Following a successful debut in 2025, WasabiFest, presented by SakéOne, returns to Portland on Saturday, June 13.
This immersive festival spotlights the vibrant and complex flavors of real wasabi, celebrating Oregon’s unique status as one of the few regions outside of Japan where the plant thrives.
Attendees can expect an array of bold dishes ranging from savory to sweet. The festival features live demonstrations from Markus Mead, co-owner of Oregon Coast Wasabi and one of the nation’s leading experts on wasabi cultivation.
Complementing the culinary offerings, SakéOne, America’s first craft saké brewery, will anchor the event with premium saké samplings. Guests can explore a curated selection of both Oregon-crafted and Japanese-imported sakés, highlighting the deep craftsmanship of both regions.
The energy at WasabiFest 2026 increases with a lineup of live performances and interactive events, including:
Portland’s premier Japanese drum and dance ensemble, Takohachi, returns to the festival stage with two live, high-energy performances. Known for their heart-pounding taiko drumming and the soulful melodies of the shinobue (bamboo flute), Takohachi blends traditional Japanese festival music with modern kumi-daiko spirit to create an unforgettable, festive atmosphere.
Back by popular demand, the signature wasabi-eating contest returns, bigger and bolder for 2026. This year, the competition expands to two heats, challenging brave participants to test their limits against the sinus-clearing heat of wasabi.
WasabiFest 2026 continues its tradition of uniting Portland’s most beloved local brands for a unique flavor experience.
This year’s festival features a premier local partnership with Accompani by Straightaway, bringing a sophisticated spirits element to the celebration. Accompani and SakéOne will co-develop a pair of signature cocktails specifically for WasabiFest, which will be available for purchase by the glass at the event bar. In addition to these exclusive drinks, attendees can visit the Accompani booth to sample the collaborative creations and explore the brand’s line of housemade liqueurs and amaro.
This year’s lineup also features a diverse array of food vendors, including Dokkaebi Deulpul Kimchi, Franko’s Hotdogs, HAB Sauce, Kate’s Ice Cream, Koa Roots, Stache Chocolate, Thip Khao and Veggie Snax.
In addition to the featured saké and spirits collaborations, the festival’s beverage offerings include Happy Mountain Kombucha, Shamsa Diahn and Urban River Spirits. Beyond the plate and glass, guests can explore unique retail and community partners such as Seisuke Knife, Hector’s Caricatures, Izakaya Impressions, Portland Puzzle Company and The Freshwater Trust.
For those seeking an elevated experience, WasabiFest 2026 will feature an intimate, limited-seating chef’s dinner. This year’s lineup of celebrated culinary talent includes:
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Kate Koo (Zilla Saké): A certified Saké Sommelier and “Chopped” judge with over two decades of sushi expertise.
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Jeff Kim (AJI Butchery & Zilla Saké): A master of dry-aged fish with a foundation in both traditional and modern techniques.
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Kyle Christy (Street Disco): Known for seasonally driven, technique-forward dishes that have made Street Disco a Portland staple.
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Tracee & Brandon Hirahara (Kau Kau): Bringing “onolicious” Hawaiian flavors and homestyle local favorites to the table.
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Vedran Jordan (Alma): A Portland veteran blending traditional Balkan heritage with modern techniques for a contemporary culinary experience.
About SakéOne
SakéOne is America’s pioneering craft saké brewery, blending time-honored Japanese brewing traditions with innovative techniques to provide premium saké to the U.S. market. Founded in 1992 as an importer of exceptional Japanese saké, SakéOne began brewing in 1997, becoming the nation’s first successful craft saké brewery. Using pure Oregon water and premium rice grown in California’s Sacramento Valley, SakéOne is committed to uncompromising quality and craftsmanship. SakéOne produces a growing portfolio of locally brewed saké under its Momokawa, Moonstone, g, Yomi, and Naginata brands, while continuing to import a curated selection of saké from some of Japan’s most celebrated brewing prefectures.