Happy day after Memorial Day! I spent the weekend in Bend with Brice and a few of my fantastic friends. We had a blast hiking, drinking, eating good food, playing games, and generally having a great few days off. It was an awesome way to kick off the summer season.
But let’s get real, how in the world is it the last week of May already? The winter certainly seemed to go quickly in my opinion. Nevertheless, that is a-okay with me as summertime in Oregon is the absolute best with gorgeous weather and tons of fun events. Below are some of my favorite food and drink festivals in the Portland area to fill up your calendar.
Counter Culture at Anne Amie Vineyards
This is my hands-down favorite event of the year. Wine from more than a dozen wineries, food from top restaurants, music and beautiful views, all to kick off the International Pinot Noir Celebration. Want to know more? Check my blog post recapping last year’s event.
When: Thursday, July 24th 6-10pm; Where: Annie Amie Vineyards, Carlton; Cost: $75 (or $100 including a bus ride from Portland)
Feast Portland: Four days of food events celebrating Oregon bounty
This annual international culinary festival brings tops chefs from around the world to the Rose City. There are numerous events ranging from tasting panels like Beans and Booze about coffee cocktails, to cooking classes like Hog Tied about home butchery, to the Sandwich Invitational event where 15 of America’s best chefs show off their sandwich skills and guests vote for their favorite. There are also dinner and brunch events all over Portland where local chefs team up with visiting chefs. Learn more about all of the fantastic events at the Feast website.
Order your tickets now – events will sell out quickly!
When: Sept 18-21st; Where: Throughout the city – see the Feast website for details; Cost: Varies, depending on which event you attend
Beer Fest Season is Almost Here!
I admittedly am not really a beer drinker (and by not really, I mean I really don’t like beer… I know, I know, how do I live in Oregon and not like beer!) but I still LOVE beer fests. They are such a fun way to just hang out enjoying the nice weather and mingling with good friends. Plus there are a few festivals that do have drinks that I like, such as the fruit beers and ciders!
- Fruit Beer Festival: 30 participating breweries featuring fruit beers and ciders – When: June 7-8th; Where: Burnside Brewing, 701 E Burnside, Portland; Cost: $20
- Cider Summit PDX – When: June 20-21st; Where: Portland Pearl District, The Fields Park at NW 10th & Overton; Cost: $25
- Portland International Beer Festival – When: August 8-10th; Where: NE Portland, Holladay Park at Lloyd Center, North Park Blocks; Cost: $20 advance; $25 at door
- Oregon Brewers Festival: Largest outdoor festival on the West Coast – When: July 23-27th; Where: Downtown Portland, Waterfront Park; Cost: Free to enter, $1 per token
Reservations for Plate & Pitchfork Dinners Still Available
Imagine a local farm turned into a luxury dining room with a 5-course meal prepared for you by one of Portland’s best chefs, each course paired with wine or beer. That is Plate & Pitchfork. Take a tour of the farm, talk to the people who have grown, caught, raised and crafted the items on the table. I’m pretty into P&P dinners, attending them as a guest when I can and working a few so I can get the behind-the-scenes view. I love them all, no matter which farm or chefs are hosting. Read more on this post about our anniversary dinner last summer at a P&P dinner with Racion and Smallwares!
When/Where: Various dates, locations and participating chefs throughout July, August and September. Visit their website for details; Cost: $125 including five-course meal and wine pairings.
Catherine says
I’m excited for the outdoor beer fest on the Waterfront Park! I had a newborn during the festival last year—not really the best timing for boozing it up outside—but I want to go this year!
bakerybingo says
I saw so many people with little infants at the beer fest last year – it was surprisingly a family-friendly affair! Hope you have a great time this year!
Rachel Lloyd says
YES thanks for all the good info. How many of these are we going to?!? lol
bakerybingo says
Um, all of them?!? 🙂
Kayla says
Anne Amie is fantastic! What a great list of things to do this summer!
bakerybingo says
Yes, Anne Amie is so gorgeous! I love it out there!
Marlynn @UrbanBlissLife says
Great list! I’m debating Counter Culture this year… but sounds like you would highly recommend 🙂 Thanks for this list!
bakerybingo says
You should definitely go Marlynn! You would love it!
Bill Volckening says
Love Anne Amie. Mom is coming from Maine, and we go there every time she visits. I think she’ll be here during the event, so maybe I can get her to go. I discovered Anne Amie wines several years ago when I spied a bottle in the market before one of Mom’s visits. Her best friend is named Anne, and they have been friends for 79 years! So, it was perfect.
bakerybingo says
That is so sweet! And it is such a great place to bring visitors to – I love the gorgeous views and their wines are wonderful. Hope you can make it to Counter Culture!