Hey, we can start the weekend on Thursday, right? Because Crux has something going on today and it’s still spring break! Here’s a rundown of beery things going on around the area today and this weekend.

Crux Fermentation Project has a new addition to their patio they’re excited to share with everyone: a 20-foot used storage container that they’ve converted into an outdoor bar with 20 taps of beer! So today (Thurdsay) from 4 to 8pm they are holding an Open “Container” Celebration on the patio with fun stuff going on:

• 5-8PM: Live music by Greg Botsford
• 4-6PM: Wear Crux Gear (hats, shirts, etc.) and spin the Crux Wheel for cool prizes
• 6:30PM: Group photo of all attendees to commemorate the event

Then on Friday, McMenamins has the latest in their quarterly O’Kane’s Garage Series beer tasting going on, where brewer Mike “Curly” White recreates old, iconic McMenamins beer recipes. Starting at 5pm, “Pole Ax” which is described as: “It was created in 1997 by Chris Oslin and had every intention of being the bigger, bolder version of Hammerhead. Large malt tones of sweetness chop their way through your tongue, while all of the Cascade Hop additions swing at you with mild floral and citrus backings.”

Also on Friday, Craft Kitchen and Brewery is holding the release party of their Pond Monkey Pale Ale starting at 6pm, offering up free samples and giveaways. The beer itself is 5.5% alcohol by volume and described as: “A hop forward pale ale balanced with malty and bittersweet notes of caramel and toffee. Resinous Simcoe hops linger through the finish.”

On Saturday, the Eastside Growler Guys is hosting a meet the brewer and beer tasting with Fort George Brewery out of Astoria from 4 to 7pm, and they say, “Fort George Brewery will be stopping by The Growler Guys – Bend Eastside to show off their great beer. Come by for fun games, free swag giveaways, and Growler Guys pizza!”

Over at Three Creeks Brewing in Sisters, all weekend long starting on Friday they are holding a “Brew Madness” (salute to March Madness) where you get to vote on your favorite Three Creeks brew: “Each of our brewers & Wade will represent a TCBC Beer style. Swing into the pub, order a taster tray and cast your vote. Watch the votes roll in and see whose bobble head ends where. ALL VOTERS will be entered for a chance to WIN TCBC SWAG.” Be sure to go drink and vote!