin on the classic mimosa (“beer-mosas”).
Throughout the weekend, fest-goers can keep their mouths and bellies full with local tastes and bites—many of which are part of Astoria’s growing restaurant scene (such as Buoy Beer Company). Mingle with the artisans themselves, put a face to the name of your favorite northwestern brewery, all while enjoying the first days of fall set to live music.
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