It should be obvious that the Bite of Oregon is a food festival – the biggest in the state, in fact, drawing more than 50,000 visitors to Portland's Tom McCall Waterfront Park. The other implication of the event's title is the diminutive sample-size portions that curious food fans can sample on the cheap. Many of the attending food vendors offer “Plates for the People” for just $5 a pop; there are 40 different such plates at this year's show.


The 2015 event runs from Friday, August 7th through Sunday, August 9th.

Portland may be a big-time foodie town, but the city and the state are equally well known for the regional beers and wines. Back at the festival this year are the Oregon craft beer tent, highlighting all of the wonderful Northwest hops and talented brewers in the state, and a wine bar hosted by the excellent, funky and interesting SE Wine Collective.

Education is central to the Bite of Oregon, and renowned chefs will demonstrate their kitchen magic and show how they create some of their signature dishes. The Oregon Bounty Chef's Table will highlight ingredients and culinary masters from regions throughout the state, literally bringing the farm to table. And the Dining Out in the Northwest Chef's Stage (that's a mouthful) will host a slew of cooking demonstrations, food competitions, beer pairing talks and more. Check out the full Dining Out schedule here.

Top-notch food, beer, wine and lessons from legendary chefs all makes for a pretty fantastic weekend.

Add in two music stages – with music ranging from rock to folk to jazz to zydeco – and the Subway Kids Zone, and you have everything you could want.

Bite of Oregon Essentials

What: A festival celebrating Oregon's food bounty, and scene, with wine, beer, music and more
When: 2015 dates are Friday, August 7th, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, August 8th, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, August 9th, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Cost: $5 admittance (under age 12 free) with all profits benefiting Special Olympics Oregon. Tickets are available online or at the event's entrance. Packages are available which include food and drink tickets.
More Info:biteoforegon.com