The ilani BBQ Fest presents Bourbon & Bites rolls into the Ilani Cowlitz Ballroom on Saturday, June 13 at 4:00 PM PT — slow-smoked BBQ, craft bourbon pours, and a venue that knows how to host a crowd. If you’ve been waiting for a proper summer food-and-drink festival in the Pacific Northwest, this is it.
Getting There
The drive to Ridgefield couldn’t ask for better weather. Saturday’s forecast calls for sunny skies and a high near 78°F, with a light north breeze of 3 to 10 mph. That’s a comfortable walk from the parking lot to the entrance — no rain gear, no slick pavement to navigate. That said, festivals pull extra traffic to ilani’s campus, so build in some buffer. Plan to arrive by 3:30 PM PT to find your spot and get through entry before the first pour at 4:00.
Inside the Ballroom
Once you’re through the doors, the forecast is irrelevant. The Ilani Cowlitz Ballroom is fully climate-controlled — and like most large event halls running a packed crowd, it can trend cool once the AC kicks in. Toss a light layer (a denim jacket, a flannel) in your bag if you run cold. You won’t need it outside, but you might want it in there.
What to Wear and Bring
Smart casual is the move for a bourbon-forward food festival. Comfortable shoes matter more than you’d think — you’ll be on your feet moving between tasting stations and standing in line for that second brisket plate. Most importantly: bring a valid ID. Any event built around bourbon will card at every pour, no exceptions.
If ilani offers official Bourbon & Bites merchandise on-site, it makes for a solid souvenir from a great afternoon.
Practical Tips
- Bag check: Confirm ilani’s bag size policy before you go — oversized bags can mean extra screening time at the door.
- Rideshare is smart: If you’re committing to the full bourbon tasting experience, a designated driver or rideshare pickup saves the headache. ilani sits just off I-5 at the Ridgefield exit.
- Hydrate between pours: Water between tastings keeps the afternoon going longer and ending better.
- Parking: ilani has a large on-site structure, but festival days fill it fast — earlier arrival means easier parking.
June 13 in Ridgefield is shaping up to be a genuinely lovely summer Saturday. Enjoy the drive south, find your spot with time to spare, and let the BBQ and bourbon handle the rest.