Happy National Doughnut Day! This is a holiday that has its roots in World War I and while beer wasn’t involved back then, it should be now—pair up a doughnut with a beer today. They make a great accompaniment to the beer news, which I’ve got fresh for this June 1 and the weekend!

The 12th annual Cheers to Belgian Beers festival kicks off Friday at The North Warehouse in Portland! It takes place Friday and Saturday, from 1 to 9pm and 12 to 8pm, respectively, featuring (at last count) 65 breweries pouring Belgian-styled beers, most brewed with “Precious” yeast. (See my writeup here.) Cost is $20 which gets you the glass and eight drink tickets (admission itself is free); additional tickets are four for $5. Kick off the month with Belgian-styled beer!

Bend’s Atlas Cider is changing its name to “Avid” AND celebrating its five-year anniversary with its annual carnival party this Friday and Saturday! You’re invited to our 5th Year Anniversary Carnival and unveiling of our new name – AVID Cider Co. Fun for all with rides including the Ferris wheel, Vertigo Swings, Zipper, and 100 ft Sack Slide (NEW!). A full food cart lot will add a sweet or savory treat to the mix to compliment a full line up of our ciders. Don’t miss our nightly concerts… Friday- Sol Seed and Precious Byrd. Saturday – MarchFourth & The Blackout Cowboys. Supporting Sponsors include The box factory celebrating 102 years & The Source Weekly. Thanks to Parallel 44 Presents for their help in planning, booking and promoting this year’s event!  Hours- Friday Noon to 10PM / Saturday Noon to 10PM. $5 Admission after 5 PM / Rides $4 / All-Ages Welcome”

Friday, 6/1

Astoria’s Fort George Brewery will be in Portland at the White Owl Social Club for the release party for this year’s 3-Way IPA: “3-Way IPA reverberates across the Pacific Northwest starting in June. And in Portland, the summer of 3-Way IPA begins here. Join the three collaborators – Modern Times, Holy Mountain, and Fort George – each bringing their beer to the show. Grab a fresh pour of 3-Way IPA, a resinous wall of fuzz just packed into cans and kegs. Immerse yourself in the alternative nightmare pop of Skull Diver as that 3-Way IPA resonates across your senses. No tickets, no reservations, no cover, plenty of 3-Way IPA. See you Friday, Portland!”

Saturday, 6/2

The Bier Stein (Eugene) hosts its third annual Invitational Beer Fest on Saturday starting at noon: “Our 3rd Annual Invitational Beer Fest will take place on June 2nd, 2018 from 12-8pm! Oregon Wood Fired Pizza will be slinging savory slices as local rock band High Tolerance and funk band Soul Vibrator provide jams for your jolly good beer journey. The Bier Stein’s flavor packed menu will also be available during the event. Whether amateur or aficionado, guests can dive into the rich craft beer community and find the perfect pairing for their palate. Each of the breweries will bring 2 unique brews to the fest!” 33 breweries are listed, some featuring beers that are collaborations with the Stein, and the cost is $25 cash only at the door.

Salem Ale Works is celebrating its fifth anniversary on Saturday: “Salem Ale Works, “Putting the Ale in Salem” for 5 years! Join us Saturday, June 2nd for an all day celebration of 5 years of SAW beer! $8 growler fills all SAW beers; new SAW food menu; plant your own hops; and of course our new favorite pastime axe throwing! Drink Local, Eat Local!”

Not to be outdone, Fearless Brewing in Estacada celebrates its 15th anniversary! “Join us for our Crystal Anniversary and the release of our Fearless Crystal Anniversary Pilsner on Saturday. Live music by The Mossy Rock Ramblers starting at 5:30. Fun will be had by all! SKål!” Congrats all around!

BridgePort Brewing (Portland) is launching a new beer, Rosé IPA, and the official launch event is Saturday with the Rose City Rollers at Oaks Park at 7pm. This 5% abv IPA features hibiscus: “We start this beer with our Pale Ale malt and little Honey malt to accentuate the slightly sweet background for this beer. This is a fun session beer is a lower alcohol beer “hopped” in our hopjack with Hibiscus for a unique floral/citrus flavor and aroma punctuated by a gorgeous subtle pink hue. We then finish this beer with a solid dose of Mosaic, Citra, and Meridian dry hops at the end of fermentation to give a slightly sweet fruity finish.”

Portland Cider Company: The cidery’s Luau & Pineapple Release Party celebrating the release of its seasonal Pineapple Cider takes place Saturday all day long: “We’ll be celebrating the release of this much anticipated seasonal cider with Hawaiian dancers, Luau music, a special Pineapple Bar serving up cider in whole pineapples, and a Hawaiian Menu from our kitchen. Other festivities to include a Hawaiian Shirt Contest & Tropical Photobooth. Pineapple cider bottles from Portland Cider Co. will be available to purchase at this release!”

Sunday, 6/3

The Bier Stein kicks off is summer Sunday “Brunch-ish” events on the 3rd: “Starting on Sunday, June 3rd we are offering $6 Biermosas every Sunday in addition to our pub style brunch-ish menu! Menu items available while supplies last. Biscuits & Gravy, Chicken & Doughnuts, Avocado Toast, Doughnut Holes, and Rotating Seasonal Specials”

General News

Yachats Brewing has a new beer out and pouring now: “BULLSEYE! This is one beer you’re not going to want to miss! A 6% Hazy Brett IPA- Bullseye hits the nail on the head with it’s delicious additions of peach, mango, and cherry juice!  Perk up a cloudy day, or celebrate the sunshine in delectable style, either way, you’ve got a bullseye! Also!! Heads up! We’ll be pouring Bullseye this weekend at The 12th Annual Cheers to Belgium Beers in Portland!”