Even if you choose not to go to The Festival, there are a lot of related events going on around Portland this weekend. Here’s a look at some of them:

THURSDAY

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John Patriquin/Staff Photographer

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BIER CELLAR, 299 Forest Ave., already carries a lot of Shelton Bros. beers. Dan Shelton says the store is “becoming one of the most important retail outlets for these kind of beers in the Portland area.” From 6 to 8 p.m., the store will host a tasting with Prairie Artisan Ales, a brewer from Oklahoma. Call 200-6258.

THE GREAT LOST BEAR, 540 Forest Ave., will be serving from dedicated taps hand-picked by Shelton Bros. from 5 to 9 p.m. Tulip glasses will range from $4.99 to $5.99. The beers include Dieu du Ciel Rigor Mortis (Quadrupel from Canada); De Ranke XX Bitter (Belgian IPA); Page 24/Nogne O Rhub’ (IPA from France/Norway); High and Mighty Pas de Dieux (Saison from Massachusetts); and Cantillion Gueuze from Belgium. Call 772-0300.

FRIDAY

THE THIRSTY PIG, 37 Exchange St., will host a meet-and-greet at 10 p.m. with representatives of some of the brewers that will be at The Festival, including Evil Twin Brewing, Jester King and Prairie Artisan Ales. Some of their beers will be on tap. Call 773-2469.

SUNDAY

RISING TIDE BREWING CO. will be holding its regular tasting room hours from noon to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, but the brewery at 103 Fox St. is usually closed on Sundays. This Sunday, however, the company will hold a special bottle release of its new cabernet sauvignon barrel-aged beer, a Saison called Lyra, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be 720 bottles available for $8 each, with a four-bottle limit. This is a brewery-only release. The Small Axe food truck will be on site to serve brunch. Call 370-2337.

THE THIRSTY PIG, 37 Exchange St., will host a tap takeover with Maine Beer Co., featuring some new releases, at 2 p.m. Call 773-2469.

OXBOW BREWING AND NOSH KITCHEN BAR, 551 Congress St., are teaming up to throw a big block party, NOSHBOW, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oak Street will be closed down for the event. There will be food, local DJs, live art, skateboard demonstrations and, of course, lots of Oxbow beer as well as some guest taps. On the menu will be Nosh fries, pork belly banh mi and falafel. There’s no admission; just bring money for food and beer.

ALL WEEKEND

NOVARE RES BIER CAFE, 4 Canal Plaza, will be showcasing brews from The Festival and local brewers. Open 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday. Call 761-2437.