Happy Friday! This Sunday the 20th is the first official day of spring, which means it’s Bock season! Here’s the news for the weekend of the 18th; as usual, I’ll be periodically updating this post throughout the day with the latest news, so check back often. If you have news to share, please contact me and I can get that posted as well.

The Pouring at the Coast beer festival kicks off today in Seaside: “The Seaside Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Seaside Brewing Company to present the SEVENTH annual Pouring At The Coast Festival. More than 60 types of craft beer have been poured over the years, representing nearly 30 breweries in the region.” It starts tonight with the five course Brewers Dinner and then the fest portion takes place tomorrow (Saturday) from 3 to 8pm. Beer on the beach, what’s not to like?

Double Mountain Brewery (Hood River) is celebrating their 9th anniversary Saturday the 19th, starting at 11am when they open and lasting all day long—with a street party! It only costs $5 for the entry fee (for 21 and over) which gets a souvenir mug. Kids are welcome until 8pm. Live music is lined up for the day, and they’ll definitely have food and beer specials! And: “Brewer’s Lounge (noon-8pm) -$25~Includes a Souvenir Mug, Snacks, Specialty Beer from our Reserves.” Be sure to head over to the brewery to help them celebrate 9 years!

And Portland’s Upright Brewing is celebrating their 7th anniversary Saturday the 19th from 1 to 8pm! “Join us Saturday the 19th to celebrate seven years of producing beers! The annual Anniversary Saison will be released that day and we’re filling the taps in the tasting room with a slew of special beers including Fantasia, Fatali Four, Oyster Stout, a brand new Wit and Imperial IPA, plus a preview of an upcoming barrel fermented beer made with pinot noir grapes! Snag some bottles and enjoy the diverse taplist! Anniversary saison bottles are $12 each or 3 for $35, limit three per person.” The New School has additional details.

The Bier Stein (Eugene): This Friday they are featuring a Base Camp Collabofest (Redux) starting at 5pm: “Here we go again, bringing another great festival within biking distance (that is, if you live in the Eugene/Springfield area). Base Camp’s 2nd annual Collabofest featured 17 special collaboration beers from 16 Portland breweries and two cideries. Many of the brews were variations on unusual styles, or renditions of unfamiliar styles (see: Kottbusser). We were able to wrangle a handful of these beers to present in like fashion… and you don’t even have to get rained on or wait 20 minutes for a taste (it was a really popular fest).”

Broken Top Bottle Shop (Bend) has Stone Brewing in the house this Friday night from 5 to 8pm with a tasting and tap takeover: “Stone Brewing will be at BTBS providing free samples of a beer TBA!
And, Enjoy by 4/20 Imperial IPA plus 2 more Stone brews will be on tap!”

The BeerMongers and Coalition Brewing are holding a “wake” for Coalition’s Two Dogs IPA this Friday starting at 5pm: “Join us at The Beer Mongers to raise a glass to our dear friend Two Dogs IPA who is retiring to the farm for a life of leisure. We have bottles of Two Dogs on hand for people to sample (perhaps for last time along with a great tap list).”

Irish Beer Festivals anyone? Both Feckin Brewing and Kells Brew Pub have their respective Irish Beer Fests continuing through this weekend, Feckin’s in Oregon City and Kells’ in Portland. Live music, Irish-themed beers, games, special food, and lots of fun—if you wanted St. Paddy’s Day to run through the weekend, these are the events to be at!

Occidental Brewing (Portland): Saturday the 19th Occidental has the release of their Barrel-Aged Lucubrator along with a Pig Roast all day from noon to 9pm: “Please join Occidental in welcoming Spring with the best way we know how, a delicious pulled pork sandwich paired with Barrel-aged Lucubrator. Admission is free and $15 will get you a smoked pork sandwich, potato chips and a pint. We’ll have indoor and outdoor seating, everything taking place at Occidental. Hope to see you there!”

The Northwest Cider Association‘s annual Cider Rite of Spring returns this Saturday, March 19, taking place at the Tiffany Center in Portland from noon to 5pm. “Attendees must be 21 years old and will receive a glass and eight tasting tickets. Food will be available for purchase with live music throughout the event. A pop-up retail store will give attendees the chance to buy their favorite ciders from the event to take home. Doors will open at 11 a.m. for sponsors, media and NWCA members. Cider Rite of Spring is sponsored by FruitSmart, Locust Cider and Portland Cider Company. Proceeds benefit the Northwest Cider Association. Tickets are $30 at the door, $25 in advance and $20 for NWCA members.” The Cider Rite was “Named The Best NW Cider Festival By SIP Northwest Magazine” so if you’re about the cider, you’ll need to check this out.