bend brewfest 2023 Archives

This week, the Old Mill District announced that it would postpone the 2023 Bend Brewfest. The second-largest craft beer festival in the Pacific Northwest has been put on pause until it can return to the Hayden Homes Amphitheater.

Bend Brewfest, held annually at the amphitheater before the COVID-19 pandemic, returned last spring on the east side of the Deschutes River in the Old Mill District as portions of the music venue were under construction. Still, the festival was successful in its new location and raised more than $15,000 for organizations such as Latino Community Association, Northwest Youth Discovery, Bend Fire Community Assistance Program, and Out Central Oregon.

Bend Brewfest event-goers celebrate the return of the beer festival in 2022 after a three-year hiatus. Photo courtesy Old Mill District.

Bend Brewfest 2023 Postponed

Its organizers have opted to pause the event until it can return to Hayden Homes Amphitheater, which is set for a third phase of upgrades this winter and spring.

“We loved the turnout last year and are so thankful we could all get back together again,” said Bend Brewfest marketing director Beau Eastes. “But to be able to put on the kind of brew festival guests want, we need to wait until it can return to the amphitheater.”

Resuming after a three-year hiatus, the 2022 Bend Brewfest was held May 13-14 on the east side of the Deschutes River in the Old Mill District. More than 65 breweries and cideries poured approximately 100 different craft beers and ciders at the 2022 festival, which drew more than 10,000 beer lovers from across the Pacific Northwest. The 2022 Bend Brewfest was the first year the festival was staged in May after nearly two decades of being held in late August at the amphitheater.

Bend Brewfest 2022 was hosted along the Old Mill District riverwalk for the first time since its inception in 2002. Photo courtesy Old Mill District.

Bend’s Spider City Brewing and its Deer Garden Hazy IPA won Best Local Beer at the 2022 Bend Brewfest. Great Notion Brewing, based out of Portland, took home top honors for a brewery outside of Central Oregon with its Bicycle Day fruited sour. And Eugene’s Cyderish and its B.O.M.B. Cider – Boring Old Mango Brew – won the top prize for best cider.

Since its inception in 2002, the Bend Brewfest has given more than $100,000 to local non-profit organizations. While disappointing, we’re looking forward to the revival of Bend Brewfest when it can be hosted at Hayden Homes Amphitheater. The 2022 Bend Brewfest, while exciting, seemed to lack its usual vibe and flow. Last year’s attendees likely recall the event feeling overcrowded as Pole Pedal Paddle participants shared the riverwalk with Bend Brewfest.

About Bend Brewfest

Founded in 2002, the Bend Brewfest annually showcases the most creative and innovative craft breweries in the Pacific Northwest in a gorgeous setting along the banks of the Deschutes River in the Old Mill District. The Bend Brewfest has become known as an event where brewers can highlight their specialty, hard-to-find brews on the festival’s X-Taps. Find more information at BendBrewfest.com.