On Saturday, September 21, downtown Hood River, Oregon, will again be “hopping” with the return of one of the Columbia Gorge’s premier events, Hood River Hops Fest, produced by the Hood River County Chamber of Commerce and presented by Jacobs. This one-day festival, now in its 16th year, brings together more than 40 Pacific Northwest breweries to debut their seasonal fresh-hop beers.
With over 60 unique varieties available for tasting, the Hood River Hops Fest boasts one of the largest fresh-hop selections in the nation. The 2019 brewery line-up will be announced at the beginning of September on the Hood River Hops Fest website.
Numerous Hood River breweries, including pFriem Family Brewers, Double Mountain Brewery, Full Sail Brewing and Ferment Brewing Co. are participating in the festival and showcasing their 2019 fresh-hop ales, alongside other regional heavyweights. A small selection of local ciders will also be on tap, along with select wines from Naked Winery.
The Sodbuster Farms’ Lupulus Award – an interactive judging experience for festival attendees – is back for a third year. The 2018 people’s choice award went to Breakside Brewery’s Fresh Hop Wanderlust beer.
“The Pacific Northwest is known for its fresh-hop beers, and Hood River Hops Fest is the perfect place for local and regional brewers to showcase their innovative, world-class fresh-hop beers,” said Kate Schroeder, Executive Director of the Hood River County Chamber of Commerce, host of the event. “Festival-goers can make a weekend of it, exploring everything else that makes our area so special, including great places to stay, wonderful places to eat and drink, hiking, biking, a downtown art walk and historic downtown shopping area, and the beautiful Hood River County Fruit Loop, where you can go apple picking, cider tasting and more, all with awesome Mount Hood views!”
Hood River Hops Fest features local cuisine, arts and crafts vendors, and live music. Children are welcome throughout the afternoon. The venue is open to adults only from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
2019 Hood River Hops Fest Details
WHEN
Saturday, September 21, 2019. Open to all ages from 12-5 p.m., and adults ages 21 and over from 5-8 p.m.
WHERE
Downtown Hood River, Oregon, in the Columbia Parking Lot (between Fifth and Seventh Streets and Cascade Avenue and Columbia Street)
TICKETS
- 21+ Entry-Only Ticket: $10
- 21+ Beer Garden Ticket: $15 presale; $20 day-of. Includes entry, commemorative glass mug and five 3.5oz. taste tokens
- Under 21: Free admission. Note: The venue is open to people 21 and older only after 5 p.m. until closing at 8 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at http://hoodriver.org/hops-fest/, or at the entrance the day of the event.
For more information, visit the official Hood River Hops Fest website and Facebook page.
Terry Bunch
