For someone who writes a beer-themed feature on a blog, taking the month of January off from drinking beer was a hard decision. But as February slowly creeps forward, I wanted to find something to celebrate. The 5th annual Salem Winter Brewfest, which runs January 30-February 2, 2019.
Everyone in Portland is probably familiar with brew festivals – the events where a variety of local, regional, and nationwide breweries come together in one location to show off two or three of their beers (or ciders). For beer drinkers, they are a pretty awesome time. But, if you have attended one in PDX before, you may also be familiar with large crowds and, subsequently hugely long lines. While I don’t feel that this is a deal breaker (it does allow more time to chat with your friends), it can be nice to be in a more manageable location at times.
First the running:
As the Capitol Mall is right in downtown Salem, it’s no too hard to trek a half-mile or so West or South to hit Riverfront Park or Bush Park (respectively). There are miles of trails in each, and both provide some of the premier areas to run. However, since the Capitol is literally right there, it may be more your style to actually run along the mall and around the building. There aren’t a ton of trails right nearby, but if you run this “upside-down T” shaped route, you can put in just over a mile with each loop. Feel free to then hop over State Street and put in a few miles running in and around Willamette University’s small campus for some additional mileage.
More about the Brewfest:
With the Capitol Building just outside the main tent doors, you aren’t going to find a much better backdrop. While the taplist is still being updated, the website shows that Columbia distributing is a sponsor, so I would anticipate their breweries filling the tent. Check back for the full line-up of beers they will be showcasing, but expect some old favorites, as well as some new options as well. There will be local food trucks and options on tap inside the giant heated tent, as well as live entertainment.
Follow the event on Facebook for all the updates.
2019 Event Dates:
- January 31 – February 2, 2019 (Wednesday – Saturday)
Times:
- THURSDAY: 4pm to 10pm
- FRIDAY: 4pm to 11pm
- SATURDAY: 11am to 11pm
Cost: Purchase tickets here:
- $5 on Thursday
- $20 from Friday & Saturday
