Brewfest at The Oregon Garden

The 9th annual Oregon Garden Brewfest takes place April 26 through 28, 2013. A record 62 breweries will be presenting a total of 125 beers and ciders. Event hours are Noon to 11 pm Friday & Saturday, and Noon to 6 pm Sunday. Located in the historic town of Silverton, the Oregon Garden Brewfest also showcases live music from 22 area bands, including Radiation City, WEINLAND, Denver, Water Tower Bucket Boys, The Maldives, Jamalia and Sassparilla. In addition, the fest features food, beer tasting lessons, a Brewer's Tasting Dinner on April 25th, a Connoisseur Tasting on April 26th, and a homebrew competition presented by Capitol Brewers. Advance admission includes a one-day pass for $15 that features a tasting glass, seven tasting tickets, and express entry; a three-day pass for $30 that includes a tasting glass, 15 tasting tickets, and express entry; and a VIP pass for $50 that includes a tasting glass, 45 tasting tickets, a T shirt and a food voucher. Advance sales are available at http://ogbf2013.blogspot.com. The Oregon Garden Brewfest is for ages 21 and over on Friday and Saturday; minors are welcome all hours on Sunday. Tickets at the door are $15 for one-day entry and increase to $20 after 5 pm, and include five tasting tickets. Three-day entry at the door is $30 and includes 10 tasting tickets and no express entry, and VIP entry is $50 and includes 35 tickets and no express entry. Designated drivers pay a cover charge of $5 and receive a bottled water. Once inside, a full glass of beer costs four tickets, and a taster costs one ticket. Additional tasting tickets may be purchased for $1 apiece.  For those from out of the area who wish to make a night of it, The Oregon Garden Resort is offering two room packages: the Brewer's Dinner Package for $219 is available on April 25 and includes accommodations, two tickets to the Brewer's Dinner, breakfast for two the next morning, and two one-day tickets to the Brewfest on April 26. The Brewfest Package for $189 is available April 25 through April 28 and includes accommodations, breakfast for two, two one-day tickets to the Brewfest and two food booth vouchers. Reservations are available at http://oregongardenresort.com/Packages.htm or call 503-874-2500. The fest is also working with other area hotels to provide packages and shuttles, and more information can be found online at http://ogbf2013.blogspot.com/p/where-to-stay.html    Sponsors of the event include Venti's Café & Basement Bar, Pepsi, Wave Broadband, The Ulven Companies, Oregon Hop Commission, Lucky Eagle Casino and Raen Brew. For more information about the event, visit http://ogbf2013.blogspot.com.