The fourth annual Central Oregon Beer Week is kicking off this Friday, May 22, with 10 days of events highlighting once again just how great our local beer scene is. From Friday through Sunday the 31st, there will be something going on every day (usually multiple somethings) for a jam-packed schedule of beer across the region.

Here’s a highlight of some of the featured events, but there are many, many more here that you’re going to want to check out:

• On Friday the 22nd, the kick-off SMaSH Fest takes places at McMenamins Old St. Francis School (at O’Kane’s Square), featuring beers brewed with only one malt and one hop each (Single Malt and Single Hop). Tickets are $25 which includes admission, commemorative pint glass, and 12 4-ounce tasters (additional can be purchased), available at the door or in advance here. It runs from 1 to 9pm, and I’ll be selling and signing books too for at least the first half.
• Broken Top Bottle Shop has their “Beer Geek Week” running every night, featuring: “Ten days of live music and beer tastings at Broken Top Bottle Shop. Each night, breweries will offer tastings from 6pm – 8pm and bands will play from 7pm – 9 pm. All tastings and the live music will be free!” Keep track of all the breweries and bands they’ll have on their Facebook events feed.
• Bend Brewing Company has a “Brewer’s Choice Tap Takeover” running throughout the week, featuring a rotating tap list of some of the favorite beers selected by brewers Ian Larkin and Josh Harned. It’s a great lineup they’ll have on, including some super-limited specialties you are not going to want to miss.
• On Saturday the 23rd, the Primal Cuts/Growler Phil’s Mini Brewfest returns and is taking place from 3 to 8pm, featuring tastings from a number of breweries as well as some cider and wine. Cost: “$10 to get in, which includes food and tastings.”
• On Wednesday the 27th, Redmond’s Wild Ride Brewing is having their first Beer Pairing Dinner, a six-course meal featuring three appetizer stations, and salad, entree, and dessert courses—all paired with Wild Ride brews. It costs $55 per person and starts at 6:30pm—you’ll need reservations, of course.
• Three Creeks Brewing in Sisters is celebrating the grand opening of their new 30-barrel production facility on Friday the 29th: “Stop by for some tastings, brewery tours, lite appetizers, music and more. 265 E Barclay Dr., Sister, Or 97759.” Time is from 5 to 8pm.

This is only scratching the surface, there is a lot more you’ll want to keep track of, plus I’ll try to make sure the calendar page is updated with everything.