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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

A new Arena for local beer

Rick Bonino

A major new Spokane beer event makes its debut a month from now.

The Spokane Arena today announced the Spokane Brewers Festival, featuring craft breweries from throughout the area in the Arena parking lot Aug. 12-14 along with food vendors and live music.

“We thought there was a real need for a food and beer festival here that hasn’t been met yet,” says Matt Gibson, the Arena’s general manager.

The immediate feedback from social media has been encouraging, he adds: “We’re finding out that a lot of people are interested in this, more so than some of the other things we do.”

Gibson says the original idea was for a fall festival in conjunction with the Spokane Chiefs hockey team, but when that timing didn’t work out, the thinking turned to a summer event.

Organizers of the Oregon Brewers Festival, which returns for a 29th year in Portland later this month, have provided valuable help with the planning, he says.

“There are so many craft breweries popping up all over the place and so much good beer out there,” Gibson says. “We just wanted to create a fun event where you don’t have to pitch out a lot of money to come and have a good time.”

Like the OBF, there’s no admission fee; you’ll pay for drinks and food as you go. A plastic tasting mug will cost $7, and drink tokens will be $1 each. You’ll get a 2-ounce sample for one token, or a full 10-ounce pour for five.

Brewery commitments are being wrapped up from throughout the Inland Northwest, Gibson says.

“We’re working hard to secure a large number of breweries,” he says. “We want the brewmasters here talking about their beers, to make it an educational event.”

There will be at least a half-dozen food vendors, he says, with some “varied and exotic offerings.” Music will focus on a “bluesy, folky vibe,” in keeping with the laid-back nature of the event.

All ages will be welcome, with River City sponsoring a root beer garden for minors and designated drivers.  Event hours will be Friday and Saturday from noon to 9 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6.