Oregon’s vibrant craft beer scene comes alive on Saturday, February 21, 2026. The Oregon Brewers Guild hosts its annual Zwickelmania event. This statewide celebration invites beer lovers to explore breweries. More than 50 breweries across Oregon open their doors. It is the 18th annual Zwickelmania. This event honors Oregon’s rich brewing heritage.
A Taste of the Zwickel
The event’s name comes from a brewing term. A “zwickel” is a sample port on fermentation tanks. It allows brewers to taste beer during production. Zwickelmania lets attendees do the same. You can enjoy samples straight from the tanks. This offers a unique, unfiltered taste. It gives a behind-the-scenes look at brewing.
Statewide Brewery Celebrations
Breweries across Oregon participate in this popular beer news. Attendees can expect many activities. These include brewery tours. You can meet the brewers behind your favorite beers. Many locations offer special beer releases. Educational talks also inform visitors. Food and beer pairings are common. Some breweries offer discounts and specials. Others provide NA beverages for designated drivers. In Portland, a free shuttle service connects attendees to many breweries. This makes exploring easier and safer. Some breweries even offer complimentary glasses.
New Collective Forms in Central Oregon
This year’s event also highlights industry collaboration. Five Central Oregon breweries have formed the Oregon Beverage Collective. This group includes Crux Fermentation Project, Cascade Lakes Brewing, Silver Moon Brewing, GoodLife Brewing, and Tumalo Cider. Their goal is to share resources. This includes production, administration, and distribution. The aim is to enhance collective success. It also helps navigate industry challenges. Cascade Lakes Brewing has acquired Crux Fermentation Project. Andy Rhine leads the collective as president.
Oregon’s Brewing Prowess
Oregon is a national leader in craft beer. It boasts more breweries per capita than any other state. The industry significantly contributes to the state’s economy. However, the craft beer market faces challenges nationwide. Many breweries saw sales declines in 2024. This makes events like Zwickelmania crucial. They support local breweries and connect communities. The Oregon Brewers Guild works to promote the state’s beer industry. The official Oregon Brewers Guild collaboration beer, “State of Excitement” by Buoy Beer Co., will be available.
Join the Celebration
Zwickelmania is a free, non-ticketed event. It offers a fantastic opportunity to discover Oregon’s diverse beer offerings. Attendees are encouraged to explore new breweries. They can also support their favorite local spots. The celebration runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Participating breweries span the entire state. From Bend to Portland, the beer news is good. This event truly showcases the spirit of Oregon craft beer.
