The Washington Beer Commission (aka Washington Beer) has released its schedule of festivals for the summer and fall of 2016. In all, the Commission will host six festivals between now and the end of the year. First up is the Washington Beer Collaboration Festival on April 23 and 24 in Seattle. We did a post recently that includes all the details – see that post.
Here are the other beer festivals the Washington Beer Commission has scheduled for 2016. It is not a listing of all beer festivals, just those hosted by the Commission.
Washington Brewers Festival (Redmond) – Raise a glass and salute Washington’s brewing industry on Father’s Day weekend (June 17 – 19) as the Washington Beer Commission presents the 11th Annual Washington Brewer’s Festival at Marymoor Park. The Washington Brewer’s Festival is a unique all-ages beer festival where thousands of beer aficionados can sample more than 400 beers from 105 Washington breweries. In addition, the festival offers wine and cider tastings, great food, live music and all-ages activities. Tickets are on sale now. This the same event that used to take place at Saint Edward State Park in Kenmore.
Bremerton Summer Brewfest – The 6th annual Bremerton Summer Brewfest will expand to two days (July 15 – 16) on the waterfront this year, just a short walk from the Seattle – Bremerton ferry! This event features 30 Washington breweries pouring more than 100 craft beers. To celebrate the Summer, our Washington brewers will be focusing on fruit infused beers. Come to the Bremerton Summer Brewfest to learn more from our expert brewers while you enjoy live music and local food. Tickets available later this spring.
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Everett Craft Beer Festival – The 5th Annual Everett Craft Beer Festival will feature 30 Washington breweries pouring more than 100 beers. Come to the Everett Craft Beer Festival and find out from the experts while you imbibe Washington’s best beers and enjoy live music in downtown Everett on Saturday, August 20th, 2016.
Inland Northwest Craft Beer Festival (Spokane) – The Inland Northwest Craft Beer Festival will welcome 30 craft breweries pouring more than 100 types of beer. To commemorate America’s other favorite pastime, the event will be held at Avista Stadium and features live music, great food and baseball-themed fun. Tickets on sale later this summer. September 23 – 24.
South Sound Craft Beer Festival (Tacoma) – The 3rd annual South Sound Craft Beer Festival will feature 30 Washington breweries pouring over 100 craft beers. Our Washington brewers will be featuring a PNW favorite, the IPA, during this indoor festival at the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall. In addition to great Washington beer, there will be food and live music. Tickets available later this fall. Saturday, November 5th.
Commission versus Guild
I know it’s confusing, but they are not the same. Here’s the simple explanation.
Washington Beer Commission – State-sanctioned commodities commission that operates within the State Department of Agriculture, established by the Washington State Legislature to promote Washington beer as a product. It is very similar to the Apple Commission, the Wine Commission, the Wheat Commission, and so on. By law, the Commission is not involved in matters of policy and politics because, well, it operates as part of the State, to some degree. The Commission operates its festivals as a primary mechanism for funding its promotional activities. By the way, Washington is the only state with this kind of beer commission.
Washington Brewers Guild – An independent, non-profit trade organization established by the brewing industry itself with the mission of fostering a sense of community among brewers. It is not an official state agency, but a trade organization. The Guild represents the interests of the brewing industry in matters of policy and politics. The Guild runs Washington Winter Beer Festival (December) and Washington Cask Beer Festival (March) as fundraisers for its activities.
The two organization have some shared interests, but they are completely separate entities.
