No longer just the drink of choice at bars or sporting
events, beer has emerged with the evolution of microbrews as a beverage worthy
of its own festivals. These are just a few of the most popular beer festivals
held in the United States.
Oregon Brewers Festival: Portland, Oregon
Hailed
by many as the finest craft beer festival in the nation, the Oregon Brewers
Festival celebrates the growth of North American microbrewing while showcasing
some of the finest beers in the industry.
Held during the last weekend in July, more than 70 of the nation's premium craft
breweries participate in the event. Beer is the focus, with many of the classic
beer styles represented, including ales, bocks, porters, stouts, pale ales,
pilsners and barley wines.
The Oregon Brewers Festival is a
great opportunity to sample and learn about a variety of beer styles. In fact,
industry exhibits by hop growers, maltsters and the national beer writers
provide informational exhibits that teach attendees more about beer and beer
production.
Located
along the Willamette River, it is fitting that this festival takes place in
Portland, which is considered one of the country's great brewing capitals. The
state of Oregon has nearly 70 craft breweries, and Portland alone makes up a
third of that number.
Classic City Brew Fest: Athens, Georgia
Celebrating the renaissance of beer in the United States and around
the globe, the Classic City Brew Fest offers a huge variety of beers, more than
150, to sample from all over the world. Held in April at the Athens' Classic
Center, the five-hour festival offers a comfortable atmosphere where attendees
can taste and learn about beer, including beer brewing and styles. Attendees can
also enjoy food, non-alcohol drinks and music.
Vermont Brewers Festival: Burlington, Vermont
The
Vermont Brewers Festival is the longest running outdoor brewers festival in the
East, and it’s no wonder since Vermont is home to more breweries per capita
than any other state. Considered a highlight of the summer for beer lovers,
visitors to Burlington and Brewers, the festival, held in late July, offers some
of the best craft brews produced by the finest microbreweries and brewpubs in
Vermont, the Northeast, and Canada.
Brewers
who participate in this event do so by invitation only, based on brewery
capacity, distinctiveness and quality of their products. Attendees are
encouraged to try a wide range of offerings, including traditional lagers, ales
and unique products such as fruit beers, barley wines and Belgian-style white
beers.
In
addition to a variety of beers, there are gourmet foods, demonstrations and
quality entertainment – not to mention the magnificent views of Lake Champlain
and the Adirondack Mountains.
The Great Brews from Around the World International Beer
Festival: Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania
Fun, food and beer can be enjoyed at the festival where
more than 30 of the world’s finest breweries are featured. Some of the beers
that are represented include Corona, Sapporo, Carib, Molson and many more.
The indoor festival, held in April and set in the scenic
Pocono Mountains, offers attendees a chance to taste some of the latest brews,
attend seminars on various international beer related topics and enjoy live
musical entertainment. A craft fair is also a part of the exhibition, as well as
a selection of various international menus.
For more information, call 1-800-255-7625.
San Diego Festival of Beers: San Diego, California
Held in the heart of downtown San Diego, the festival is
San Diego’s oldest and largest beer tasting event. It features more than 50
microbreweries serving 120 different beers, with brewers coming from as far
north as Washington.
Whether you’re in the mood to try a Hefer-Weizen,
Pollywanna Porter, King Tut Golden Ale or Raspberry Trail Ale, this is a great
venue where attendees can try all of these and more while enjoying live bands
and San Diego’s warm weather.
Held in late September, the San
Diego Festival of Beers is a perfect way to end a long week and start the
weekend with good drinks, food, fun and music.
Telluride Blues and Brews
Festival: Telluride, Colorado
Chock-full of activities, the
three-day festival held in mid-September, is a great activity for adults and
children. Kids can play in the “Rainbow Kids-Fun and Games” area, while
adults can attend seminars or taste beers from any of the 45 microbreweries.
But the festival is not just
about beer. Everyone can enjoy the unique food, the craft market and the 18
nationally renowned blues bands in attendance.
For traditional acoustic blues
and Fat Alley BBQ’s black bean sauté breakfast, attendees are invited to
“Blues for Breakfast.” The event offers good food and great music in an
intimate acoustic setting. While the blues is free, breakfast is optional for a
small fee.