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The Vancouver Brewfest: A Bi-Yearly Northwestern Beer Extravaganza

Nestled on the banks of the Columbia River, Vancouver, Washington, is a scenic destination for your next big getaway. The first non-native person credited with discovering the area was Lt. William Broughton, who named the area after his superior officer, Capt. George Vancouver, in 1792. Hudson's Bay Company moved their Northwest headquarters to the area in 1825. This brought new residents and trade, while establishing the area as a center for commerce in the region. In 1857, the city was officially incorporated and it has been growing ever since. Currently the population is roughly 170,000 residents (4th largest city in the state) and the city has established itself as one of the top places to vacation in the region.

 

With natural features like the Cascades to the east, Mount St. Helens to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Columbia River right in town, this is an outdoor lover's dream. You’ll find over 4,000 acres of beautifully maintained public parks and 44 miles of scenic public trails that are perfect for hiking and biking. The city is also home to a growing and thriving art and cultural scene. Sprinkled throughout the city there are multiple theaters, live entertainment venues, galleries, and much more to enjoy. Restaurants, bars, and clubs are numerous and you’ll find everything from fine dining to food trucks. To get the full Vancouver experience, you should visit during one of the big local events like one of The Vancouver Brewfests.

 

Twice a year (in March and August), The Vancouver Brewfests bring thousands of people into Vancouver to sample the best brews you’ll find in all of the Northwestern United States. Both of the festivals are relatively new, but have made a large impact on the community. At the festival there will be a variety of beers, ciders, meads, spirits, and delicious food options for adults to enjoy. In addition, they have live music, fun games and guest appearances to keep everyone entertained. Get ready to welcome spring back in style and head to The Vancouver Brewfest for a unique and fun experience. ResortsandLodges.com got the oppotunity to interview Cody Gray, Event Representative for The Vancouver Brewfest, to talk about the event.

 

RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.

CG: The Original Vancouver Brewfest started in August 2012. The Vancouver Brewfest - Spring Edition got up and running in March of 2015.​ Our original event in August drew 6,000 in 2015 and the first Spring Edition drew 3,200 last year. The August Brewfest has grown by more than 10% each year since 2012, and we expect that for the second Spring Brewfest coming up March 18-19. ​The event is 21+ only. While there is large number of couples in attendance, there are also many groups of friends and multiple generations of families getting in some quality time while enjoying a great venue and fundraising event.​

 

RAL: What makes the event unique?

CG: Both the Spring and Original Vancouver Brewfest are the largest South of Seattle, and celebrate Southwest Washington's craft beer scene.​

 

RAL: Take me through a typical day at the event.

CG: The Spring Edition is themed for basketball and you can play against a BlazerDancer for fun. You can also participate in one of the brackets for prizes from the local breweries. March Madness basketball games are on big screen televisions at all hours, as this is the first weekend of NCAA Men’s Basketball’s March Madness Tournament. These TV’s get raffled off at the end of the event. The August Brewfest has an outdoor game called BEAR PONG that is managed by the local Storm City Roller Girls team.​

 

We will have the BlazerDancers making guest appearances for several hours each afternoon in the Spring. The Storm City Roller Girls will be here in August for our other Brewfest.

 

When you get hungry, check out the outstanding hand selected local food vendors providing: BBQ, brick oven pizza, burgers/fries, and authentic German cuisine appropriate for a Brewfest. In the summer, we add fish tacos and South Pacific-style options.​

 

RAL: What is the overall environment of the event like?

CG:​ Spring Edition is held under a 12,000 square foot heated tent and the Original Vancouver Brewfest is held at Esther Short Park, taking up a full city block in Downtown Vancouver, WA. The park in August comes with a full stage, so we schedule local easy listening bands to play at all hours. This park is amazing with old trees giving just the right amount of shade to sample over 100 beers.​

 

RAL: What can attendees expect to find for local lodging?

CG: The Hilton Hotel is directly across the street from Esther Short Park and two blocks from the Spring Edition.​ Otherwise, you’ll find a wide assortment of lodging options for all group sizes and budgets.

 

RAL: What does this event mean to the community?

CG: This event brings additional awareness to the local craft beer scene that is just now taking off in Southwest Washington.​ The people who attend spend money at the different stores, restaurants and attractions, all over town.

 

We also take great pride in benefiting the community. We've donated $30,000 to local charities since 2012, with the majority of funds going to NW Battle Buddies (providing service dogs to wounded Veterans), the local chapter of the Disabled American Veterans, and Second Chance Companions (a local pet assistance program).​

 

RAL: Why should people come to your event?

CG: The spring edition of the Vancouver Brewfest is held literally over the edge of the mighty Columbia River at the Vancouver Landing Amphitheater pier with a beautiful view of the river and sunset over the water.  The Original Vancouver Brewfest, held the second weekend in August, takes place at the most spectacular park in Washington. Esther Short Park offers ample space to entertain several thousand people while not feeling crowded in Downtown Vancouver.


For more information about the Vancouver Brewfests, please visit their website.