Second Annual Bread Fest Is October 20 in Portland

A boule from Southwind Microbakery, who will participate in this year's Bread Fest. — A beautiful boule from Southwind Microbakery, who will be present at the second annual Bread Fest this weekend. Photo credit: Bread Fest

Bread Fest, an annual festival that celebrates the world of bread from flour to loaf, is in its second year in Portland. Head there this Sunday, October 20 for a delicious carbolicious time.

I reached out to the organizers, Brad Kohler and Shyla Williams, to learn a little more about Bread Fest. Last year was the inaugural event and over 1,500 people showed up. The festival plans to showcase “a diverse array of local bakers, makers, and flour millers showcasing their artisanal creations in a vibrant farmers market-style setting.” They expect this year to attract even more attendees—perhaps even triple the number from 2023.

What To Do at Bread Fest

Here are some of the things you can expect to do at the festival:

Watch demonstrations led by experienced bakers.
Learn about the art and science of bread-making.
Sample a variety of breads and baked goods.
Shop for artisan goods from a variety of vendors
Commingle with your fellow bread lovers and freely appreciate “the simple pleasure of a freshly baked loaf of bread.” That includes sourdough and yeasted breads, flavored breads, and sweet pastries

Beautiful pop-tarts from 222 Pastry. They will participate in this year's Bread Fest. — Pop-tarts form 222 Pastry. Photo credit: Bread Fest.

The Vendors (a Partial List)

Some of the vendors you’ll see at Bread Fest include:

Hi Gluten: breads made with regional grains grown through the PNW.
Banquette: cakes, cream puffs, and cinnamon rolls, plus savory options.
Manny’s Choice: breads made with flour milled from certified farms in Italy and Europe that utilize old world farming practices.
Babcia Bread: baking with an emphasis on regional grains and produce.
Salvie Donuts: pandan donuts.
Best Coast Bagels: organic, vegan, sourdough bagels.
222 Pastry: vegan cakes, pop-tarts, and cookie sandwiches.
Bow and Bakes: sourdough breads, from scones to ferment cookies.
Southwind Microbakery: baked-to-order breads, pies, cookies, and custom cakes.
Cairnspring Mills: a regional flour mill producing fresh, stone-milled flours made from identity-preserved, regeneratively grown grains.
Honeyfig: they make a whole bunch of different things, from breads to snacks.
Anamika Vial: salted and oumpkin seed varieties of soft pretzels.
Dana Carey Bakes: a variety of laminated pastries.

Get Your Tickets … Only at the Door

Tickets are $5 (kids under 12, free) and can only be purchased at the door; last year tickets sold out within the first 45 minutes, so it’s wise to get there early. Bread Fest will take place at The Factor Building, 226 SE Madison Street in Portland from 10am to 2pm on the 20th.

I hope you can make this year’s Bread Fest!

Second Annual Bread Fest
October 20, 2024
10am to 2pm
The Factor Building, 226 SE Madison Street, Portland
$5 entry at the door. Kids under 12 get in for free.