Toasting Portland, Oregon’s Holiday Ale Fest

It’s peak season for warming wintry ales, and no one knows that better than the organizers of Portland, Oregon’s Holiday Ale Fest, which kicks off today in downtown Pioneer Courthouse Square. Under a toasty canopy of heated tents, more than 15,000 beer-loving holiday revelers will gather over the course of the next five days to taste more than 50 seasonal brews from across the West Coast. Each year organizers tap participating breweries like New Belgium, Bear Republic and Ninkasi to craft one-off brews, including winter warmers, barleywines, spiced beers and even a few sours. Combine those heady brews with the opportunity to support the festival’s Children’s Cancer Association fundraising efforts for spirituous warm fuzzies all over. Tickets start at $25 and include a tasting glass and eight tokens. www2.holidayale.com