Here’s the Oregon beer news for Friday, May 12 (and the weekend). As usual, I’ll be periodically updating this post thoughout the day, so check back often, and if you have news to share please contact me—I’m happy to get that posted!

Breakside Brewery (Portland) is celebrating their 2nd Anniversary Block Party tomorrow, pretty much all day (from 1 to 7) with live music, food specials, amazing beers, “celebrity” chefs and much more! Cost is $15 for a glass and 5 drink tickets for the outside tent. If you’re in/around Portland, this is on your must-do list for tomorrow!

And Sunday, the 13th, is FredFest! Your chance to drink with Fred Eckhardt to celebrate his birthday and enjoy some amazing beers—Lisa Morrison has posted an incredible beer list! Tickets are $60 and it looks like there are still some available; and it takes place at Hair of the Dog on Yamhill from  2 to 6pm. Be there!

Burnside Brewing (Portland), in response to urging from the Hindu community upset over their upcoming “Kali-Ma” release, stepped up today to issue a statement that shows their class and sincerity in handling the situation. It’s worth quoting entirely: “We at Burnside Brewing co.aspire to create exceptional craft beer while sustaining an enjoyable, livable workplace for our crew of approximately 20 employees. In response to pleas from the Hindu community we have decided to postpone the limited release of “Kali-ma” our imperial wheat ale flavored with Indian spices and Scotch-Bonnet peppers. It is NEVER our intention at Burnside to offend or alienate any race, creed, religion or sexual orientation. The inspiration for the beer label simply came from a favorite childhood movie in the “Indiana Jones” series and we were unaware that it could be offensive to anyone. We are currently scrambling to re-name the beer and intend to release it soon afterwards. To those who have been patiently waiting, we humbly ask that you wait just a little longer and to anyone we have offended we sincerely apologize. We will keep our loyal customers informed on the new release dates. Thank you for all your patience and understanding in this matter and we hope you will enjoy this ale and all the fine ales we produce here at Burnside.”  Good on you guys.

Cascade Lakes Brewing (Redmond) posted this today: “We are proud to announce today is our 8th Anniversary at the Cascade Lakes Lodge! Thanks Bend for 8 great years!”  Their Lodge is one of the popular Bend westside spots on the way to (and from) Mt. Bachelor and the Cascade Lakes Highway. Congrats on 8 strong years there!

Oakshire Brewing (Eugene) is releasing their Perfect Storm Imperial IPA today at their tasting room and it’s gonna be a party: “Perfect Storm Release Party tonight!!! 3p-7p in the Tasting Room. We’d like to thank the wonderful folks from Oregon Wood Fired Pizza for serving up the pies and Manouche Noir for providing the tunes. We have so many beers right now, that we’re adding 4 extra taps! That’s right; we’ll have 14 Oakshire Brews for you to choose from.”

Tomorrow (Saturday the 12th) is the Sasquatch Brewfest in Eugene, one of the Valley’s best-loved brewfests that’s also capping Eugene Beer Week. This year it’s the “10th Anniversary Celebration of the life and good works of Glen Hay Falconer” and takes place at the Eugene Hilton from noon until 10:30pm, featuring live music, a ton of breweries, and: “A large portion of the proceeds will be provided to the Glen Hay Falconer Foundation, a non-profit organization staffed by Glen’s family with a mandate to support craft brewing by providing brewing scholarships. Additional funds obtained from the beer bash will be presented by the Northwest Legends Foundation to Eugene-based non-profit organizations – again – in memory of Glen.”  Cost is $10 at the door for the commemorative glass and two tasting tickets, with additional tickets available for purchase. This is definitely one of the Fests you should try to attend!