The Belgians are coming! The Belgians are coming!

The 3rd Annual “Portland's Cheers to Belgian Beers” Festival is happening this weekend, May 1st and 2nd, from noon - 10pm at Lucky Labrador Beer Hall: 1945 NW Quimby, Portland.

The festival began in 2007 as a celebration of Belgian style beers, with participating brewers all producing beers from the same strain of yeast. The 2009 event marks the first year that all Oregon Brewers Guild members, including breweries outside the Portland Metro area, will be eligible to participate.

This year's chosen yeast it Wyeast 3822 Ingelmunster Ale (formerly known as Wyeast 3822 Dutch Castle), which is a unique Belgian ale yeast that produces spicy/phenolic aromas that are tart and dry on the palate, for a complex beer.

After sampling all the Belgian style ales, attendees will vote for their favorite in the “People’s Choice Awards.” To the victor goes the spoils, and in this case the winning brewery earns the right to host next year’s event, select the yeast strain and pick the 2010 charity beneficiary. Lucky Lab won the 2008 competition and has chosen to donate all 2009 profits 2009 to the Oregon Humane Society.

Admission is free! There is a $5 charge for a tasting goblet, which is required to sample beers, and $1 for tastes. Tickets can be purchased at the festival entrance.

For more information, visit here.