Pelican Brewing Company Celebrates 30 Years Since ‘Born at the Beach’

Major milestone commemorated with special beer release, new menu items, events this May and beyond

PACIFIC CITY, Oregon (May 18, 2026) — Pelican Brewing Company is celebrating 30 years of serving up craft brews, delicious bites and lasting memories on the Oregon Coast this month. Established in May 1996 on Pacific City’s beachfront, Pelican has grown to five locations — with a sixth on the way — and into one of the state’s most-award winning independent breweries. Still locally owned and operated by the three founding friends united in purpose by a love for great beer, Pelican is marking its milestone year with a special anniversary-edition Maibock, new menu items and other activations throughout the month.

“We’re incredibly grateful to our coastal community for the love and support they’ve shown Pelican Brewing Company over the past 30 years,” said Mary Jones, co-founder and president. “We wanted to create a place that locals and visitors could count on for good food, great beer and unforgettable moments. We’re thrilled to have become central to the Oregon Coast experience and look forward to continuing in our tradition with an incredible team in our brewery, kitchens and dining rooms.”

Since opening its flagship Pacific City location, Pelican has opened four additional locations on the Oregon Coast, with brewpubs in Cannon Beach and Siletz Bay, a taproom in Tillamook, and a Neighborhood Pub in Rockaway Beach. A sixth location, also in the form of a Neighborhood Pub, will open on the Central Oregon Coast in Yachats this summer. The smaller, community-focused “neighborhood pub” restaurants are one of the many ways the brand continues to innovate after three decades of business.  

Cheers to Great Beers with 30th Anniversary Maibock

“Developed in the style of strong pale German lagers, we’ve crafted something special to toast our 30 years in Pacific City and our growing presence in communities along the Oregon Coast,” said Darron Welch, founding brewmaster. “Our 30th Anniversary Maibock is a reflection of the German beers that kindled what would become a lifelong passion project and that served as an inspiration for Pelican Brewing Company.”

Developed in the style of strong pale German lagers suited for springtime sipping, the 30th Anniversary Maibock is a balanced, drinkable bock that pours a pale yellow. Bright floral, noble hop aromas are accented by slightly toasty malt nuances, while a soft, clean finish allows the crisp lager character to shine through. The 8.4% ABV brew is now available on draft in all Pelican locations.

Refreshed Menus Enhance Oregon Coast Experience

At Pelican, craft brews go hand-in-hand with dishes from the kitchen. Menu offerings are created to complement beers on tap, resulting in a cohesive dining experience that stands out and cultivates a strong connection to place.  

“Everything we do at Pelican has one primary aim: to transform experiences into lasting memories,” said Jeff Schons, co-founder and vice president. “That’s one of our core values, and our teams are always looking for ways to give our guests something new to experience and remember. As we celebrate 30 years, we’re inviting our guests to celebrate with us and try something new.”  

To mark the three decades of steady growth on the Coast, menus are getting a subtle refresh. Fan favorites will continue on the roster, joined by imaginative new dishes capitalizing on the change in seasons and creativity of the culinary crew. New items include appetizers like Burrata & Crispy Prosciutto, featuring creamy burrata with roasted tomatoes, crispy prosciutto, fresh basil, balsamic pearls and warm focaccia, and Ahi Aguachile, featuring pasilla-coriander crusted ahi lightly seared and finished with cilantro-lime salsa, thinly sliced red onion, Fresno chiles and edible flowers. Entrees include Blackened Mahi Mahi, served over couscous with roasted vegetables, cilantro sambal and fresh mango pico de gallo. The new refreshed menu will be available beginning June 1 at most locations.

Anniversary Party Slated for May 22

On Friday, May 22, Pelican is hosting a 30-year celebration at its original Pacific City outpost. Festivities are slated from 6 to 8 p.m., with craft brews, appetizers, live music, a beach bonfire, s’mores and more on tap. Tickets are required for admission and may be purchased here. 

Loyal Pelican fans, known as Mug Club members, receive early access beginning at 4 p.m., along with special perks like swag, throwback dishes and beers. Mug Club membership can be purchased at any Pelican location.  

More information about 30th anniversary events throughout the summer will be posted on Pelican’s social channels, including Instagram.

Biergarten on the Bay Returns Featuring German-style Brews and Bites

The flavors of Bavaria are returning to the Coast for a second year with the opening of Biergarten on the Bay. Located adjacent to the Pelican Brewing Company’s Siletz Bay location, the counter service model will serve everything from appetizers and entrees to deli meats and cheeses, and new this year — two Pelican-brewed German-style lagers and an ale. Inspired by the heritage and early experiences of Pelican Brewing’s founders and leaders, the bespoke restaurant celebrating Bavarian culture is a prime example of how Pelican continues to innovate and design moments that become part of our guests’ lasting memories.

About Pelican Brewing Company

Born at the beach in 1996, Pelican Brewing Company is celebrating 30 years as Oregon’s only beachfront brewpub and one of the state’s most-decorated breweries (450+ awards). Playful but not frivolous, Pelican brews with purpose, passion and deep respect for the craft. The brewery currently operates coastal brewpubs in Pacific City, Cannon Beach and Siletz Bay; a production facility and taproom in Tillamook; and a newly opened Neighborhood Pub in Rockaway Beach. Pelican beers can be found at Pelican locations and in stores across Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Learn more on pelicanbrewing.com or Instagram.

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