Bier Near the Pier

Raise a Glass at the Anacortes Beer Festival: A Celebration of Craft Brews and Local Flavor!

Content and Photos Courtesy of Experience Anacortes

Don't miss the 13th annual Anacortes beer festival everyone knows and loves, with a slight twist this year! This year the event is happening October 4-5th, 2024 at the historic Depot Center near Cap Sante Marina. With a new location comes a new name: Bier Near the Pier. It is the same traditional event as always with live music, delicious food, and refreshing beer from local and far-away breweries.

Bier Near the Pier

Join in the community of beer-lovers at the Anacortes Bier Near the Pier event.

Bier Near the Pier

Over 25 craft breweries and cider producers will be at Bier Near the Pier!

The Anacortes Bier Near the Pier Beer Festival is a lively annual event held in the scenic waterfront town of Anacortes. This popular celebration brings together craft beer lovers from across the region to enjoy an impressive selection of local and regional brews, ciders, and wines. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Cap Sante Waterway, the festival offers a unique opportunity to sample over 40 different types of brew and cider while enjoying live music, local food vendors, and the vibrant atmosphere of the Pacific Northwest. With its picturesque location and diverse selection of craft drinks, Bier Near the Pier has become a must-attend event for beer enthusiasts.

But Bier Near the Pier is about more than just beer. The event also features live music, food vendors serving up delicious bites, and a friendly, communal atmosphere that epitomizes the Pacific Northwest's spirit. You'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded individuals who appreciate the artistry and camaraderie of the craft beer world.

Bier Near the Pier

New for this year's event is a costume contest! Halfway through each session, costume contestants will line up for a round of applause. The winner will be selected based on the loudest cheers and awarded a free ticket for next year’s event. No specific theme, no registration, just come dressed to impress in your most creative outfits.

The main attraction, of course, is the impressive lineup of craft breweries that participate. Local and regional breweries set up booths, showcasing their finest brews, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts. Attendees can sample a wide range of beers, with a backdrop of breathtaking waterfront views. It's an excellent chance to discover new favorites and engage with the passionate brewers behind the scenes.

Bier Near the Pier

Live Music Lineup

Live Music by Mama Dirty Skirt (Friday, Oct 4th 5-8) 

Fun and upbeat with a full sound, Mama Dirty Skirt plays a variety of hits from the Classic Rock, Rhythm & Blues, Motown & Funk genres.  Powerful lead vocalists and stellar musicians keep the crown entertained and dancing!  Our members come together from across Skagit Valley, Anacortes, Bellingham, and Stanwood with the main goal of having fun and leaving a smile on your face!

Live Music by Michael Dayvid (Saturday, Oct 5th 12-3) 

Michael Dayvid is Washington State’s unparalleled loopmaster.  He layers together live loops of guitar + vocals + percussion + synth for cover songs in any genre – jazz, blues, classic rock, pop, 80s, 90s…you name it!  He’ll even freestyle brand-new songs in real time based on audience suggestions.  Michael performs constantly throughout Whatcom and Skagit counties with occasional shows in Seattle.

Live Music by North Country Highway (Saturday, Oct 5th 4-7) 

Hailing from Bellingham WA, North Country Highway combines twangy guitar hooks and driving rhythms with lush harmonies and strings too.  Featuring five different singers who trade lead vocals, harmony and songwriting duties.  Each individual player brings different influences of style and place to their writing and to the group’s song creation process.

As the sun sets over the Anacortes waterfront and the final sips are savored, the Anacortes Bier Near the Pier Festival leaves its guests with fond memories, a taste for local brews and the anticipation of returning next year to celebrate all over again.