The Fifth Annual Oregon Otter Beer Festival returns Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 7:00–10:30 PM at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) in Portland. Hosted by the Elakha Alliance in partnership with the Oregon Zoo, the fundraiser brings together Oregon breweries and beverage makers to support efforts to restore sea otters to the Oregon coast. This year’s event aims to raise $50,000 to advance the Elakha Alliance’s efforts to help revitalize our local marine ecosystems. 

The celebration features 11 local participating breweries crafting exclusive, sea otter-themed beers made with Maris Otter malt – a fitting tribute to the festival’s namesake. Guests can also sample offerings from five additional beverage vendors, including locally crafted wine, cider, and ginger beer.

Festival attendees can look forward to a lively celebration featuring art, music, food, and interactive experiences. The night will include a raffle and silent auction with local artwork, adventure packages, and unique gifts. Portland artist Mike Bennett will create a live painting of sea otters on a surfboard, with the finished piece auctioned to support restoration efforts. Bryson Wallace, known to many listeners from KMHD, will provide the soundtrack for the evening with an energetic DJ set.

Creative local vendors will also add to the festivities. La Petite Tattoo will preview a special ocean-themed flash tattoo event benefiting the Elakha Alliance later in May, with beer festival guests receiving first access to reserve appointments with four female tattoo artists. Guests can sample Ottie’s Oreo vegan ice cream from Portland favorite Kate’s Ice Cream, enjoy on-the-spot poetry from The Traveling Typist, and receive ocean-inspired body art from The Henna Queen.

Additional hands-on activities will be available throughout the evening. Guests are invited to bring an old shirt or canvas bag to create custom ocean creature block prints with Wombat Wisdoms, test their knowledge with sea otter trivia, and capture the moment at the festival photo booth.

“This festival isn’t just about great beer – it’s about bringing an essential species back to Oregon’s coastline,” said Chanel Hason, Director of Outreach and Community Relations for the Elakha Alliance. “Every pint poured helps fund science, Tribal collaboration, and community engagement needed to make sea otter restoration a reality.”

Tickets and additional event details are available online. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets early, as this popular event sells out.