My husband and I have been working our way through the Maine Beer Trail as part of my bucket list adventures for 2017. There are a lot of local craft breweries and the number continues to expand. It will probably take us longer than one year to get all the stamps on our beer trail map and that’s okay. The adventure is in working our way through the stops and getting to explore more of Maine.

For this week’s Friday Favorites, here are five craft beer activities happening in Maine this weekend.

1. BjorFestival (Icelandic Beer Festival). Reykjavik, Iceland. Saturday, June 24, 2017. While this event is not happening in Maine, it is one that has a deep connection to the craft beer industry here in Maine. The Icelandic festival will be the unveiling of the Maine Beer Box. The custom designed refrigerated shipping container has been making its way across the Atlantic since it’s launch earlier this month. The beer box has taps of local craft beer donated from Maine brewers throughout the state. The beer will be served at the festival and then the box will return to Maine with Icelandic beers. I love the beer box concept. What a great way to expand the Maine craft beer reach beyond our state as well as learn about beers from other locations. My understanding from the press surrounding the launch of the Maine Beer Box is that each summer it will head off to another destination for a new beer exchange.
2. Great Falls Brewfest. Simard-Payne Memorial Park, 46 Beech St, Lewiston, ME. Saturday, June 24, 2017. 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm. This annual event presented by Baxter Brewing Company is in its fourth year. The festival has food, craft beer, music, games, and craft vendors. Three is a little of everything to keep you busy as you sample craft beer from over forty breweries. While Maine is well represented, there are a few out-of-state breweries as well.  I’m especially intrigued by the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society Puppy Pen where you can stop by and play with puppies.
3. Allagash Street Fair. 50 Industrial Way, Portland, ME 04103. Saturday, June 24, 2017. 1:00 – 6:00 PM. I’ve gone to the Allagash Street Fair for the last two years. It’s always a fun event with great food from local food trucks and a nice variety of craft beer to sample.  There is also live music, street performers and local craft vendors. Allagash is one of my favorite craft breweries and their street fair never disappoints.
4. Maine Brew Bus. 79 Commercial Street (Old Port Spirits). Portland, ME, 04101
   Saturday, June 24 2017. 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Looking for a little beer with your breakfast? How about a Beerunch! tour with the Maine Brew Bus to kick off your Saturday. According to their site, this first tour of the day for the Maine Brew Bus stops at three local area craft breweries including Bissell Brothers, Foulmouthed and Oxbow. I haven’t been on a Maine Brew Bus tour yet but it’s on my to-do list.

5. Maine Beer Company Dinner Release. 525 US-1, Freeport, ME 04032. Saturday, June 24, 2017. 7:00 AM – 12:30 PM. Dinner is an American Double / Imperial IPA style beer from Maine Beer Company. You need to get tickets in advance in order to buy up to one case (12 bottles) of Dinner, being released this Saturday, from the Maine Beer Company. Tickets are limited.

While these are specific events happening this weekend related to craft been in Maine, there are also many tasting rooms open throughout the state which make for a fun way to spend an afternoon. It’s also a great chance to get started on the Maine Beer Trail.

Do you have a favorite craft beer event or activity in your area?