Old Fashioned Fest returns to Wilkeson soda shop

Published 11:45 am Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Some things never go out of style – but that doesn’t mean things won’t change.

This is the case with the Simple Goodness Sisters’ annual Old Fashioned Fest, which celebrates both the iconic cocktail and local distilleries and bars’ ability to shake it up.

But the May 16 event also punctuates the unfortunate reality of Wilkeson: that when the Carbon River Bridge to Mount Rainier was closed permanently a year ago due to structural damage, business in the town has dried up and forced the unique farm-to-table, family-friendly bar and soda shop to pivot from having regular operating hours (at least during tourist season) to becoming a (mostly) private event venue.

Old Fashioned Fest, however, is not for drowning sorrows, but celebrating spirits, and co-founders Venise Cunningham and Belinda Kelly hope this year’s gathering is the best yet.

“This festival bridges Wilkeson’s rich history with modern craft spirits culture,” Kelly said. “Even in a challenging season, it’s an opportunity to bring people together, celebrate local flavor, and support a community that has always welcomed visitors.”

This year, Simple Goodness Sisters is inviting both distilleries as well as restaurants and bars to come and try their hand at making an Old Fashioned with the soda bar’s iconic syrups.

Attending will be Pursuit Distillery, Casting Iron, and Roaring Underground – all based in Enumclaw – as well as Barrel Dogs, 2Bar, Monson Ranch, Portland Bitters, and Dry Fly Distilling, all vying for their drink to be voted “Best Old Fashioned.”

Attendees can also participate in a “build the best” drink contest for amateur bartenders during both sessions.

Tickets for first session, which starts at 1 p.m., come with a commemorative glass, seven tasting tickets, and live music by Whisky Strut. General admission tickets are $60, or $30 for designated drivers.

The second session, which starts at 4 p.m., is for VIPs, who receive a commemorative tasting rocks glass, live music, nine Old Fashioned tasting tickets, and whiskey demonstrations and educational classes from distilleries and cocktail experts.

VIP tickets are $118, or $60 for designated drivers.

For more information on the event, or to buy tickets, head to simplegoodnesssisters.com/pages/events.