Keeping up with the fresh hop news, the press release for the return of the Hood River Hops Fest and the Hood River Valley Harvest Fest landed in my inbox recently. The latter isn’t a beer festival, of course (though there will be beer and cider tastings), but they are packaged together, so to speak. The fresh hop festival is taking place Saturday, October 2 in downtown Hood River.

While I’d still be hesitant about attending any large crowd events right now, both of these events have strong COVID-19 policies, requiring proof of full vaccination or recent negative test, as well as on-site rapid testing. Masks are required as well.

The Hops Fest has a strong brewery lineup, and you can purchase tickets here.

Here’s the full release:

Hood River’s fall festival line-up makes its much-anticipated return this October, with signature events including Hood River Hops Fest and Hood River Valley Harvest Fest ready to delight Pacific Northwest palates.

First up, beer’s bitter friend the fresh hop makes its aromatic appearance at the 17th annual Hood River Hops Fest on Oct. 2. Beer lovers delight at the celebration of the seasonal fresh hop season. Hops Fest is followed closely by the region’s top autumnal festival, the Hood River Valley Harvest Fest, Oct. 15-17. This old-fashioned fall festival brings together more than 70 vendors offering local produce and food products, plus arts and crafts, wine, cider, and beer tastings. Held along the scenic Hood River waterfront, this is the Columbia River Gorge’s biggest celebration of the region’s incredible fall bounty.

Visit Hood River, in partnership with Truewest Presents, has implemented additional health and safety requirements for both festivals, which are open to anyone with a valid COVID-19 vaccination card, a negative COVID-19 test no less than 72 hours old, or a negative rapid test result from the clinic hosted onsite. Both events are primarily outdoors with tents housing the various attractions.

“The return of the signature fall events is an exciting time, where our community comes together to celebrate what makes Hood River so special,” said Katie Kadlub, executive director of Visit Hood River. “We are happy to offer protocols that ensure the health and safety of our community and visitors traveling to Hood River for the festivals, and I am positive that a great time can be had by all when we work together to take the necessary precautions.”

Hood River Hops Fest returns to its downtown location on Saturday, Oct, 2, and boasts one of the nation’s largest fresh-hop beer selections with over 40 unique beers from more than 30 Pacific Northwest breweries. And back for a fourth year is The Sodbuster Farms’ Lupulus Award – an interactive judging experience for festival attendees. Information regarding the music line-up, pricing, tickets, and venue location is available on the event website.

Just two weekends later, Oct. 15-17, attendees to the Hood River Valley Harvest Fest will find decorative gourds, pumpkins for the porch or the pie, fresh baked goods, and barrels of apples, pears, and fruit freshly harvested from local orchards. Now in its 39th year, this annual celebration of the valley’s fall bounty is a treasured tradition for thousands of Pacific Northwest fall fans. With more than 70 vendors, there is something for everyone, including kids.

“Autumn in the Hood River valley is truly magical, with crisp fall air and harvest at its peak,” says Kadlub, “It’s the perfect time to make a weekend trip to Hood River, and our signature fall events are a great reason to celebrate and explore the region.”

For more information on Hood River, or to book a stay at one of Hood River’s lodging options visit https://visithoodriver.com/stay.

About Hood River:

Located at the crossroads of the spectacular Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and the magnificent Cascade Range and just an hour from Portland, Hood River is truly “Mother Nature’s Favorite”, offering outdoor recreation, dramatic vistas, historic landmarks, bountiful fruit, and fantastic food, wine, beer, and cider. With accommodations ranging from luxury hotels to historic B&Bs, Hood River is a four-season destination for families, outdoor enthusiasts, weddings, corporate events, and more. It was named a Top 10 Wine Destination for 2017 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, and 2015 Best Adventure Town in the West by Sunset magazine. Visit Hood River supports economic development, community development, and destination marketing for Hood River, Cascade Locks, Mosier, Odell, Parkdale, Pine Grove, and Mount Hood. For more information, call 800-366-3530 or visit www.visithoodriver.com.

The Hops Festival runs from noon to 8pm and costs $10 to enter ($20 gets you entry, a glass and five tasting tokens).