The city of Salem, Oregon has not historically been a big craft beer town, with few breweries (for years numbering only McMenamins Thompson House and the Ram Restaurant and Brewery) and few if any major beer events to speak of. Thankfully, over the past few years that has been changing, with a growing number of new brewpubs opening up (including the likes of Gilgamesh, Santiam, Salem Ale Works, and Vagabond) and now, Salem’s first Winter Brewfest.

This inaugural fest will be taking place at the end of this month, January 30 and 31 at the Capitol Mall. In fact here’s the press release blurb:

Warm up your winter at the inaugural Salem Winter Brewfest, featuring more than 60 craft beers on tap, plus food and live entertainment – all located inside a heated tent on the Capitol Mall grounds, across the street from the Oregon State Capitol Building (900 Court Street NE). The Brewfest will be held Friday, January 30, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday, January 31, noon to 11 p.m.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased at the following Salem area breweries and taphouses: Gilgamesh Brewing, Salem Ale Works, Santiam Brewing, Vagabond Brewing, b2 Taphouse, Westside Taphouse and 2 Sparky’s Taphouse.

I don’t see a brewery or beer list posted, but from their Facebook page I can glean some of the participating breweries:

• Crux Fermentation Project
• Breakside Brewery
• Elysian Brewing
• Flat Tail Brewing
• Seattle Cider Company
• Deschutes Brewery
• Pyramid Brewing
• Full Sail Brewing
• Portland Brewing
• BridgePort Brewing
• Rogue Ales
• Plus I assume the local Salem breweries as well

It’s a 21-and-over event and is sponsored by Columbia Distributing. If you’re out and about around Salem next weekend, give it a look.