Port Townsend’s Strange Brewfest annually attracts hundreds of local and out-of-town suds lovers to imbibe bizarre brews with names like “pepperoni pizza” and “Girl Scout Dropout.”
“We …
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Krystal McCrehin of 101 Brewery serves up a Blue Bourbon brown ale Jan. 29 during the 12th annual Strange Brewfest at the American Legion Hall in downtown Port Townsend. The Quilcene brewery, located at the Twana Roadhouse on U.S. Highway 101, also offered a Hazel Hemp pale ale. Photo by Nicholas Johnson
Port Townsend’s Strange Brewfest annually attracts hundreds of local and out-of-town suds lovers to imbibe bizarre brews with names like “pepperoni pizza” and “Girl Scout Dropout.”
“We always try to put on a massive spectacle,” said cofounder Mark Burr.
In honor of the festival’s 13-year history, the 2017 festival taking place this weekend is “A Baker’s Dozen,” with the slogan “Flour Power.” It’s a chance for folks to “come out and be goofballs,” Burr said.
The event, which celebrates the “wild, creative side of the Northwest craft brewing scene,” is taking place downtown in and around the American Legion Hall, and features more than 30 strange concoctions crafted by dozens of top Northwest breweries and cideries.
Hours are 5 p.m.-midnight, Friday, Jan. 27, and 1 p.m.-midnight, Saturday, Jan. 28.
Strange Brewfest draws about 2,500 people every year, Burr said, a number that is “just right” for the outdoor/indoor setting downtown.
In addition to the promise of unusual brews, the festival’s driving force is music.
“We’re sort of loyal to our bands,” Burr said. Lucky Brown, for example, has been playing at the fest since its early days.
The lineup also features local favorite Lowire, along with Joy in Mudville, Swindler, Snug Harbor, Unsinkable Heavies and DJ Red Dog.
Topping off the entertainment are a troupe of fire dancers and the Chainsaw Carvers – Pat McVay and Steve Backus – who carve everything from gnomes to benches to portable “yard bars.”
“They’re pretty neat and very entertaining to watch,” Burr said.
Food is provided by local businesses. On the menu are pulled pork sandwiches on Hawaiian buns, chili nachos, corn bread and breadsticks with house-made dip from Courtyard Cafe; authentic Spanish paella from Paella House; and hamburgers from the Legion.
Breweries currently signed up to participate are 7 Seas Brewing, 101 Brewery, Alsan Brewing Co., Bad Jimmy’s Brewing, Bainbridge Island Brewing, Bellevue Brewing Co., Black Raven Brewing Co., Boundary Bay Brewing Co., Bushel & Barrel Ciderhouse, Cash Brewing Co., Cloudburst Brewing, Doghaus Brewery, Downpour Brewing, Dungeness Brewing Co., Elysian Brewing Co., Fish Brewing Co., Fremont Brewing Co., Ghostfish Brewing Co., Jellyfish Brewing, Middleton Brewing, Outlander Brewing Co., Pike Brewing Co., Port Townsend Brewing Co., Propolis Brewing, Rainy Daze Brewing, Silver City Brewery and Wingman Brewers.
The event is presented by ROJ Court 52. Tickets, $30, are available at
strangebrewfestpt.com.
