EUGENE, Ore. — Eugene Beer Week launched on Monday with a renewed focus on collaboration, as local breweries confront rising economic pressures driven by mounting tariffs on key industry materials.
With more than a decade of tradition behind it, the 15th annual Eugene Beer Week showcases the city’s vibrant craft beer culture through events such as beer bingo, new releases, brewer dinners, and tastings. While the festivities offer entertainment and economic stimulation, participating breweries are also grappling with challenges tied to shifting trade policies.
“Brewers are currently facing significant tariffs—especially on aluminum and grain imports from Canada,” said Mat Olive, quality lab supervisor at Ninkasi Brewing. “It’s an especially important time to support local breweries and taprooms.”
The industry was already impacted by a 25% aluminum tariff imposed by the Trump administration earlier in the year. That figure doubled last week, further straining craft brewers. According to the Brewers Association, craft beer volume sales declined by four percent last year, highlighting ongoing struggles that the new tariffs may worsen.
Despite these headwinds, the local brewing community is leaning into collaboration. Multiple Eugene-area breweries have partnered to produce a specialty beer for the weeklong celebration.
“Most of the breweries in the area collaborated on a beer specifically for Eugene Beer Week,” said Jeremy Zollman, general manager of Claim 52. “It’s a Kolsch infused with terpene flavors, featuring notes of tangerine, grapefruit, and a hint of dankness.”
Local business owners say the event is as much about community as it is about craft beer.
“We’re all in this together. We live and work here, and the beer industry plays a huge role in this community,” said George Keim, owner of A Beer Club.
Economic data supports that claim. According to Eugene Chamber of Commerce President Brittany Quick-Warner, the city ranks 15th in the nation for breweries per capita, with three Oregon communities making the top 20. She noted that more than 200 food and beverage manufacturers operate in the region, many of them breweries, collectively generating over $238 million annually and supporting thousands of jobs.
“It’s a great way to bring the community together and enjoy local brews,” Quick-Warner said. “But it’s also a vital contributor to our local economy.”
The celebration continues through June 15, culminating in the Sasquatch Brewfest on June 14. The event will be held at Ninkasi Brewing, located at 155 Blair Blvd., from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., featuring a lineup of regional breweries and live music.
With summer weather in full swing and Eugene’s renowned beer gardens open, organizers say the festival offers an ideal chance to enjoy local flavor—while supporting an industry navigating uncertain terrain.
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