Feast Portland, Oregon: Everything you need to know
Mary Garrison has been covering the Feast Festival since 2016 for 52 Perfect Days and we have loved her contributions about this awesome Portland event. Sadly, the organizers of the Feast Portland have decided that the festival will not be returning in 2023 or anytime in the future.
Below is our original review or you might enjoy our post about Five Portland Breweries to Visit on Two Wheels or the Top 18 Portland Beer Festivals.
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In 2012, Mike Thelin and Carrie Welch co-founded Feast Portland with a mission to combat childhood hunger in Oregon. Since its inception, “Bon Appétit presents Feast Portland: A Celebration Of Oregon Bounty” has emerged as not only a food and drink festival but also a movement designed to showcase Oregon’s culinary bounty.
To date, this festival has donated more than $530,000 to charity. Feast Portland’s charitable partners have included Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon and Urban Gleaners.
Feast Portland
The Feast Portland festival takes place from September 12th to 15th (check dates as they have had to cancel a few in the past years). Over the course of four days, participants partake of large scale signature events featuring world-class chefs and cuisine, collaborative dinners, informative panels, fun-size events, and hands-on experiential classes.
This year’s festival looks to be more balanced with wellness-minded programming added for attendees such as the Feast’s first-ever family-friendly event Melty Fest Presented By Tillamook, and the return of Zero Proof along with other non-alcoholic event options throughout the weekend. Also, industry-only “Before Parties” will feature chef-guided trail runs, yoga, and meditation classes.
Feast Portland’s signature events remain a cornerstone of this festival. On Thursday evening, September 12th, the festival kicks off with East Coast vs West Coast! Two teams of chefs represent their home turf and the classic flavors that define their cities.
The Feast Portland Night Market on Friday evening, September 13th, will highlight the cuisine of South and Southeast Asia courtesy of 20 trend-defining, plus winemakers, cocktailers, brewers and more. All this action takes place against the sunset along the Portland waterfront.
On Saturday and Sunday afternoon (September 14th and 15th), the Big Feast Presented by New Seasons Market transforms Tom McCall Waterfront Park into rows upon rows of bites and beverages.
On Saturday evening, September 14th, Smoked sets fire to food harvested from both sea and farm. Classic cocktails and Northwest wines will compliment these grilled eats As the evening heats up, once again, watch the sunset along the waterfront.
Feast Portland concludes on 15th with Brunch Village. This event goes international, representing the food traditions of Japan, Australia, Lebanon, the Philippines and more.
Also, during this four-day feast, participants can partake in a bounty of events scattered throughout Portland. Choose from intimate themed dinners at a few select establishments or fun-size events adding a touch of frivolity to accompany the food and libations. Those seeking educational opportunities can sign up for a hands-on class, lecture, or tasting.
As an indicator of the popularity of this event, the majority of events sell out by mid-July.
Related Articles: Five Portland Breweries to Visit on Two Wheels and Top 13 Craft Beer Festivals in Portland, Oregon
WHEN TO VISIT PORTLAND
Summer is the best time to visit Portland. The weather is great, the cafes open their outdoor seating areas and your chance of running out of things to do is virtually zero. You can also visit during the not-quite-summer months of June and September to take advantage of slightly lower hotel rates and thinner crowds. If you’re traveling on a budget or want to steer clear of your fellow tourists, just pack an umbrella and head to Portland during the winter off-season.
Portland Trip Essentials
6 Indispensable Items to Pack for a Portland Vacation
Bring a good quality mirrorless camera for getting those beautiful Portland landscape shots. I use the Sony Alpha a6000 
Summers are hot in Portland, so make sure to bring Neutrogena Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum Spf 45
A great cross body travel bag
Don’t forget sunglasses for the beautiful sunny days. A.J. Morgan Unisex Sunglasses
A Pair of sneakers or good walking shoe is a must Here is a great option for women, and here is a great shoe option for men for walking around town or exploring any of the nearby hiking trails.
Read More About Portland
- Top 13 Portland Beer Festivals
- Five Portland Breweries to Visit on Two Wheels
- 52 Ways to Enjoy Chocolate in & Around Portland
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