The 24th annual Holiday Ale Festival will feature at least 50 craft beers, ciders and meads in the main lineup, all of which are made or blended specifically for the event. The event will also offer a number of meet the brewer events and dozens more specialty and rare beer tappings.

Despite being held outdoors during one of the coldest months of the year, you'll stay cozy and warm under clear-topped tents fueled by gas heaters. A second level above the main floor, dubbed the Sky Bar, serves additional taps and provides ample elbow room for attendees to relax, spread out and peek at the revelers below. Portland’s lighted Christmas tree serves as a festive and colorful centerpiece for the holiday event.

The purchase of an entry package is required to enter the venue. Advance general admission for one person costs $40 and includes the 2019 tasting glass and 12 taster tickets, plus express re-entry all five days (express re-entry requires a wristband and the 2019 tasting glass and is subject to festival capacity). Advance general admission for two costs $80 for two tasting glasses and 28 tasting tickets (an additional four tasting tickets). Advance VIP packages cost $100 and include the tasting glass, 30 taster tickets, special VIP beer lines with little to no waiting, exclusive VIP only vintage beers, bottled water, and express entry all five days. Advance tickets are on sale now at www.holidayale.com.

General admission at the door costs $40 and includes the 2019 tasting cup and 12 taster tickets but does not allow for expedited entry. Beers and ciders cost one ticket for a four-ounce taste, or four tickets for a full pour. Certain limited release and special tappings may not be available in full pours or may cost extra tickets. Additional taster tickets can be purchased for $1 apiece. Previous years’ mugs/glasses will not be filled. There are no designated driver tickets available; the festival is located along TriMet MAX Light Rail Blue and Red lines and is easily accessible to rideshare companies.

An onsite coat and bag check and the Crater Lake Soda Garden raises funds for the Children’s Cancer Association MyMusicRx Program, which delivers the healing power of music to the bedsides of children and teens facing cancer and other serious illnesses. The Holiday Ale Festival matches and doubles all funds raised. The festival offers two food vendors and self-guided cheese and beer pairings. The event is for ages 21 and over.