Ah it’s that time of year again when we lovers of the hoppy adult beverages make our way downtown to sit under big tents on dusty grounds and fight through crowds to sample fabulous beers from all across the country….

oh wait – that’s not for another couple weeks…first we have the Portland International Beer Festival – this weekend in the North Park Blocks.

PIB is smaller that the Oregon Brewers Festival – but with more than 100 beers from around the world – there is still more than enough variety to satisfy anyone regardless of their beer tastes.

The people that attend the PIB seem to have much more of an appreciation of the beer and are not as much about just getting loaded like at the OBF. You will rarely hear the frat boy holler at the PIB – and when someone does try to start it – it typically fades away rather than moving through the crowd with the instigator realizing he’s being ridiculous and doesn’t try again.

The event is in part a benefit for Pet Cross – so you’ll see some folks walking around with dogs that may be looking for a new home – but due to new OLCC regulations – kids are no longer allowed at the PIB – so if you’ve brought yours in the past, remember to leave the stroller at home this year. (The OBF will allow them – retracting the announcement they made previously.)

This nasty hot weather is supposed to pass by the weekend, so it should hopefully be a couple of beautiful days to sit out in the grass and enjoy some great beers. Then after – be sure to hit up John’s Market or Belmont Station to take home some of the tasty treats you’ve tried.