Perched on the south shore of Lake Washington, Renton, Washington, is a destination that offers breathtaking natural surroundings and a diverse collection of local eateries. Food lovers will love the cuisine at downtown establishments like The Melrose Grill and The Red House, and Northeast Renton offers a variety of fresh markets if you're looking to cook for yourself. Whether you're checking out the great selection of boutique shops in the Antiques District or looking the history of the area at the Renton History Museum, Renton is perfect for you.
The Northwest Tequila & Agave Spirits Fest is the ultimate celebration of agave, tequila, and everything in between, and it will take place September 9, at the Renton Pavilion. Attendees will encounter the largest such event of its kind in America complete with more than 200 agave spirits and a variety of cocktails to sample. This year’s event also gives attendees the opportunity to discuss and learn about agave and tequila with some of the top tequila distillers in the country. The ever popular Cocktail Competition will return this year, featuring unique tequila cocktails from some of the best bartenders in the Pacific Northwest. Hungry patrons will find a variety of meal options at food vendors, and local musicians will perform live throughout the festival. We got the chance to interview Jackie Moffett, Executive Producer of the event, to learn more about this unique agave celebration.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.
JM: The Northwest Tequila & Agave Spirits Fest is in its fifth year, and we couldn’t be more excited. We’ll feature 18 different cocktails and over 200 agave spirits to sample, plus, food, music, and fun. Our event brings together aficionados and those who want to expand their love of tequila. As the largest such festival in the country, we’re sure you’ll discover something that you'll love.
RAL: What makes the event unique?
JM: We put a lot of effort into making sure it’s something different every year. It’s all about the experience, so it’s important to us that we give our fans a variety of new experiences. While some events feel the same year after year, we like to keep our fans on their toes.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event, what can I expect as an attendee?
JM: I like to think it’s a pretty exciting day as an attendee. With live music, bites and cocktails from local restaurants, tequila and mezcal to sample, what’s not to love? There are even some tequila brands that have used the festival as a platform to launch their product into the Washington market. As a tequila fan, it’s always fun to be among some of the first in the state to be able to taste a new spirit. We’ve had master distillers join us in the past to mingle with the crowds, sign bottles, and provide educational seminars. Last year we featured workshops by master distiller Carlos Camarena of El Tesoro Tequila, Graciela Carreño of Real Minero Mezcal, and David Alan of Patrón Tequila. We’ll have some guest appearances again this year, but we haven’t announced them yet.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
JM: The Festival will take place at the Renton Pavilion which is located about 12 miles south of the downtown Seattle core. We’ve been able to partner with a few different area hotels offering group discounts for our attendees this year. Hotel information and links to the group discount pages are on our website.
RAL: What does this event mean to the community?
JM: The local support for this year's event has been tremendous. We are excited to partner with hotels and local businesses to drive our attendees in their direction before and after our Fest.
RAL: Does the event support a particular cause in the community?
JM: The Northwest Tequila and Agave Spirits Fest raises funds to benefit The Benevolent Guild of Seattle. Their mission is committed to assisting children, charities, and support groups in the Puget Sound area.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
JM: If you’re a lover of tequila and agave spirits, this event is ideal for you. Attendees will be able to taste from over 200 different products and sample 18 different cocktails. We also see this festival as an introduction, or reintroduction to tequila. With so many amazing spirits available, there’s something for everyone. Our fest isn’t just about agave; it’s also a celebration of Mexican culture and a chance for people to bond over food, music, and spirits.
For more information about the Northwest Tequila & Agave Spirits Fest, please visit the event website.