Four tables to visit at the Cinco de Micro Brewfest 2019 in downtown Salem

For the eighth year running, Cinco de Micro Brewfest is kicking off this weekend. Jim Eastridge, owner of Magoo's Sports Bar, created the event as a fundraiser for Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties. 

This year, the indoor-outdoor event at the Salem Convention Center is hosting more than 60 local and national craft brewers, cider makers, and distillers. A chance to taste spring release beers and ciders in addition to favorite brews, the price of admission includes tokens for four tastes; additional tastes can be purchased for $1 each. Food trucks and music round out the event so you can make a day of it. 

Here are four tables not to miss when you go:

For beer collectors: Taste a brew from not-yet-open Independence-based Parallel 45 Brewing made specifically for Cinco de Micro. Brewer Ryan Booth is pouring sMaSH, a single malt, single hop ale made with Amarillo hops and Golden Ale, an easy-drinking ale with a hint of Cascade hops.

For sour fans: Salem-based cidery Anthem is pouring two limited release ciders. Woven, a blackberry pear cider, will likely only be available on Friday. On Saturday, check out Watermelon Gose-inspired cider finished with sea salt and coriander. 

For hop lovers: All three beers that Hop Valley Brewing brought up from Eugene feature cryo hops, a concentrated hop powder that has all of the citrusy punch of hop flavor without any of the vegetal funk that often comes with it. On Saturday they'll be rolling out a limited release for the year called Operation Vacation, a session IPA.  

For the tequila drinker: When you've tired of beer for the day, or if you need a break, stop by the table of local distillery Divine Distillers. They're making four cocktails featuring spirits made from locally grown fruit, including a margarita. 

Cinco de Micro Brewfest

When: 

• 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 3
• 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 4

Where: Salem Convention Center, 200 Commercial St. SE

Cost: 

• $25 one-day admission (includes commemorative mug and four tastes)
• $35 two-day admission (includes commemorative mug and four tastes per day)
• $5 for designated-driver admission
• Additional taste tickets can be purchased at the event for $1 each. ATM will be available onsite. Credit cards accepted.

Age: 21 and older

Information: cincodemicro.com