Second year, more beer

The Spokane Brewers Festival returns for its second go-round this weekend with a few new wrinkles.

Forty breweries and cideries will pour in the Spokane Arena parking lot on Friday (4 to 8 p.m.) and Saturday (11 a.m. to 8), up from last year’s 34.

Ticket pricing has changed. Last year you bought a tasting mug and wristband good for both days for $7, and drink tickets for $1 each (2-ounce pours for one ticket, 10 ounces for five). This year, it’s a package deal at the door including 13 tickets for $30 (extra tickets still are $1).

No one under age 21 is allowed on the grounds this year, under a new Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board ruling. (If you already bought tickets and planned to bring your children along, call 509-279-7455 to discuss a refund.)

And in maybe the biggest difference, the Arena has partnered with the statewide hunger relief group Feeding Washington . That not only adds a charitable aspect, but under state liquor law allows breweries to pour their own beer, unlike last year – one of the biggest complaints by brewers and customers alike.

Hired servers simply “don’t know the beer,” says the Arena’s Matt Gibson. “We’ve learned the ropes and we’re moving forward with a bigger and better festival.”

One thing hasn’t changed: Like last year, temperatures will top 90 degrees. Tents will again provide shade, Gibson says, and misting fans will be better positioned to cover more ground.

“It was real hot and sticky last year, but everybody seemed to be smiling,” he says.

The beer, of course, played a big part in that. Area breweries signed up for this year include Badass, Bellwether, Bennidito’s, Big Barn, Black Label, Downdraft, Four-Eyed Guys, Hopped Up, Hunga Dunga, Iron Goat, Little Spokane, New Boundary, No-Li, Northern, Orlison, Post Falls, Rants & Raves, River City, Steam Plant, Ten Pin, Top Frog, TT’s Old Iron, V Twin, Waddell’s and Young Buck.

Also look for Central Washington’s Icicle, Iron Horse and Yakima Craft, Western Washington’s Elysian and 7 Seas, Oregon’s Ordnance, Montana’s Great Northern and California’s Lagunitas. Cider comes from Jester & Judge, North Idaho, One Tree, Summit, Tieton, Washington Gold and Whiskey Barrel.

Each will serve at least two offerings. Among the more distinctive:

– Three specialties from No-Li: Red Wedding, a red ale with lavender and coriander; Nutty Professor, a pistachio-infused Crony brown; and Dark Matter, a citrus IPA with orange zest, chocolate and star anise.

– A wine barrel-aged watermelon gose from Four-Eyed Guys.

– A Sunburnt Shandy blend with mango, peach, pineapple and passion fruit puree by Black Label.

– Iron Goat’s Passion Fruit Guava Sour (a Spokane Craft Beer Week collaboration with Black Label).

– A jasmine sour by Bellwether dubbed Iroh’s Legacy.

– The second release by newcomer TT’s Old Iron, Big Headlights Blonde.

– Young Buck’s Mimosa Gose, Ludicrous Speed Triple IPA and Cab Savvy blended barrel-aged sour saison.

– The Steam Plant’s seasonal 1889 Imperial IPA.

– A coffee-infused version of Little Spokane’s Dark & Lovely stout.

– Waddell’s Imperial Alligator Oatmeal Stout.

– Downdraft’s Imperial Gingersnap Stout.

Food will be provided by Azar’s Deep Fried Haven, One Night Stand Barbecue, Tacos Tumbras, Thai Lunch Box, Fat Daddy’s Nutz & More and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

A variety of local bands will perform starting at 4 on Friday and 1 on Saturday, with the stage more centrally located this year. “I think the vibe is going to be better,” Gibson says.

Admission is free for designated drivers, who receive complimentary River City root beer. You also can bring your own nonalcoholic beverages and food.

Parking is available in the Arena lot for $6 ($10 for premier spots).