This upcoming weekend is a fun one for lovers of local craft spirits and local beers, with two major events taking place on February 18 - statewide beer extravaganza Zwickelmania and craft distiller celebration TOAST.

Zwickelmania
Hosted by Oregon Craft Beer, Zwickelmania is a celebration of, unsurprisingly, Oregon beer, and everything that makes it great. This year is the ninth anniversary, and for the first time the event is being extended to two weekends, February 18th and and 25th, so you’ll be able to visit even more breweries.

For Portlanders, be sure to stop by Migration Brewing which, in addition to celebrating Zwickelmania, is also turning seven. From 11 AM - 4 PM the doors will be open for Zwickelmania festivities, and in the evening, join for a birthday party that includes a limited edition anniversary beer, the 7th Inning Stretch—a coffee milk stout collaboration with Nossa Familia Coffee, as well as a newly released Imperial IPA. A live DJ will also be spinning records for the event.

TOAST
For those looking for something a little stronger than beer, look no further than the return of The Original Artisan Spirits Tasting, back for its seventh year, and home again at the Leftbank Annex. Hosted by the Oregon Distillers Guild, it’s a celebration of all the distilleries that call Oregon home. With more than 40 distillers and 120 spirits, there will be something for everyone, with whiskey, tequila, vodka, tea based spirits, Old Tom Gins, and plenty more.

Bites will also be served by local Portland restaurants.  This year, enjoy snacks from Boke Bowl, Proletariat Butchery, Smokehouse Tavern, Verdigris, and The Waiting Room.

Tickets are $45, and include tastings of all the spirits, small plates, and a commemorative glass. VIP tickets are available for $65, and include all the above, as well as two cocktail tickets, access to the VIP balcony, and a private after-party with the chefs and distillers. $15 designated driver tickets are also available, and include access to non-alcoholic drinks and the snacks from chefs. Tickets can be found here, and will be available until the morning of the 18th, or until they sell out.

Photo via NoremaC Studios