Today is the first day of American Craft Beer Week, which runs from the 17th until the 23rd. Of course, if you’re online and read beer blogs, you’re already aware of it, but just in case, here’s the blurb:

Beer lovers, craft brewers, homebrewers, beer distributors, retailers, and even U.S. Congress are all making special plans for the annual American Craft Beer Week taking place across the country May 17-23. The “Mother of All Beer Weeks,” organized by the Brewers Association, celebrates small and independent craft brewers and highlights all that America loves about craft beer. In 2006, the week became the largest national effort focusing on American craft brewers and remains so today.

There are a ton of related events all over the country, so definitely get out to your local brewery and see what they’re up to. For Oregon events (naturally), the Oregon Brewers Guild has a big list up, and are pretty on top of the events statewide.

I also like the “Beer Weeks” page on the ACBW site listing the various City/Region Beer Weeks that have cropped up lately; there’s getting to be a good number! Of course I’d like to see a Bend Beer Week on that list.