It’s the second-to-last day of the month, are you ready for June? June is Beer Week month in Oregon, with Eugene, Medford, and Portland all hosting their respective city-wide beer weeks, so get ready. In the meantime, here’s the Oregon beer news for this Thursday, May 30, which I’ll be updating throughout the day with the latest news as I find it—so check back often.

The Thirsty Monk (formerly Portland’s Bazi Bierbrasserie) is releasing Unity Gose, the latest in its Karma series of beers, and is hosting a fundraising benefit for Basic Rights Oregon along with it tonight from 5 to 7pm: “We’re releasing the third of our Karma Series beers, Unity Gose, in mid-May! Brewed in support of LGBTQ equality and inclusion, this lemon kiwi Gose will be available on tap in Portland while it lasts. Unity Gose gets the party started with flavors and aromas of bright lemon, subtle kiwi and a crisp yet rounded mouthfeel, finished with the additions of salt and lactose. At 4%, it’s very much like a lemon Radler; complex, juicy, refreshing and brewed for patio sipping and the cheerful days of spring and summer. A portion of the proceeds from Unity Gose will support 501c3 Basic Rights Oregon! Join us on Thursday, May 30th for an evening in celebration of our latest Karma Series beer, and the important work Basic Rights is doing in our communities!”

The 4th annual Kriekfest has been announced, to take place June 29 at Von Ebert Brewing’s Glendoveer location. From the press release: “Inspired by the Hood Valley’s abundance of cherry orchards, Kriekfest is the largest celebration devoted exclusively to barrel-aged cherry beverages. Kriekfest returns for its fourth annual inception, harvesting the biggest basket of cherry beers––and cider, mead, and sparkling cherry wine––yet, as well as relocating to a new venue. This year’s event will take place Saturday, June 29 from 11:30am to 7pm at Von Ebert Brewing Glendoveer, located at 14021 NE Glisan St. New to the festival this year is a five-course kriek pairing dinner, which will be held at Von Ebert Glendoveer the evening prior on Friday, June 28. Dinner tickets are extremely limited and cost $125, which includes the meal and beverages, a commemorative stemmed glass, gratuity, and Kriekfest VIP admission the next day. Kriekfest 2019 festival and dinner tickets are available now at merctickets.com/go/kriekfest. Advanced general admission costs $30 and includes six drink tickets. Advanced VIP admission is $50 and includes 13 drink tickets and half-hour early admission. GA is $40 and VIP is $60 at the gate. All beverages will be available in four-ounce pours; additional tasting tickets can be purchased onsite for $2 each. Minors and designated drivers receive free admission.”

Here’s a fun one today: the Rose City Book Pub in Portland is hosting a Pioneer Pilsner release party, starting at 7:30pm tonight: “Oregon State Fair Gold Medal Winning beer by Doug Ballou, the Pioneer Pilsner, releases at the Rose City Book Pub! Plus, talks regarding beer history since the end of Prohibition from Jeff Alworth, Jason Rizos, and Doug Ballou.” I’d be there if I could.

McMenamins Lighthouse Brewpub (Lincoln City) has a limited-edition beer tasting today from 5 to 8pm, with the chance to meet and chat with brewer Gary Stallings. The specialty beer isn’t specified but I’m sure it will be interesting.

Ecliptic Brewing (Portland) announced the return of its Brewers & Their Bands event coming up on June 14. From the press release: “Ecliptic Brewing is excited to announce the return of a celebrated event on their coveted patio space on North Mississippi Avenue: Brewers & Their Bands. A featured Portland Beer Week event, Brewers & Their Bands will showcase five live music performances, beers from multiple breweries in a festival-style format, and food from Ecliptic’s kitchen. The event will feature brewers from Double Mountain Brewing, Cider Riot, Breakside Brewing, and Ruse Brewing, each playing with their respective bands or with the event’s house band. The headliner and house band is the Buds of May Revival, which includes Ecliptic Brewing’s own John Harris playing the washboard. Beer and cider from each of the participating breweries will be available for purchase.”

10 Barrel Brewing (Bend) has its new Fancy Beer, Ambre Roche, coming out: “Giant beer or tiny oranges? Swing by the pubs and grab our latest Fancy Beer – Ambre Roche Kumquat Sour! This beer is a blend of 3 year old wild beer aged in Pinot barrels and a new beer aged in barrels with kumquat and vanilla to balance out the complex tartness. Coming to the pubs in the next few weeks!”

Ancestry Brewing (Tualatin) has new cans on the horizon: “New cans are coming soon!!! A brand new IPA is going to be available in 6-pack 12oz cans and Glori Haze Imperial Hazy IPA will be in a 16oz can. Just in time for summer.”