Breweries from across the West Coast and around the country will bring a wide range of adult beverages to taste at this year’s Southern Oregon BrewFest, hosted by the Jackson County Expo.

A major gathering for local beer lovers and visiting breweries both large and small, the two-day event will have more than 70 ciders, beers and other alcoholic drinks to try out while listening to live music or checking out the food options from local food trucks and vendors.

“I think it’s going to be a fun way to end the summer; let’s have a good party before we have to get back into school and the other stuff going on,” said Rob Holmbeck, general manager of The Expo.

The Elton John Experience will cover the iconic British singer and pianist from 8 to 10 p.m. Sept. 14 to round out BrewFest with a spectacular sendoff of glam rock anthems.

BrewFest is scheduled from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at The Expo’s Seven Feathers Event Center, located at 1 Peninger Road in Central Point.

Tickets cost either $20 or $25 per person for a single day and include a commemorative tasting glass. The $20 tickets allow for five tastes while the $25 ticket receives 10 tastes. Interested parties can also pay an additional $5 when purchasing their ticket for five extra tastes.

Tickets purchased for Saturday also include complimentary access to watch the Elton John Experience perform their “Remember When Rock Was Young” show.

“I know this guy puts on a great show, so it should be a lot of fun,” Holmbeck said. “He does full costume changes like Elton John does.”

To purchase tickets for BrewFest, visit tickets.attheexpo.com/tickets.

A wide variety of brews will be on tap, with The Expo securing a contract with beer giants Anheuser-Busch to serve brands including Elysian Brewing Company of Seattle, Los Angeles’ Golden Road Brewing, Goose Island Beer Co. based in Chicago and more.

Independent breweries will have beverages to try as well, including Chetco Brewing Company in Brookings, Walkabout Brewing Company and more.

“The ciders seem to be a very popular item at BrewFest, and we’ll be bringing in some new and different ciders,” Holmbeck said. “We’re expecting 3,000 to 4,000 (attendees) over two days.”

Beyond live music from the Elton John Experience, local bands will also take to the stage. The Daniel Nickels Band is set to play from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and Lisa and the Dynamics will perform from 8 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday.

Saturday’s music includes the Trevor Hanks Band from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and Bridge 222 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. prior to the Elton John Experience at 8 p.m.

The live music throughout BrewFest is a first for organizers which has been running for over 20 years.

“I’m excited to try new things, and we’re definitely trying new things here at this year’s BrewFest,” Holmbeck said. “I believe it will work and it’s a lot of fun.”

For sports fans at BrewFest, the Sept. 14 Oregon Ducks and Oregon State Beavers football game will be televised at the festival along with other sporting events throughout the weekend.

“There will be multiple TVs for them to watch the games,” Holmbeck said.

The Expo is also looking for volunteers to help with BrewFest. Servers are still needed on Friday or Saturday, and those interested in volunteering can sign up at signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44AEAC2FA4F9C07-50428317-2024#/.

Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age and as a token of appreciation from the organizers, they can receive a voucher at the end of their shift to taste some of beer on tap or use the voucher to attend future Expo events such as the Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo (May 15-17, 2025).

“It’s going to be a fun weekend to come and hang out,” Holmbeck said.

For more information on The Expo, BrewFest or future events, visit attheexpo.com.