Friday, August 11th – Sunday, August 13th
Since 1894, the Lower Columbia has celebrated the region with the annual Astoria Regatta. Steeped in history and rich with tradition, this gathering is a display of gratitude for the coastal community and the mighty Columbia River which shapes the topography and culture. And Fort George is right at the heart of the festivities this year with a full weekend of live music and entertainment on the block.
Friday, August 11th
Get the gang back together and plot your plan of attack for an outdoor showing of Fantastic Mr. Fox. All ages are welcome to attend the movie with food and beverages for purchase through the pub and Lovell Taproom. Bring your chairs and blankets from home or grab available seating – the movie begins at dark (approximately 9:15pm) in the Fort George courtyard. No tickets are needed, never a cover.
Saturday, August 12th
Start the day with prime seating for the annual Grand Land Parade at noon, best viewed in the courtyard with a pint of Fort George beer in hand. And it’s even better with bacon on a stick! Porcus makes a triumphant and delicious return to the block. Chef Jeff and crew are preparing a meaty menagerie of roasted, smoked, and cured pork offerings on a magnitude not seen since the Festival of Dark Arts. Outdoor service Saturday starting at 11am and while Porcus lasts.
Live music in the courtyard plays all regatta weekend long. Start with distinctive acoustic roots from Will West & the Friendly Strangers at 4pm. Keep the honky-tonking and hillbillying going with Countryside Ride at 6pm.
At 8pm, promote the sustainability of sound with Giants in the Trees. This quartet of local musicians and grangers from Wahkiakum County, Washington features Jillian Raye (banjo, bass and vocals), Ray Prestagard (guitar and harmonica), Erik Friend (drums), and Krist Novoselic (accordion and bass). Their music is inspired by the culture of the Lower Columbia River, and they’ll be sowing inspiration with their heavy grooves until 10pm.
Fireworks over the Columbia River will cap the festivities for the night, with great views from the east end of the upstairs pizzeria.
Sunday, August 13th
Browse the Astoria Sunday Market in the morning, play a round of corn hole in the Fort George courtyard, then stick around for extended Sunday night music outside in that fresh marine air. Local blues from Sheckie & Pee Wee ease you into the afternoon at 4pm. The Get Ahead springs from the roots of Soul, R&B and Rock. Bring your dancing shoes, unbutton that top few, and get loose with them at 6pm. And rousing Sunday night to peak high-energy, it’s Cascade Crescendo at 8pm. Americana music with captivating original lyrics and blazing fast mandolin licks, if there were a bluegrass band sandwich, they’d be the jam.
All ages are welcome (until 10pm in the pub) and friendly leashed pets are allowed in the outdoor spaces. There are free brewery tours on Saturday and Sunday at 1pm & 4pm. And as always, never a cover.
Downstairs Pub Hours: Mon-Thurs (11am to 11pm), Fri-Sat (11am to midnight), Sun (noon to 11pm)
Upstairs Pizzeria Hours: Mon-Thurs (4:30pm to 10pm), Fri (4:30pm to 11pm), Sat & Sun (noon to 11pm)
Lovell Taproom Hours: Mon-Tues (closed), Wed-Fri (3:00 to 10pm), Sat (noon to 10pm), Sun (noon to 8pm)
For more information about the history of Astoria Regatta and for a full list of events, go to astoriaregatta.com. It is always the perfect time to visit the North Coast, but a Fort George Block Party makes it even better.
