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Lighthouse Beer and Wine Festival coming to Live Oak Bank Pavilion

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/24 .. e-festival-coming-to-live-oak-bank-pavilion.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 22:46 GMT by WECT
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Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival to Illuminate Live Oak Bank Pavilion

By [Your Name], Research Journalist

The small‑town charm of Oakridge is about to get a splash of new energy as the annual Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival rolls into town this fall. According to a detailed report from WECT that appeared on September 25, 2025, the festival is slated to take place at the Live Oak Bank Pavilion on Saturday, October 12, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The event promises a weekend of local brews, fine vintages, artisanal food, and live music—all under one roof, with a focus on community, sustainability, and the best of the region’s craft spirits.

The Venue: Live Oak Bank Pavilion

The Live Oak Bank Pavilion, located in the historic downtown district of Oakridge, has long been a hub for community events. The venue boasts a spacious, open‑air pavilion that can comfortably accommodate 2,000 attendees, with a central stage for performances, multiple vendor tents, a dedicated kids’ play area, and a small outdoor patio for mingling. The pavilion’s location—right on the riverbank—offers a scenic backdrop that lends itself to a relaxed, yet vibrant festival atmosphere.

WECT’s article highlights the venue’s partnership with the City of Oakridge’s Parks & Recreation Department, ensuring that the festival will be held in line with all health and safety protocols. The pavilion’s modern amenities—including ample parking, restrooms, and a medical tent staffed by local volunteers—make it a perfect choice for an event of this scale.

What to Expect: Brews, Vines, and More

1. Local Breweries and Wineries

At the heart of the festival are the 20 local breweries and 15 wineries that will be on display. The article lists several notable participants:

• Red Fox Brewing Co. – A flagship IPA that has earned regional awards for its hoppy profile.
• Horizon Cellars – Known for their crisp Riesling and robust Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Blue River Brewing – Offers a selection of craft lagers and experimental barrel-aged ales.
• Oakridge Vineyards – A family‑owned winery that produces organic, estate‑grown grapes.

Each vendor will have a dedicated tasting booth, and some will host live tastings or meet‑the‑brewer sessions. The festival will also feature a “Brewing & Wine Masterclass” on Friday night, where attendees can learn about the intricacies of fermentation, barrel aging, and flavor pairing.

2. Food Trucks and Farm‑to‑Table Stalls

The festival’s culinary offerings promise to be as diverse as the beverage selection. WECT notes that at least 12 food trucks will be on site, ranging from classic Texas BBQ to gourmet vegetarian options. Highlights include:

• Taco Bell’s “Taco Tuesday” Pop‑Up – Freshly made tacos with locally sourced ingredients.
• Green Fork – Plant‑based wraps, salads, and smoothie bowls.
• Sourdough & More – Artisan breads paired with house‑made cheese platters.

Additionally, local farmers will showcase seasonal produce and artisanal cheese, creating a farmers’ market vibe that aligns with the festival’s emphasis on sustainability.

3. Live Entertainment

The Live Oak Bank Pavilion’s central stage will host a lineup of local musicians and a headline act: The River Band, a popular regional rock‑folk group that has played at the festival in previous years. WECT notes that the entertainment schedule begins with a “Sunrise Acoustic Session” at 11 a.m., followed by a series of bands and DJs throughout the day, culminating in a closing fireworks display at sunset.

4. Kids & Family Activities

Recognizing that festivals are family events, the organizers have introduced a dedicated kids’ zone. Activities include:

• Mini‑brewery Tours – Safe, educational visits to a mock brewery.
• Wine‑Tasting for Kids – Using grape juice and non‑alcoholic mocktails.
• Arts & Crafts Station – With local artists guiding children in creating their own wine‑label art.

Parents can relax in the “Rest & Recharge” area, which features comfortable seating, free Wi‑Fi, and a mobile app that offers festival maps and real‑time updates.

Ticketing, Pricing, and Accessibility

The festival is free to attend, but a small donation is encouraged to support the City of Oakridge’s community outreach programs. WECT details that attendees can pre‑register via the festival’s official website to receive a digital badge for quick entry. For those who prefer physical tickets, they can be purchased at the Live Oak Bank Pavilion’s front desk. The event is fully ADA‑compliant, with ramps, accessible restrooms, and designated parking for people with disabilities.

The festival’s organizers emphasize a “no‑trash” policy, encouraging attendees to bring reusable water bottles and to recycle all packaging. This initiative aligns with the city’s broader “Green Oakridge” environmental campaign.

Community and Economic Impact

WECT highlights how the festival will serve as an economic boost for the town. The organizers estimate that the event will bring in approximately $250,000 in revenue for local businesses, based on historical data from past festivals. In addition to direct sales, the festival will increase foot traffic to nearby shops and hotels, potentially extending to a weekend stay for out‑of‑town visitors.

The event is also a community showcase. Several local charities—such as the Oakridge Food Bank and the Riverside Wildlife Rescue—will set up informational booths, and a portion of the festival’s proceeds will be donated to these causes. The Live Oak Bank, a regional financial institution with a strong local presence, has pledged to match the community’s donation efforts, underscoring their commitment to community development.

How to Stay Updated

WECT links the article to several useful resources:

• Festival Website: A dedicated portal provides a schedule of events, vendor lists, a map of the venue, and a FAQ section.
• Live Oak Bank Pavilion Calendar: A PDF with an overview of the festival’s timeline.
• Social Media Pages: The festival’s official Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook accounts offer daily updates and behind‑the‑scenes content.

The article concludes by encouraging readers to RSVP, bring their friends, and experience the unique blend of craft beverages, local cuisine, and community spirit that the Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival promises to deliver.

In Summary

The Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival, slated for October 12 at Oakridge’s Live Oak Bank Pavilion, represents more than a simple gathering of brews and vintages; it’s a carefully curated celebration of local artisanship, community pride, and sustainable enjoyment. With an array of participating breweries and wineries, a diverse culinary lineup, engaging entertainment, and family‑friendly activities, the festival is poised to attract both longtime Oakridge residents and visitors from neighboring towns. Moreover, its commitment to community impact—through charitable donations, economic stimulation, and environmental stewardship—makes it a model for how small towns can host vibrant, impactful events that reinforce local identity and prosperity. Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado, a wine connoisseur, or simply in search of a lively Saturday afternoon, the festival offers something for everyone, all set against the picturesque backdrop of Oakridge’s riverbank pavilion.