The cries of cheers once again herald the arrival of Anacortes Bier on the Pier! A two-day extravaganza of bier, ciders, food and music the 1st Friday and Saturday of October! Bring your thirst, and leave room to enjoy the smorgasbord of all the tasty foods on the pier. Come spend the weekend in beautiful Anacortes – enter the event beginning Friday evening from 5pm-9pm, and return on Saturday 12pm-6pm to finish the tour they embarked upon the night before.
The event is held at the Historic Port Warehouse located at 1st & Commercial, in downtown Anacortes allowing for spectacular views overlooking the Guemes Channel and Mount Baker. Set amidst the funky warehouse charm of Anacortes’ historic port building will be no fewer than 30 Washington State breweries, as well as 10 cideries, sharing their finest as guests work their way through the six tasting tickets that come with each day’s pass.
“This year, festival attendees will get to discover new breweries that they might not have heard of,” says Kevin Pierce, the former head brewer at Anacortes Brewery. “A lot of these brewers have a long history of loving to brew, and it shows in the beers that they craft.” Products from most breweries, Kevin notes, are distributed in the area, but some self-distributors see the festival as a valuable chance to impress tasters and expand their customer base.
When it’s time to take a break and clear your palate, head out onto the pier for delicious food, to talk shop with fellow aficionados, debate your vote in the People’s Choice competition, or stomp and swing to live tunes.
And when Bier on the Pier festival doors close, the night will still be young – and Anacortes wide awake, with great restaurants, wine bars and music venues ready to keep your party spirit rolling. Make sure to shop by the Rockfish Grill or H2O for a meal before and after the festival – Saturday morning is a Brewer’s Brunch at H2O with a special beer-based menu that goes on Sunday as well. You might be able to snag a chat with one of the brewers beforehand. Too tired to drive home? Not to worry, there’s local lodging for every budget and endless things to do the next day.