Written by Nicole Scopelliti | Photo by Trevor Meyer
“People ages 21 to 70, all mixed together, all doing the same thing, all enjoying themselves. There’s not a feeling of ‘this is an event for young people’ or ‘this is an event for old people’. It blends together so beautifully and naturally, and it’s rare to be at an event like that these days.”
Imagine a showcase of 87 beers and the unprecedented, experimental breweries behind them. Such an event is not too good to be true. The 2017 KLCC Brewfest will be celebrating its 16th year this February at the Lane Events Center, and if you’re 21 or older, you’re invited! Explore an array of beer from breweries in Oregon, Washington, California and even Chicago. All proceeds from the event go to KLCC 89.7 FM.
A Brew Purveyor Paradise
Gayle Chisholm, KLCC Brewfest coordinator, said the event “puts the ‘fun’ in fundraising and the ‘pub’ in public radio.” With an increasing number of breweries showcasing their products, KLCC Brewfest has become an expansive weekend-long event that promises vast options for every type of beer and cider lover. Chisholm added, “Fortunately for us, the industry has grown tremendously, so our event has stayed popular and vibrant, and keeps changing and growing.” The breweries attending KLCC Brewfest will bring at least two beers each, resulting in more than 75 different beers at the entire event. Chisholm expressed that there would be an abundance of specialty and seasonal beers at the fest: “The breweries bring their flagship beers but we encourage them to bring their winter beers, their spring beers… something you can’t always buy.” However, many Eugene breweries go beyond simply bringing their cult favorites by participating in the KLCC Brewfest Collaboration Brew. 16 Eugene-based breweries are paired up, each pair working together to make an original brew based around the fest’s yearly theme. This year, the Collaboration Brew is in celebration of KLCC’s 50th Anniversary. Chisholm touched on the excitement and innovation surrounding and inspiring this year’s theme: “They’ve picked things that go with a ‘50th’ theme, like using golden hops and brewing golden beers.” Collaboration Brew tasting cards will be available at the event, meaning you can get a smaller taste of each exclusive beer.
The Logistics
At Brewfest, there’s no need for a schedule to dictate your day. The event is completely customizable to your interests. On Friday, KLCC Brewfest opens at 5 pm and closes at 11 pm, and on Saturday, it’s open from 1 pm to 11 pm. A typical day at the fest is as follows: patrons enter the fest and can purchase a $15 ticket at the door; advanced online tickets are sold for $12 at KLCC.org. Whether you buy a ticket in advance or at the door, admission includes two beer tickets and a glass. Additional beer tickets are sold for $1 per 3 oz. taste. After receiving the tickets, visitors are free to check out the beer tents and snag some brewery merchandise. Chisholm added that the event will contain a lot of standing around and laughing with friends, and also mentioned the many visual aspects to enjoy and interact with. “Breweries decorate like crazy. They bring vans that are all tapped out, tents and all kinds of things.” In addition to tasting exclusive brews, you can check out KLCC Brewfest’s live entertainment. The fest’s Friday night entertainment will be DJ Nate Robinson and on Saturday night, The Essentials band will be serving up some blues. If you find yourself with extra time to spare, check out the record sale and take home some affordable finds. At the end of the night, stop by the Emerald Photobooth and take photos with your friends. It’s a perfect way to commemorate the fest.
Drink Responsibly
Although it’s important to enjoy your time at the fest, it’s also important to consider your safety. In an attempt to curb the number of drunk drivers coming from the event, KLCC is offering Designated Driver tickets for $10. Patrons labeled as a designated driver for their party will receive a wristband at the door and will not receive a glass or beer tickets. You can also receive a free LTD Day Pass to get to and from the event. Visit KLCC.org to claim and print your pass.
