One of Oregon's largest beer festivals, the Bend Brewfest, returns to central Oregon and the Les Schwab Amphitheater in Bend's Old Mill District on August 16-18, 2018. Over the three-day event, visitors will enjoy an inspired lineup of brews from more than 70 breweries, along with creations from regional cideries and wineries.More from a press release:Breweries from across Oregon and the region, including new participants from as far away as Michigan, will share their craft brews with the 2018 festival’s thousands of patrons. A list of breweries and tentative beer lineup can be explored here: https://bendbrewfest.com/brews.html“Craft beer is a large part of our culture here in Bend and the Bend Brewfest celebrates this to its fullest,” said Marney Smith, director of the festival. “As we enter our 16^th year holding this festival, we are looking forward to our participating breweries bringing their most unique beers to our visitors. We have become the festival where brewers tend to showcase their specialty, very low production beers at the X-Tap tent that you can’t find anywhere else.”WHEN: August 16-18, 2018, Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 12 noon - 11pm, Family friendly till 5pmWHERE: Les Schwab AmphitheaterADMISSION:  Admission is free. For beer tasting, purchase a 2018 Brewfest tasting mug for $20, which includes five tasting tokens. Limited edition Deluxe mugs are available for $30 and include 10 tokens. Additional tokens are $5 each sold in packs of four.CONTACT: 541-312-0131Each year, the event offers over 200 craft beers and ciders from around the country raising money for local charities. Founded in 2002, the Bend Brewfest has raised over $70,000 dollars for charity since its inception. Money raised in 2018 will serve the following four nonprofit organizations: Deschutes River Conservancy, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon; Neighbor Impact; and Bend Fire Department’s Community Assistance Program.Smith continued, “Our beneficiaries are really at the heart of the Brewfest and we are looking forward to the community coming together once again in 2018 to support them in a significant way.” Over a thousand volunteers help support our nonprofit partners by pouring tasters. Sign up to join in this fun favorite community opportunity.  Shifts now open at https://bendbrewfest.com/volunteer.htmlBend Brewfest features booths from well-known breweries all the way to small-batch nano-breweries. Local food vendors and a festive atmosphere round out the well-loved annual event. For more information and details, visit www.bendbrewfest.com.About the Les Schwab AmphitheaterThe Les Schwab Amphitheater is Central Oregon premier music venue, providing a beautiful outdoor riverfront space for concerts, festivals, sporting events and more. Opened in the historic Old Mill District in 2002, the Amphitheater was named in honor of a remarkable Central Oregonian, Leslie Schwab. The venue accommodates approximately 8,000 patrons for some of the biggest names in entertainment, and the Bend Brewfest in August. www.bendconcerts.com About the Old Mill DistrictOne of the Pacific Northwest’s most distinctive and dynamic mixed-use developments, the Old Mill District is located on 270 acres that formerly housed one of the largest sawmill operations in the world. The rich history of the land is coupled with spectacular mountain views, scenic river vistas and an extensive trail system to enjoy the outdoors.  More than 55 local, regional and national retailers and businesses call the Old Mill District home. The Old Mill District – Bend’s most unique shopping, dining, living, and entertainment experience.  www.theoldmill.com###