PORTLAND, OR – Get ready for a vibrant celebration of harvest and hops as the Portland Fresh Hop Pop-Up Beer Fest returns for its 10th anniversary. From September 19th to October 4th, 2025, Prost! Marketplace on N. Mississippi Ave. will transform into a beer lover’s paradise, offering 17 days dedicated to the unique and ephemeral world of fresh hop beers. This highly anticipated event solidifies Portland’s reputation as a premier destination for craft beer enthusiasts in Oregon.
The Essence of Fresh Hop Beer
Fresh hop beers represent a fleeting yet exhilarating moment in the craft beer calendar. Unlike the majority of beers that utilize dried or pelletized hops, fresh hop brews are crafted using whole hops harvested directly from the bine and delivered to breweries within hours – sometimes just minutes – of picking. This rapid transition from farm to fermenter captures the hops’ vibrant, delicate aromas and flavors, which are typically lost in the drying process. The result is a beer with a distinct botanical richness, often exhibiting notes of citrus, floral bouquets, or earthy greens that are unparalleled. This seasonal phenomenon, primarily celebrated in hop-growing regions like Oregon and Washington, underscores the state’s deep agricultural roots and its significant contribution to the beer industry. The limited window of opportunity, typically running from early September to mid-October, makes these beers a cherished and urgent seasonal delight.
A Decade of Freshness in Portland
This year marks a significant milestone for the Portland Fresh Hop Pop-Up Beer Fest as it celebrates its tenth anniversary. Over the past decade, the festival has grown to become a cornerstone event, renowned for offering one of the largest selections of fresh hop beers in Portland. The event, presented by Portland Beer Week and hosted at the popular Prost! Marketplace, has become a tradition for many, celebrating the bounty of the hop harvest and the innovation of regional brewers. The 17-day marathon of fresh hop brews has cemented its status as a must-attend gathering for those eager to experience the pinnacle of seasonal beer craftsmanship.
This Year’s Festival Lineup and Highlights
The 2025 edition promises an extensive array of fresh hop creations, featuring a diverse lineup of breweries and special tap takeovers. The festival kicks off with Prost! Oktoberfest and Fresh Hop Lagers from September 19th to 21st, featuring Pilsners, Festbiers, and other lagers brewed with fresh hops.
Subsequent highlights include:
* September 25th: A Breakside Brewery showcase featuring eight different fresh hop beers, including cryo-frozen and crushed varieties, along with rare draft exclusives. Breakside Brewery is a celebrated name in Oregon’s craft beer scene.
* September 27th: The Yakima Fresh Hop Showcase, bringing brews from the heart of hop country, featuring Varietal Beer, Single Hill Brewing, and Bale Breaker Brewing.
* September 30th: A Single Hill Brewing event, dubbed the “Fresh Hop Rodeo Round 2,” will present new fresh hop collaborations with Formula Brewing, Bale Breaker Brewing, and Bizarre Brewing.
* October 1st: Yakima Chief Hops hosts a special event, offering a hop sensory experience and a tap takeover from eight different breweries, highlighting innovative hop products.
* October 3rd: Brujos & Friends presents a metal-themed fresh hop night, featuring brews from Brujos Brewing and other selected breweries.
* October 4th: Fort George Brewery hosts its “Fresh Fest,” showcasing all seven of their 2025 fresh hop beers, including collaborations with other notable breweries.
Throughout the 17-day event, festival-goers can expect daily offerings of seasonal and rare brews, with special tappings happening frequently, celebrating the best breweries and hop-growing regions.
Prost! Marketplace: The Ideal Hub
Prost! Marketplace, known as one of Portland’s premier food cart pods, provides the perfect backdrop for this celebration. The venue offers a vibrant atmosphere with ten rotating taps dedicated to fresh hop beers and an impressive selection of ten food trucks, ensuring attendees can pair their brews with diverse culinary delights.
The return of the Portland Fresh Hop Pop-Up Beer Fest for its 10th year is more than just a beer event; it’s a testament to the rich brewing culture and agricultural heritage of Oregon. Beer news across the state frequently highlights the excitement surrounding this unique season, and this festival stands as a prime example of why fresh hop beers are a celebrated craft beer tradition.
