Welcome to Fuyu Fest 2025

Fuyu Fest is the only sake festival in the Pacific Northwest, and sets itself apart by serving as a bridge between Japanese and PNW sake lovers. This February, join us for a third year of tasting, discovery, education and community!

Activities

  • Sake Tasting

    The heart of the fest: over 85 different types of craft sake to taste and explore, while learning from brewers and the folks who work with them every day.

  • Demos, Talks & Experiences

    Expert demos, regional representatives, speakers & immersive experiences allow exploration beyond flavor: history, culture, food & more!

  • Food & Drink

    Look forward to a cozy Winter menu from local food vendors Obon Shokudo, Not Umami's Cooking, Hey Day Mochi Donuts, and Electrica Coffee.

Demos and Experiences

  • Kanzake with Okan Lover

    From Tokyo-based okan (warm sake) restaurant Takasaki no Okan, Okan Lover is a project spreading the joy of sake through okan. At the OKAN LOVERS BAR, seated guests will experience a lineup of different styles of hot sake, techniques, methods, and styles, with the opportunity to ask questions and dive deeper.

  • Breakaway Sessions

    Guests interested in diving deeper on specific subjects can pull away from the crowd and enter our breakaway classroom, where highly limited tastings and classes will take place. Guided by subject matter experts, these sessions will include exclusive producer horizontals, a look into the unique subculture of Japanese 'craft sake'-- not legally sake, due to added herbs and spices, as well as other subjects.

  • Shodo Performance

    Multi-award winning Japanese calligraphy (shodo) artists Sora will conduct a live performance, inspired in the moment by the flavor and experience of the sake she is tasting. Sora's work, including custom calligraphy, will also be available for purchase at Fuyu Fest.

  • Reggie's Manga Lounge

    Hidden in the atrium, take a break at Reggie's Manga Lounge: a relaxing, quiet zone to hydrate and chill, curated by our friends at Reggie's Manga Cafe, opening March 1st on NE Greeley in Arbor Lodge! The wonderful folks at Reggie's are bringing a mini manga library, egg salad sandos, loaded gachapon machines, vibes and goodies to one of our most exciting additions to Fuyu Fest 2025.

  • Sake nails 💅

    Local nail artist Andie @nailor_moon is setting up her table at Fuyu Fest and jazzing up naked nails with sake & Fuyu Fest-themed nail art! Simple designs are free to attendees, but more detailed designs will be available for purchase if you're feeling fancy. Andie is but one artist, so this experience will be limited to first come, first served on a reservation basis. So head over to Andie right away to grab your spot if if sake nails are your jam!

  • & More!

    Artistic, cultural, and flavorful explorations from Portland & beyond :)

    Collaborations

    • Dwayne Sackey

      Our limited-edition 2025 sakazuki is handcrafted by local artist Dwayne Sackey, whose work with soft, organic forms and natural firing techniques conveys a deep connection to the natural environments of the PNW.

    Location

    Ecotrust Building, Irving Street Studio: 721 NW 9th Ave, Portland, OR 97209

    Fuyu Fest 2025 is taking place at the Ecotrust Buliding's Irving Street Studio, a nonprofit event space in NW Portland with over 7000 square feet of room for activities.

    Google Maps

    About Sunflower Sake

    Sunflower Sake is Portland's only dedicated sake shop/bar, committed to providing a cozy and welcoming environment for guests to taste and learn about sake. Sunflower endeavors to foster a unique, diverse and creative American sake culture defined by our own traditions, artists, people and environment, and inspired by our extended community in Japan. Fuyu Fest is Sunflower's pride and joy, and we're here to make it as special as possible.

    Shop Sunflower

    Giving Back

    Fuyu Fest and its sponsors are proud to support Ikoi no Kai, acknowledging the contributions of the elder Nikkei community in forming Portland's diverse cultural identity. 20% Of each ticket will be donated to Ikoi no Kai, which is a nonprofit lunch program primarily serving the senior Japanese-American community in Portland.

    Learn more

    FAQ

    What are my accessiblity options?

    Guests with accessibility needs are encouraged to reach out to us and coordinate to ensure their needs are met. An elevator is available to access the event space (otherwise 10 ft of stairs) and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. While much information is in visual format, all vendors are happy to guide guests through the tastings and activities verbally. Quiet spaces are also available throughout the building if you need time away from the crowd.

    Do I need to be 21+ to enter?

    Yes. Only guests who show a valid government-issued ID indicating their age is 21+, will be permitted to enter. You'll be given a wristband which needs to be visible to sake vendors: they may ask to see your wristband if it isn't immediately apparent.

    Are children or pets allowed?

    No. No one under the age of 21 is allowed to enter the event. Licensed service animals are allowed but we caution against bringing them due to the potential crowd size.

    Learn more