Spring Fest Fun

One of Portland’s original beer festivals, the 17th annual Spring Beer & Wine Fest, returns to the Oregon Convention Center, April 22–23.

New this year, the festival will partner with the Portland chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) to send kids, who are battling neuromuscular diseases, to summer camp. Local breweries and wineries will generously donate one-of-a-kind specialty beers and wines that will only be available at the MDA booth. By making a $5 donation, attendees will receive a 14-ounce beer or 5-ounce glass of wine.

Each day, from noon to 11 p.m., festival-goers will enjoy samples of more than 80 microbrews, wine from 30 regional wineries, local artisan spirits, specialty cheese, handcrafted chocolate, a marketplace, cooking demonstrations, educational seminars on a chef’s stage and live music.

Admission is free the first two hours or $5 after 2 p.m. Tasting packages are available for $20, which includes admission, a wine glass or plastic beer mug and 10 tokens. Purchased individually, sampling tokens are $1.

The Oregon Convention Center is located at 777 N.E. MLK Jr. Blvd., Portland. For more information visit www.springbeerfest.com.