Connecticut-based Old Burnside has signed on again this year along with Massachusetts standouts Angry Orchard, Boston Beer, Cisco, Clown Shoes and Harpoon. Popular offerings from New Hampshire will also be on hand including Smuttynose, Tuckerman, Woodstock and Moonlight Meadery. Rhode Island and Vermont will also be well represented with Narragansett, Long Trail, White Birch and Woodchuck.

Naturally, Maine beers, meads and ciders will take center stage. Sprague said representatives from about 20 local breweries will be at the festival, including local favorites from Baxter, Bunker and Funky Bow to Infidel, Organic Peak and Maine Beer.

Maine-based Rising Tide is making the most of the festival. They’ll be serving up this year’s special release of Maine Island Trail Ale in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Maine Island Trails Association, the nonprofit sponsor of the fest.

In addition, MITA will be holding paddling and sailboat demonstrations, a beach cleanup, and educational events on Saturday on the seawall next to the Brew Fest buildings. The MITA events will culminate with a light dinner and awards ceremony for members on Saturday evening with plenty of time to attend to the evening session of the Portland Brew Festival. Visit MITA.org for more details.

Rising Tide will also be one of the brewers participating in the “Beer ME, Cheese ME” fundraiser for the Maine Brewers Guild. This event will feature rare and distinctive beers paired with local artisan cheeses. Ticketed separately from the festival at http://portlandbrewfestival.eventbrite.com/, this special event starts at 11 a.m. and ends in time for attendees to be first in line for the festival. The event is open to anyone interested in home brewing, but space is limited so those interested should head to the website and secure their spot.

Other event highlights include a Saturday afternoon presentation by Massachusetts-based CASC/NERAX on “The Care and Serving Of Cask Ale” that will appeal to professionals and aficionados alike. Presenters Shahin Khojastehzad from local brew hot spot Novare Res and Jan Williams and Mark Bowers from NERAX will tap and serve a sampling of beers.

The first session is scheduled for 5:30-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, a fantastic way to kick off Labor Day weekend. Additional sessions are scheduled for 12:30-4 p.m. and 5:30-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31. An expanded array of local food vendors will be on hand to add to the event’s appeal.

The third annual Portland Brew Festival promises to be a first-rate beer experience. Tickets are $35 each at www.portlandbrewfestival.com.

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