TILLAMOOK, OR — In an era when beer festivals face increasingly tough odds, de Garde Brewing is defying the challenges to bring one of the most anticipated craft beer events in the country. The de Garde 12th Anniversary Invitational, scheduled for May 3rd at the Tillamook County Fairgrounds, marks a bold step in the brewery’s journey, transforming what began as a modest anniversary gathering into a large-scale destination beer festival.
With the beer industry navigating hurdles such as rising costs, shifting consumer behaviors, and an oversaturated market, many long-standing festivals have seen their days come to an end. Local staples like the Oregon Brewers Festival, Bend Brewfest, and Vancouver Brewfest have all been sidelined in recent years, underscoring the difficulties event organizers now face.
Despite these headwinds, the Oregon Coast has emerged as a resilient hub for successful beer festivals. Events like Fort George’s Festival of Dark Arts and Buoy’s Lager Fest continue to thrive, thanks to their niche focuses and the scenic appeal of the region. For de Garde, based in the small town of Tillamook, this success story is a model for what they hope to achieve with their upcoming Invitational.
For co-founders Trevor and Linsey Rogers, expanding the event is a strategic decision to ensure its longevity. Now in its third year, the Invitational has outgrown previous venues, prompting a move to the more spacious Tillamook County Fairgrounds. Trevor Rogers explained, “We’ve learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t with each iteration. The Fairgrounds give us the room we need to accommodate more guests and vendors, and the space will allow for a better experience, no matter the weather.”
However, the festival’s growth comes with its own challenges. Rising operational costs, including logistics, permits, and staffing, have made organizing such an event a financial gamble. Rogers admitted, “It’s always a gamble. We charge a fair price for what we offer, but we’re still operating in the red until after the event, and there’s always the risk that we won’t sell enough tickets in advance.”
Despite the financial uncertainty, Rogers remains optimistic. For de Garde, the festival is about more than just profits. “Some things are just worth doing,” he said. The event will showcase not only the brewery’s unique offerings but also the best of the local community, from food vendors to artists. “Our beers capture the terroir of the Oregon Coast, and we want to highlight the people and products that make this area special.”
This year’s Invitational will feature nearly 60 breweries from across the globe, including renowned names like Hill Farmstead, Cantillon, and Trillium. The event’s expanded beer lineup promises rare and exciting offerings, such as collaborations with 3 Fonteinen, Trillium, and Brujos & Ruse, providing attendees with exclusive brews that can’t be found anywhere else.
The festival’s new location will offer a variety of experiences for attendees. The historic Main Building will host international breweries alongside local food vendors like Tillamook Creamery and JAndy Oyster. A large tented Courtyard will offer entertainment and additional local food options, while the Dairy Barn will house the majority of the beer taps, pouring from some of the best breweries in the world.
Rogers is also hopeful that the event will have a lasting impact on both the beer industry and the local community. The Tillamook Coast Visitors Association has lent support by awarding de Garde a marketing grant, recognizing the potential for the Invitational to draw attention to the region. Nan Devlin, the association’s executive director, praised de Garde’s commitment to hosting successful events, noting that the festival’s timing, variety of vendors, and international appeal could bolster tourism to Tillamook during the shoulder season.
While the future of the craft beer industry remains uncertain, de Garde Brewing’s bold vision for the 12th Anniversary Invitational represents a beacon of hope for the community. By taking a risk on a larger, more ambitious event, the brewery aims to reinvigorate the craft beer scene and leave a lasting impact on both the Oregon Coast and the broader beer industry.
“We hope the excitement from this event will bring good energy to the industry,” Rogers said. “In the long term, we aim to contribute to the vitality of the beer community and the region.”
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