Portland, Oregon’s metal lager heads at Wayfinder Beer are thrashing 2023 with big news and events as they approach their 7th anniversary celebration. Wayfinder recently came under a new brewing regime with Matt Speckenbach and Natalie Rose Baldwin behind the brew kettle, and now have a second location called The Highlands in the works for later this year. The upcoming Wayfinder event schedule is just as exciting.

Mussels from Brussels

Tuesday, June 21st

For the second year in a row, Wayfinder Beer hosts the Portland Beer Week event Mussels from Brussels on Tuesday, June 20th. This friendly brewers cooking competition asks five brewers to pair a beer with their own homemade sauce recipe and a big bowl of steaming mussels (the bivalve, not the bicep) and frites. The breweries competing in 2023 are Upright Brewing (the 2022 champion), Little Beast Brewing, Block 15 Brewing, Monkless Belgian Ales (who specializes in mussels at their restaurant in Bend, OR) and venue host Wayfinder Beer. Attendees of the festival vote on their favorites, and the brewers will be at the event in-person from 5-8pm to answer questions and try all the sauces and beers themselves. VIP tickets for early entry before 4pm are available, but otherwise just show up and order the entire flight and pairing for $38 after 4pm. This year’s winner will be announced at 8pm and awarded the brand new wrestling belt for the best mussels from brussels in 2023.

MIDSOMMAR 7th Anniversary

Saturday, June 24th

Wayfinder’s 7th anniversary MIDSOMMAR party is also part of Portland Beer Week on Saturday, June 24th. Wayfinder is getting mystical with this one, taking inspiration from the Swedish folklore tradition dating back to ancient times that marks the longest day of the year. Historically the summer solstice was the subject of magical performances, live music, making fresh-flower head wreaths, singing songs, and dancing around the midsommarstång (maypole). Spirits were also said to be particularly active during this time that celebrated the return of vegetation, growth and rebirth.

Wayfinder’s 7th Anniversary MIDSOMMAR will have enchanting tarot card readings, and a sizzling grill, plus the surprise revelation of a pagan Birthday beer. Guests are encouraged to dress in Midsommar attire for this legendary celebration from 12 - 10pm.

Queer Maker’s Market

Sunday, July 9th

Wayfinder Beer is also participating in a new project called PDX Craft Beer Pride Week taking place July 9 - 16th. Each of the 8 days will feature a different event at one of six local breweries (Migration, Threshold, Stormbreaker, SteepleJack, Breakside, Ecliptic, Gigantic, Wayfinder, culminating in a block party at The Sports Bra.) Kicking off PDX Craft Beer Pride Week is Wayfinder’s Queer Makers Market on Sunday, July 9th from 12 - 4pm. The event is a celebration of LGBTQ+ makers in Portland and they are now seeking talented queer artists, artisans, and creators to showcase their unique products alongside like-minded individuals contributing to a supportive celebration of the queer community. Go here if you are a local queer maker who would be interested in applying as a vendor.

WAYFINDER BEER
304 SE 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97214