Oregon’s Kid-Friendly Beer Festivals

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Ahhh, beer! For some of us, it’s one of the reasons we settled in the Pacific Northwest. If you didn’t move here for the beer, you certainly have come to appreciate the craft beer culture. Summer is approaching fast, and with the warm weather comes the almighty BREW FEST!

I spent all winter pregnant last year, missing all the tasty, whisky cask-aged porters, and deep, dark, “chewy” brews often associated with the cold rain. So when the outdoor beer festival season rolled around, and I was no longer pregnant but instead joyfully baby-wearing my one-month-old, I was ready to hit the circuit.

On our way to our favorite spring brew fest, I mindlessly asked my partner, “They let babies into this thing, right?” WRONG.

I was shattered. It never occurred to me that an event centered on the activity of trying all sorts of adult beverages would, in fact, only be for adults. And while there is no shortage of beer festivals for the 21-and-over crowd, I raise a special CHEERS to the fests that are all-access!

So strap on those babies, bust out your strollers, pack up a picnic, and hit up some of these 2016 family-friendly craft beer festivals.

Kid-Friendly Beer Festivals Oregon Portland

Oregon Garden Brewfest (Silverton)

All ages only on Sunday, June 19

Bottom Line: Best for all kids

The Oregon Garden Brewfest takes place in the Oregon Garden, just outside Silverton, Oregon. It is absolutely worth the trip out of the Portland metro area. Admission gets you in to see the beautiful gardens. You can spend your whole day sampling and exploring. Kids are only allowed on Sunday, but they have designated kid crafts for all your littles. Insider note: bring your own picnic food, as their vendor selection is a little slim.

Portland Fruit Beer Festival (North Park Blocks, Portland)

June 10 – 12

Bottom Line: Best for carried babies who don’t mind tight quarters

Good news for this fest is that it has moved from its original home at Burnside Brewing to the North Park Blocks. This will help with space issues and lack of shade, as their previous spot was an uncovered brewery parking lot baking in the sun.

Portland Craft Beer Festival (Fields Neighborhood Park, Portland)

All ages only on Sunday, July 3

Bottom Line: Best for all kids

I am super PRO fests in parks, and this one is no different! Touting over 100 beers for tasting, and even games to play, like ping pong, corn hole, and hula hoops.beer fest 600

Bite and Brew of Salem (Salem Riverfront)

July 21 – 24

Bottom Line: Best for all kids

This is a HUGE event located at Salem’s Riverfront Park. Featuring four days of bands, food, 70+ beers, wines, and entertainment for adults and kids. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and a lot of extra cash as the kid’s zone with zip lines, an obstacle course, and bounce houses all require ride tickets.

Oregon Brewers Festival (Waterfront Park, Portland)

July 27 – 29

Bottom Line: Best for carried babies

The granddaddy of Oregon beer festivals. If you are looking to rub shoulders with 80,000 craft brew lovers, and spend a lovely afternoon by the Willamette tasting hundreds of craft beer from all over the world, then you can’t do any better than this.

Westmoreland/Sellwood Brew Fest (Portland U-Brew, Portland)

August 7-8

Bottom Line: Unknown

There isn’t a lot of information on this annual fest in the SE neighborhood put on by local homebrewing supply shop and brewery, U-Brew. But, it is worth a look-see if you live in the area.

North American Organic Beer Fest (Overlook Park, Portland)

August 25-28

Bottom Line: Best for all kids

NOPO represent! Bringing together organic beer and sustainability, how could this NOT be awesome?! This brew fest offers 50+ organic beers, ciders, and mead in a beautiful park. There’s an organized kid’s area with art, face painting, and root beer garden, too.   beer shananagains 600 pix

Beaverton Craft Beer Festival (Beaverton)

August 27

Bottom Line: Best for all kids until 4 p.m.

Local breweries and cideries come together for a cause! $1 of each mug goes to Chelsea’s Closet, supporting the Chelsea Hicks Foundation. They also collect new and unused children’s Halloween costumes at the fest to donate.

Portland Fresh Hops Fest (Oaks Amusement Park, Portland)

All ages only on Saturday, October 1

There isn’t a lot of info about this fest either on Facebook or online, so it is a bit of a mystery. However, it’s hosted at our very own Oaks Amusement Park, so worst case, if fresh hops aren’t your thing…head over to the ferris wheel.

Other NW “Kid Friendly” Listed Beer Festivals for the adventurous:

Bend Brew Fest (Bend, OR)

August 18-20 – All ages

Looking for a weekend getaway with the family before school starts up? Head over to Bend for this wildly popular brew fest held at the Les Schwab Amphitheater. Kids are welcome all days before 7 p.m.

Gold Beach Brew & Art Festival (Gold Beach)

September 10 – All ages

Head south to Gold Beach for their brew and art fest in September. This fest also has a great classic car show for motor heads.

Pacific Northwest Brew Cup (Astoria)

September 23-24 – All ages

Goonies never quit! This fest on the waterfront overlooking the Columbia River has event-sponsored kid activities and family-friendly fun. Over 40 beers from across the PNW compete for “Thar She Blows” and “People’s Choice” Awards, so don’t forget to vote.

Any good beer festivals I’ve missed? Please share in the comments!

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2 COMMENTS

  1. Hi there, FYI, kids are now allowed until 5pm on Saturday at the Oregon Garden Brewfest in addition to all day on Sunday. Thanks for including us, cheers!

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