This week is for beer lovers. The Second Annual Central Oregon Beer Week begins today and runs until next Monday.
Over the next 8 days, you will have plenty of opportunities to taste some of Central Oregon's craft brews, with over 20 breweries showcasing their beers all over the area.
John Abernathy, one of the organizers with Central Oregon Beer Week says their is plenty of fun and family friendly events that you can combine with your beer celebration.
"We’ll be seeing some fantastic events. At worthy brewing Monday night, we're doing the kickoff celebration there. Deschutes Brewery is having a “Beerlesque” event Wednesday night. Sunriver Resort, out title sponsor is doing their First Annual Brewfest on Sunday. That will be out at the resort in their new beer garden."
Organizer Carlos Perez says the first year was pretty informal; but this year, about 20 breweries will be celebrated in all kinds of businesses in Central Oregon.
"Central Oregon Beer Week is a celebration of craft beer in Central Oregon. We’re trying to highlight all the different breweries; places that serve or host their different types of beers and kind of bring the community together to celebrate the beer, for sure."
Perez says not only restaurants will showcase the beers; but tourist attractions like canoe tours, spas and the Sun Mountain Fun Center will highlight the local suds.
Matt Neltner, owner of the new Blue Pine Restaurant (used to be Players) on Bend's west side is fully involved in the event and says he's got a menu that reflects the beer culture in Central Oregon.
"We’ll be doing parings with the food. We’ll also be showcasing old world and new world beers. So we'll be offering specials featuring some on the old European original styles and showing what the Central Oregon brewers have taken with these styles. And how they've made them unique in their own. Which I’m really excited to do these side by side parings."
You can find out more about all of the daily events by going to: centraloregonbeerweek. com.
