PORTLAND, OR – The heart of Portland’s acclaimed craft beer scene is set to pulse with renewed vigor as the city prepares to host the 10th Annual Portland Craft Beer Festival (PCBF).
Scheduled to coincide with the celebratory July 4th weekend, the milestone event will unfold from Friday, July 4th, through Sunday, July 6th, 2025. The picturesque Elizabeth Caruthers Park, nestled in the vibrant South Waterfront area, will once again serve as the backdrop for this major gathering of brewers and enthusiasts.
Organizers have indicated that the 2025 iteration is poised to be the largest in the festival’s decade-long history, reflecting the enduring popularity of craft beer in the Pacific Northwest and the event’s growing stature.
Event Schedule and Accessibility
The festival spans three days, offering different experiences for attendees.
Hours on Friday, July 4th, and Saturday, July 5th, are set from 12 PM to 9 PM. Sunday, July 6th, will feature a slightly shorter day, running from 12 PM to 5 PM.
Accessibility varies by day: Friday and Sunday are designated as all-ages events, welcoming families and individuals of all ages. Saturday, however, is restricted to attendees aged 21 and over, catering specifically to adult beer aficionados.
A Decade of Craft Beer Celebration
Over its ten-year history, the Portland Craft Beer Festival has established itself as a premier showcase for the region’s brewing prowess. The 2025 festival promises to continue this tradition, featuring an extensive selection of beers. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample creations from a wide array of local Portland breweries, known for their innovation and quality, alongside offerings from various regional guests.
The lineup is curated to represent the diversity and excellence that characterize the Pacific Northwest’s contribution to the global craft beer movement, offering everything from hoppy IPAs and rich stouts to crisp lagers and sour ales.
Enhancing the Festival Experience
Adding a new dimension to the tasting experience this year is a blind tasting event hosted by Khuva Labs. This novel feature offers participants a unique opportunity to evaluate beers based purely on their sensory attributes, removing the influence of branding or prior knowledge and potentially discovering new favorites through unbiased assessment.
The festival is not solely focused on beverages. A selection of food options will be available from popular vendors to complement the beer tasting. This year’s confirmed food participants include Urban German, known for its authentic German fare; Yoonique, offering its distinctive culinary creations; and Cousins Maine Lobster, bringing fresh seafood options to the South Waterfront. Alongside these food trucks, local craft vendors will also be present, providing attendees with opportunities to explore and purchase handmade goods.
Supporting Community Nonprofits
A key component of the Portland Craft Beer Festival’s mission is its commitment to giving back to the community. The event proudly supports two local nonprofit organizations:
Oregon Brew Crew: One of the largest and oldest homebrewing clubs in the country, dedicated to promoting the art and science of brewing.
Fort Kennedy: An organization dedicated to assisting Portland-area veterans, providing crucial support and resources to those who have served.
Attendance at the festival directly contributes to the work of these valuable community pillars.
Ticketing and Attendance Insights
Prospective attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Online tickets are priced at $40. For those purchasing on the day of the event, tickets will be available at the door for $50.
Each general admission ticket includes a collectible festival tin and 10 tasting tickets. Organizers specify that these 10 tickets are equivalent to 40 oz of beer, meaning each tasting ticket allows for a 4 oz pour. Extra tasting tickets can be purchased at the event for $1 each, providing flexibility for attendees wishing to sample more varieties.
Data from previous years highlights the festival’s significant regional draw. According to organizers, a substantial 65% of guests in the previous year traveled from outside the immediate Portland metro area, underscoring the event’s status as a major destination for craft beer enthusiasts from across Oregon and beyond.
As the 10th Annual Portland Craft Beer Festival approaches, anticipation is building for a weekend of celebrating craft beer, community, and the spirit of Portland in Elizabeth Caruthers Park.
