Tap into nostalgia at a ‘Goonies’-themed brewfest in Gearhart
Published 9:00 am Monday, June 3, 2024
- Goonfest Brewfest logo
Lawn games, a treasure hunt, and, most importantly, brews a la “The Goonies,” the regional cult classic movie that couples Oregon Coast landscapes, pirate lore and the freedom and imagination of youth.
That’s what guests can look forward to at the inaugural GoonFest Brewfest at McMenamins Gearhart Hotel on Saturday.
The event — the first brewfest to be held at McMenamins’ Gearhart location — will take place from 1 to 7 p.m. on the lawn outside the hotel. “Goonies” fans of all ages are welcome to gather for an afternoon of fun and frivolity, from lawn games to a putting contest.
The highlight of the event is 19 “Goonies”-inspired beers and ciders from McMenamins’ breweries, as well as other coastal breweries.
GoonFest Brewfest
1 to 7 p.m., McMenamins Gearhart Hotel, 1157 Marion Ave., Gearhart
Free entry for lawn events, $25 (or $30 at the door) for tickets that include 10 tasting tokens and a specialty glass
www.mcmenamins.com/events
For example, there’s Buoy Beer Co.’s Cyndi Lager, Fort George Brewery’s Goonies Never Say Die-P-A, McMenamins Fulton Brewery’s Pirate Port and de Garde Brewing’s Farmhouse Hideout, to name a few.
“Brewers can come down and represent their beers,” said Rachel Flesher, the district manager for McMenamins pubs, theaters and special events. She added that there’s no competitive aspect to it. “We all love beer and love the coast.”
Most of the brews will be served outside on the lawn, and one inside the hotel’s Sandtap Pub. While entry to the GoonFest is free for all ages, individuals will need tickets to sample brews.
Another “Goonies” twist: A Passport Discovery Hunt on the McMenamins property to satisfy the treasure hunters in the group. And there will be Baby Ruth candy bars for sale, along with a T-shirt designed specifically for the event.
“We’re all super into it,” Flesher said. “I like ‘The Goonies.’ I think it’s really fun, and I love how the northern Oregon Coast really leans into it.”
According to Flesher, the McMenamins team in Gearhart wanted to put on a brewfest, and they were looking for a theme that was unique to the area.
“The Goonies” surfaced as an obvious choice, especially since June 7 is National Goonies Day (as established by mayoral proclamation in Astoria.)
Many adults still have a connection to “The Goonies,” even those who weren’t raised in the area, and the iconic film tapped into the mystery and magic of the region.
“It put Oregon on the map a little bit,” said Flesher, who grew up in Kansas. “I loved it when I was a kid.”
She believes “The Goonies” also resonates with people because it encapsulates a time when it wasn’t unusual for children to be out and about, playing with friends and having adventures, until the streetlights came on in the evening and beckoned them home.
“You’d just be gone all day,” she said. “Bicycle adventures — it was a good time.”
Flesher was excited to collaborate with the Gearhart McMenamins team on an event that highlights a piece of pop culture that’s meaningful to the area.
“I really, really like creating something and watching other people enjoy it and have fun,” she said, adding an event like the brewfest can “bring people together for a fun day.”
The event will take place rain or shine, so guests should come dressed for all weather.
Goonies Day
Friday marks the 39th anniversary of the cult classic movie, which is a holiday in Astoria known as Goonies Day. Starting Thursday, pick up a themed challenge booklet at the Oregon Film Museum and check www.thegoondocks.org for events related to the movie
