Saddle Up for Suds: Bend Brewfest 2024 High-Kicks Back Into Town!
Hey there, beer aficionados and cider sippers! Let’s toast to some frothy news brewing on the horizon. As the scent of pine mingles with an air of anticipation, the craft beer mecca of Central Oregon is gearing up for a stellar comeback. Bend Brewfest is returning to its riverfront roost at Hayden Homes Amphitheater this coming 2024, from October 3rd to the 5th. Mark your calendars, folks—it’s time to clink glasses and celebrate!
A Festival Homecoming to Hops About!
Beau Eastes, the marketing maestro of the Old Mill District, couldn’t contain his excitement when he shared, “The Bend Brewfest is back home.” He assured that the drink-stravaganza would stay true to its roots, just with a frothy head of modern twists. After all, what’s a beer bash without a blend of nostalgic tradition and a pinch of the new?
Cast your minds back to 2002, when this hoppy haven first sprouted. Ever since, it has flowed smoothly each year at Hayden Homes Amphitheater—well, until 2019, that is. Little did we know, that year’s cheer would be the last before the world turned topsy-turvy. Yes, the pandemic years—2020 and 2021—saw our beloved festival on pause, a time when pint glasses were raised in longing rather than in celebration.
The Yeasty Journey Through Turbulent Times
In 2022, like a gallant knight upon a keg, Bend Brewfest made a triumphant return. With the amphitheater getting a facelift, the event tapped new kegs right by the river trail behind Old Mill’s charming district shops. That side-step from its usual booth was a success, but nothing beats the original venue’s charm for beer lovers.
Phil Phifer, the Amphitheater’s esteemed Food & Beverage manager, shared a sentiment many share: “The Bend Brewfest is a beloved tradition.” He perceives how much the town missed the hoppy hubbub and is thrilled to be part of its return. “Bringing back Central Oregon’s largest and longest-running craft beer festival is a win for everyone,” he adds with a cheer.
An October Feast of Feisty Flavors
With over 40,000 fans in earlier editions guzzling down offerings from 70+ purveyors, the event is nothing short of a sudsy success. Attendees can whet their palates on over 200 varieties of beers, ciders, wines, and more, including the trendsetting hard seltzers.
For those fond of unique brews, get ready to sample the nectar of the gods from the festival’s coveted X-Taps, known for dispensing specialty and experimental concoctions that often can’t be found elsewhere.
Shifting the festival to October? It’s strategic and thoughtful. It magically turns the quieter fall season into a hophead’s wonderland. Phil believes this timing tweak could make the festival even more accessible and enjoyable for craft beer connoisseurs far and wide.
Cheers to Charity: Brewfest with a Big Heart
Painting the town amber isn’t all about the booze—it’s also about philanthropy. Bend Brewfest isn’t just about downing delightful drafts. Since its onset over two decades ago, the festival has funneled more than $100,000 into the community’s veins, helping local non-profits such as the Latino Community Association and Northwest Youth Discovery to thrive.
Get ready to crack open not only a new bottle but also your heart, because with each sip, you’ll be championing causes like the Bend Fire Community Assistance Program, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon, and a host of others.
What’s Brewing Now
As we all eagerly await, the team behind Bend Brewfest is tapping away at the final details. Soon enough, breweries eager to pour their passion into pint glasses will be able to kickstart the brewery application process, stirring up a storm of zesty zeal among Pacific Northwest’s brewers.
Eastes couldn’t hold back his excitement: “We hope this announcement gets some delicious, creative juices flowing.” Come October 2024, the banks of the Deschutes River will once again froth with anticipation, hosting a thirsty crowd amidst the autumn-kissed scenery, clamoring to savor every pour.
Bookmark The Beer Bash’s Backstory
For the initiated and the uninitiated alike, here’s a sip of history. The Bend Brewfest is not just any beer festival—it’s an iconic gathering that spotlights the most inventive craft breweries you can cheers to. With its picturesque setting by the river, the fest has made a name for itself, offering brewers a chance to dazzle with their hard-to-find ales—especially those elusive ones that make it onto the festival’s X-Taps. Craving more details? Make sure to frolic over to BendBrewfest.com for the full pint… err, point.
So, beer buffs, cider aficionados, and all ye ferment-fancying folks, get those tastebuds in training. Bend’s premier pour-a-thon is on the horizon, and it’s aiming to be the toastiest, tastiest, and most terrific Brewfest yet. Cheers to that!
I absolutely relished attending the Bend Brewfest; it’s undoubtedly the highlight of Central Oregon’s local events! The impressive lineup of craft beer was a true testament to the region’s vibrant beer festival scene.