Now in its fourth year, The Little Woody—Bend’s premier specialty beer event—is back this coming Labor Day weekend, Friday and Saturday the 31st and 1st, respectively. This festival, subtitled “Barrel Aged Brew and Whiskey Fest,” focuses exclusively on wood-aged beer: a process that (whether aged in barrels or in some other means of contact with wood) adds depth of flavor and complexity to beer, and over the past several years this has grown into such a great event.

It’s taking place as always at the Des Chutes Historical Museum: the beer and food in the parking lot, live music on the lawn, and the whiskey tasting inside the Museum in the Library.

Central Oregon’s ten oldest breweries will be on hand (and Silver Moon holds the record of most beers with four being offered), along with guests Block 15, Carlton Cyderworks, Hopworks Urban Brewery, Oakshire, and Ninkasi. (The local breweries not represented–due to size or youthful age I imagine–are Below Grade, Phat Matt’s, The Ale Apothecary, Crux Fermentation Project, and Sunriver Brewing. I’m hoping they’ll be able to participate in subsequent years.)

The beer lineup looks stellar, too, and while there will be the usual assortment of heavy stouts, bourbon-infused strong ales, and such, there are also a few lighter offerings that should please all palates. And if you’re looking for Boneyard’s ultra-limited, super strength 14% alcohol Suge Knight, it looks like it will be showcased at 1:30 on Saturday.

It’s a 21-and-over event, and it will cost $7 entry (which includes the commemorative glass), or $16 for a package which gets you the glass and 10 tokens. (Buying online shows there’s also a $20 package which gets you 15 tokens.)

Don’t miss it!