We’ve been over this. This is hands-down my favorite event Portland has to offer. It’s the one that brings beer aficionados (and, OK, a lot of people who just love to drink beer, any beer) from around the world to Tom McCall Waterfront park every July (this year July 23-26). And, I’m not exaggerating. Last year I met guys from Chile, Germany (no surprise there) and Sweden.

This year again offers over 80 beers from all over the country, everything from lagers to stouts. There’s live music all four days, and booths featuring folks who make beer, grow beer-making plants, write about beer, and collect all things beer-related.

As always, the venue is chock-a-block with fantastic food vendors. Don’t forget to grab a little snack between beer samples. Somebody’s gotta drive…

Cheers,
Keith

On six consecutive Tuesdays this summer, you can enjoy music, after closing, at Portland’s Classical Chinese Garden, in Chinatown. Go early, walk the gorgeous gardens, and stay for a unique concert experience.

The six week lineup just began last night with The Shanghai Woolies, a jazz/swing/pop spin-off of the über-popular Pink Martini, headed up by trumpeter Gavin Bondy. Next Tuesday will showcase soul/pop duo Curtis Salgado & Alan Hagar. On the 21st, catch the traditional Chinese violin, zeng (Chinese zither), and bamboo flute performance of the Portland Classical Chinese Trio. Round it out with a unique harmonica (yes, harmonica) experience by jazz/tango/blues phenom Joe Powers.

Dinner boxes will be available from some of Portland’s best Asian restaurants. Aren’t you intrigued? I’m adding it to my list of must-dos this summer and I think you should, too.

Ciao,
Emily