Cannon Beach, Oregon hosts a weekend of James Beard-inspired events May 10-12 during the town's inaugural North Coast Culinary Fest. Local chefs, makers and brewers will be featured during this Mother's Day weekend celebration promoting culinary arts on the North Oregon Coast.

The North Coast Culinary Fest kicks off on Friday evening with a series of workshops and special dinners. Two whiskey appreciation workshops will be offered by award-winning local distiller Mike Selberg of Cannon Beach Distillery and a beer and seafood pairing workshop will be offered by a Master Brewer Will Leroux of Public Coast Brewing Co featuring his award-winning '67 Blonde. James Beard-inspired dinners will be hosted by Chef Bob Neroni at EVOO Cannon Beach Cooking School, Chef John Sowa at Sweet Basils and Chef Fernando Aquino of Cannon Beach Cafe on Friday evening.

Saturday's festival highlights include a Champagne reception at the Gearhart home where Beard spent his childhood summers. Later, a four-course Celebration Dinner at the oceanfront Surfsand Resort will feature wine pairings and Beard-inspired dishes prepared by several talented chefs. The day concludes with the festival's Night Market, where guests will find an after party-style gathering with music, a no-host bar and a variety of samplings from local food purveyors at Haystack Gardens.

Throughout the day on Saturday, additional culinary workshops, demonstrations and tastings will be offered. North Fork 53 will offer a tea workshop at EVOO; Cannon Beach Bakery will give baking demonstrations; Forage and Farm will host an outdoor foraging workshop; and cheese maker Marc Bates will host a cheese pairing class.

On Sunday, participants will find special brunch offerings at spots around Cannon Beach and may also choose to take a short drive to Seaside to take enjoy a viewing of "America's First Foodie" at the Times Theater.

More information and tickets can be found at Cannon Beach North Coast Culinary Festival