The Newport Seafood and Wine Festival is one of the most anticipated events on the beautiful Oregon coast, drawing thousands of visitors each February to celebrate the region’s finest seafood, wine, and artisans. The Newport Chamber of Commerce plays a crucial role in organizing the event, promoting local producers and artisans.
This beloved tradition has been a staple of Newport since 1977, offering a perfect blend of flavors, community spirit, and entertainment. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a seafood enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a good time, this event offers something for everyone. In this post, we’ll explore the highlights of the festival, its history, what you can expect this year, and why it’s a must-attend event for locals and tourists alike.
Dates: February 20-23, 2025
Location: South Beach Marina, Newport, Oregon
History of the Newport Seafood and Wine Festival
The festival began as a modest gathering in 1977 and has since grown into a premier event, attracting more than 17,000 attendees each year. Initially, it started as a way to boost tourism during the off-season, but its success has turned it into a signature celebration of the best of the Pacific Northwest. Over the decades, it has earned a reputation for its fine wines, fresh seafood, and vibrant arts and crafts vendors.
What to Expect at the Festival
Wineries and Seafood
At its core, the Newport Seafood and Wine Festival is about showcasing the exceptional flavors of the Pacific Northwest. The event brings together more than 50 wineries from across Oregon, Washington, and California, allowing visitors to sample a wide variety of red, white, and sparkling wines. Paired with this are seafood dishes prepared by local chefs, offering everything from classic clam chowder to fresh oysters, crab, shrimp, and more.
For wine lovers, this is a chance to taste premium vintages from some of the region’s most renowned wineries, including boutique labels and larger, more established names. Many of the participating wineries also offer special deals and pricing during the festival, making it an ideal opportunity to stock up on your favorite bottles.
The seafood element is equally enticing, featuring locally caught and sustainably sourced options. Newport’s coastal location ensures that the dishes served are as fresh as they come, and many local restaurants take part by creating signature dishes exclusively for the festival. There are also seafood competitions, where chefs compete to create the best chowders, bisques, and other specialties.
Artisan Vendors and Crafts
The festival is not just about food and wine; it’s also a celebration of local artisans. More than 70 vendors set up shop each year, offering everything from handmade jewelry to unique pieces of art, woodwork, and other crafts. This makes it a great place to pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs or gifts.
Entertainment and Special Events
The festival also offers a range of entertainment options, from live music performances to food demonstrations. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by the various competitions that take place throughout the weekend, including seafood chowder cook-offs, wine tastings, and awards for the best booths.
One of the festival’s highlights is the Ruby Pass experience, which provides VIP access, including early entry, private seating, and exclusive food and wine pairings. This pass sells out quickly each year, underscoring its popularity among festivalgoers seeking a more upscale experience.
Shuttle services are available throughout the event, making it easy for attendees to get to and from their accommodations safely. Additionally, there are beer gardens for those who prefer a cold brew over a glass of wine, adding even more variety to the event.
Seafood Chowder Competition
One of the standout events at the Newport Seafood and Wine Festival is the highly anticipated Seafood Chowder Competition. Held on Saturday, this competition sees local chefs go head-to-head to create the most delectable and innovative seafood chowder. Festival attendees have the unique opportunity to sample a variety of chowders and cast their votes for the People’s Choice Award.
In addition to the public vote, a panel of expert judges will evaluate the entries and crown the ultimate chowder champion, who will earn not only a prize but also coveted bragging rights. This competition is a fantastic way to experience the culinary creativity and seafood excellence of the Oregon coast, making it a must-visit for anyone attending the festival.
Why You Should Attend
The Newport Seafood and Wine Festival is a celebration of community, culture, and culinary excellence. Its long-standing tradition of bringing people together to enjoy the best that the Pacific Northwest has to offer makes it a unique experience. Whether you’re coming for the wine, the seafood, or just to enjoy the atmosphere, there’s no shortage of things to see, taste, and do.
Moreover, attending the festival supports local businesses, from the wineries and seafood vendors to the artisans and performers. It’s a win-win: you get to indulge in some of the best food and drink while helping sustain the local economy.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Get Your Tickets Early: The event is wildly popular, and tickets often sell out. If you’re planning to attend, make sure to secure your passes well in advance. Get tickets here.
Dress Warmly: Newport’s coastal weather in February can be chilly and wet, so be sure to dress in layers and bring a raincoat or umbrella just in case.
Plan Your Stay: With thousands of attendees coming into town, accommodations fill up quickly. Booking a hotel, vacation rental, or campsite early is essential.
Pace Yourself: With so much food and wine to enjoy, it’s easy to overindulge. Take your time to savor each dish and sample the wines responsibly. Utilize the shuttle services if you plan on drinking.
Bring Cash: While many vendors accept credit cards, having cash on hand can be helpful, especially when purchasing from smaller artisan booths.
Thursday Activities: Don’t miss the Thursday evening activities, including a seafood chowder competition. Make sure to check the schedule and get your tickets for Thursday in advance to enjoy these special events.
Tickets and Information
When planning your visit to the Newport Seafood and Wine Festival, it’s important to consider the various ticket options available to enhance your experience. In addition to general admission, the festival offers the exclusive Ruby Pass, which includes VIP entry, a commemorative wine glass, and access to the VIP Lounge.
Here, attendees can enjoy exclusive wine tastings and live music in a more intimate setting. For those who prefer not to drink, the Designated Driver ticket provides festival admission and a complimentary soft drink, ensuring everyone can join in the fun safely. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the door, but it’s wise to arrive early to avoid long lines and make the most of your festival experience.
Final Thoughts
The Newport Seafood and Wine Festival is an iconic event that beautifully captures the essence of the Oregon coast. From the incredible food and wine to the warm, welcoming atmosphere, it’s a festival that appeals to all senses.
Whether you’re a regular attendee or a first-timer, the experience is sure to be unforgettable. Be sure to mark your calendars for February 2025 and get ready for a weekend of indulgence and fun by the sea!
If you are looking for even more things to do in Newport, definitely check out these:
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