As winter gives way to spring, the city of Portland doesn’t slowly reawaken. No sir. In a town known for a long rainy season, its inhabitants are chomping at the bit to embrace the equally renowned summer. So, the second the clouds begin to break and the trilliums begin to sprout, Portland leaps out of bed and hits the ground running. And it all begins with the city’s festivals.

Kicking off the season of busy social weekend calendars, the 20 th Annual Spring Beer & Wine Fest is the nation’s largest sampling-related springtime event. And it’s happening April 18 th and 19 th .
The festival will feature samples from numerous local craft breweries, wineries, distilleries, cider makers, and chocolatiers . There will be plenty of gourmet food and cheese to enjoy as well. Those in attendance can look forward to cooking demonstrations and educational seminars on the Chef’s Stage, and live music featuring Northwest bands.

The Spring Beer & Wine Fest will occur Friday – Saturday, April 18-19, from Noon – 10 pm, both days, at the Oregon Convention Center (777 NE MLK Jr. Blvd., Portland, Ore.). The first 500 attendees on Friday get in for free! Minors accompanied by an adult are permitted until 9 p.m. each day; children ages 12 and younger are free.