One of my favorite beer events for Bend kicks off this Friday—The Little Woody Barrel Aged Brew and Whiskey Fest! This year is the sixth annual iteration (it started in 2009) and it focuses almost exclusively on wood- and barrel-aged specialty brews, so it’s truly one of those niche beer geek events unlike the typical brewfest experience.

It also takes place at a unique venue: the grounds of the Des Chutes Historical Museum, located in the historic Reid School building in downtown Bend, with beer pouring outside in the lot and lawn, and a whiskey tasting taking place indoors. And if you have a chance to check out the Museum itself, I would recommend it.

This year’s Little Woody is sponsored by Bigfoot Beverages, and takes place Friday from 5pm to 10pm, and Saturday from noon to 10pm (August 29th and 30th, respectively). Basic entry cost is $10 the commemorative glass, with tasting tokens cost $1 each (beers will range in “price” from 2 to 6 tokens), and there is a tasting package for $20 which includes the entry, glass, and 10 tokens. Register in advance here. (Disclosure: I’m attending under media pass/credentials.)

It looks like they’ve got 23 breweries pouring beers, the majority of which are local to Central Oregon, and there will be amazing beers being poured. I will have a post up soon detailing all the beers being poured, as well, so stay tuned.

And if you weren’t planning a trip to Bend this weekend already, now you should! It’s also Labor Day weekend so you’ll have plenty of time to hang out, drink great beers, and even visit some of the great local breweries for even more beer!