Umpqua Brew Fest Returns to Downtown Roseburg Aug. 22 With Beer, Food and Live Music

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Craft beer, local music and an afternoon of community will come together in downtown Roseburg later this month as the Umpqua Brew Fest returns Saturday, Aug. 22.

The festival will run from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Umpqua Outback, located behind Old Soul Pizza at 539 SE Main Street.

Presented by Umpqua Watersheds, the Brew Fest has grown into an annual gathering built around craft beverages, live entertainment and the connection between clean water and the region's brewing community. The festival has raised money for Umpqua Watersheds since it began in 2010, helping support the nonprofit's education and community programs.

Organizers describe the event as a tasting festival rather than simply a beer-drinking event, with a focus on trying different styles and locally and regionally produced beverages.

Admission is $15 and includes a commemorative Umpqua Brew Fest glass and six tasting tickets. The festival has traditionally featured a range of beer styles including IPAs, stouts, hefeweizens, lagers, reds and homebrews, with selections coming from Oregon and elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest. Wine, cider and non-alcoholic choices may also be available.

Organizers are also encouraging designated drivers to attend and enjoy the music, food and other activities, with non-alcoholic beverages available during the festival.

Food will also be part of the afternoon. The Umpqua Valley Brewers Guild will serve bratwurst and sauerkraut, while pretzels and popcorn are also listed among the festival offerings. Old Soul Pizza will be serving nearby.

The Brewers Guild will also offer homebrewing demonstrations during the festival and provide information for anyone interested in learning more about craft brewing.

Three Bands Take the Outback Stage

This year's music lineup features three Roseburg-area acts covering everything from Motown and Celtic music to funk and R&B.

Coleen and Co. opens the afternoon from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The Roseburg-based group performs a dance-friendly mix of Motown, blues and rock. Its current lineup includes vocalists Coleen Roberts, Kay Anderson and Lysie Geffen alongside musicians Bruce Gordon, Frank Wambolt, Jimmy Stanton and Michael Mendenhall.

Rovers and Dragons follows from 3 to 4:30 p.m. The local Celtic group mixes traditional influences with an energetic live show featuring reels and jigs, pub songs, bluegrass, comedy songs and sea shanties. The group developed from friendships among musicians with roots stretching from Scotland, France and Wales to Quebec and the United States.

Closing out the festival from 5 to 7 p.m. will be TOB, or That Other Band. The Roseburg-based group has been performing since 2004 and is known throughout the Umpqua Valley for its mix of funk, R&B, Motown and soul. The band has become a familiar presence at local festivals, wineries, breweries and concert series.

More Than Beer

While beer is at the center of the event, organizers emphasize the community side of the Brew Fest as well. Vendors and community organizations are expected to participate, and the festival website says children and well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Umpqua Watersheds describes the annual event as a celebration of clean water, craft beer and sustainable living in the Umpqua Valley. Organizers say 100% of proceeds from the Brew Fest will support the community.

Attendees must be 21 or older with valid identification to consume alcohol.

This year's festival is presented with support from title sponsor Addcox Heating Center, along with Medicine Flower and Hamm Dentistry.

Volunteers Needed

Organizers are also looking for volunteers to help with this year's Brew Fest under the festival's familiar motto, "It takes a village to raise a brew."

Those who volunteer for a shift will receive free admission, a tasting glass, tasting tickets and a T-shirt.

Volunteer registration is available at tinyurl.com/UBF-Volunteers.

Event details:

• Date: Saturday, Aug. 22
• Time: 1-7 p.m.
• Location: Umpqua Outback, behind Old Soul Pizza, 539 SE Main Street in Roseburg
• Admission: $15, including a Brew Fest glass and six tasting tickets
• Music: Coleen and Co., Rovers and Dragons and TOB
• Alcohol: Must be 21 or older to purchase or consume

More information and festival updates are available through the Umpqua Brew Fest website. Organizers also encourage people to follow the Umpqua Brew Fest Facebook page for updates.

For additional information, contact lead promoter Kasey Hovik at kasey@umpquawatersheds.org.