Oregon Best Food and Drink Festivals 

The state offers a plethora of opportunities to savor its culinary delights, and one of the finest ways to do so is by attending its numerous food and drink festivals across the state. Let's take a look at a few.

​

Portland Seafood and Wine Festival: March

 

This premier Pacific Northwest festival celebrates fresh local seafood paired with regional wines in a vibrant indoor setting. The Portland Seafood and Wine Festival, hosted at the Portland Expo Center, draws over 15,000 attendees annually to sample offerings from more than 90 food and beverage vendors. Local favorites like Pacific Crab Company, Newman's Fish Company, and Flying Fish Company serve up fresh Dungeness crab, oysters, salmon, and other seafood delicacies, while 50+ Oregon wineries showcase their finest vintages.

 

Live entertainment features regional jazz bands performing throughout the two-day event, including regular appearances by the Patrick Lamb Band and Soul Vaccination. The festival includes unique features like the Oregon Oyster Shucking Competition and live cooking demonstrations from local chefs, while a dedicated "Crab Corner" allows visitors to purchase whole crabs to take home. Visitors can also enjoy specialty cocktails from local distilleries, regional craft beers, and artisanal products from Pacific Northwest vendors in a spacious, heated indoor environment.

 

Portland Craft Beer Festival: June

 

Thousands of craft beer enthusiasts gather each summer to celebrate Oregon's renowned brewing culture. The Portland Craft Beer Festival, hosted at Fields Neighborhood Park in the Pearl District, features over 70 craft breweries and cideries exclusively from within Portland city limits. Notable participants include Breakside Brewery, Cascade Brewing, and Ex Novo Brewing Company, serving up everything from classic IPAs to experimental sours and barrel-aged specialties.

 

Food vendors line the festival grounds, with local favorites like Urban German Grill and Pizza Schmizza providing hearty fare to complement the beverages. Live music adds to the festive atmosphere, with local bands performing throughout the weekend on the main stage. The festival typically draws around 10,000 attendees over its three-day run and features special touches like the Brewer's Brunch, educational tasting sessions, and a designated family day where kids can enjoy root beer tastings and lawn games.

​

The Bloody Mary Festival: June

 

Calling all Bloody Mary aficionados! This celebration of creative cocktails and spicy spirits showcases Portland's vibrant culinary scene with over 25 mixologists and bartenders competing for the coveted "Best Bloody Mary" title. The Redd on Salmon venue transforms into a tasting room where attendees can sample unique garnishes, house-made mixes, and locally distilled vodkas from establishments like Pope House Bourbon Lounge, Doug Fir Lounge, and Radio Room. Local food vendors serve bites designed to complement the drinks, including oyster shooters from Flying Fish Company and sliders from Ate-Oh-Ate.

 

Live DJ sets and acoustic performances from Portland-based musicians create an upbeat atmosphere while guests vote for their favorite concoctions among the 2,000 festival attendees. The festival partners with Oregon Food Bank, donating a portion of proceeds to help fight hunger in the local community. Unique features include a garnish competition showcasing creative toppings like bacon roses and pickled vegetables, plus a "Hair of the Dog" recovery station offering electrolyte drinks and mini breakfast items.

 

Mount Angel Oktoberfest: September

 

The charming Bavarian-themed festival in Oregon has been a beloved tradition since 1966, drawing over 350,000 visitors annually to celebrate German heritage and culture. Hosted throughout the streets of downtown Mount Angel and the attached Festhalle, the celebration features more than 120 food and craft vendors, including authentic offerings from Urban German Grill, Gustav's Restaurant, and Mount Angel Sausage Company. Festival-goers can sample over 50 different German and craft beers, including special brews from Weihenstephan, Bavaria's oldest brewery, alongside traditional wines and schnapps.

 

Multiple stages showcase continuous entertainment with performances by Z-Musikmakers, the Polkatones, and various authentic German folk dancing groups, while the Alpinehorns echo through the village streets. Traditional Bavarian-style decorations transform the entire town, with locals often dressed in dirndls and lederhosen, creating an immersive old-world atmosphere. The Kindergarten area offers family entertainment with puppet shows and craft activities, while the Prostgarten (adults-only biergarten) provides a sophisticated venue for beer enthusiasts to enjoy imported German brews.

 

These are just a glimpse of the many festivals that Oregon has to offer. With such a variety of events to choose from, there's something to satisfy every palate and preference. So, grab a glass, raise a toast, and get ready to indulge in the delights of these great events that Oregon proudly presents.