35th Annual Seafood & Wine Festival

February 23 – 26, 2012 marks the return of the state's largest winter festival: the 35th Annual Newport Seafood & Wine Festival. Well over 17,000 visitors flock to the central Oregon coast town for a weekend of wine, wonders in the culinary world, seafood and arts & crafts. The past two years have both marked attendance records for the event: in 2009 attendance was 19,465 people.

This year it has expanded to a fourth night: Thursday, February 23. It has previously ran Friday through Sunday on the last weekend of every February. This special night will be for pre-sale ticket holders only – a maximum of 500 people. That night will also include a commemorative glass, while this is an extra cost on the other three days. Also, a majority of the 150-plus vendors will be there that Thursday to celebrate the 35th anniversary of this event.

This year's theme is “Swinging on the Vine for the 35th Time” and the presenting sponsor is Chinook Winds Casino. Over 80 wineries usually participate each year, and dozens of food vendors and arts & crafts booths show off their creations.

This massive event is in a tented venue located near the Rogue Ales Brewery at the South Beach Marina in Newport.

Pre-sale tickets go on sale December 1. See www.newportchamber.org to purchase these online. Special group rates are available as well. Days, Times and Admission: Thursday, Feb 23 6 pm - 10 pm $15 (includes a commemorative wine glass this night only) Friday, Feb 24 2 pm - 9 pm $12, Saturday, Feb 25 10 am - 6 pm $17, Sunday, Feb 26 10 am - 4 pm $7.

E-Tickets have a transaction fee not included in the above pricing, holders of E-Tickets are received through a special expedited entrance. Ticket prices do not include wine tasting. Food item prices range from $1 and up. Wine sampling startsat $1 and glasses of wine are available for menu price. Bottles and cases of wine are sold by wineries, too!

You must be 21 years or older to attend this event and must have valid ID (no exceptions). The site is smoke free and handicapped accessible.

Parking is available at the festival site for $5.00. Free shuttle buses (including extended Saturday evening hours!) will run on a regular schedule from downtown Newport and major hotels. Maps are available at local businesses and at the Chamber. Cab service is also available for a nominal fee.