Oregon Brewers Fest. Photo: Timothy Horn

June 1 — Beerfest, Santa Rosa — A festive microbrew and food tasting event with more than 50 of Northern California’s best microbreweries and gourmet food from Sonoma County. www.f2f.org/beer_fest2012.html

June 1 — Zoo Brew, Santa Barbara — Tastings from a whole herd of breweries out of the Central Coast region and hosted by the Santa Barbara Zoo. Enjoy special animal encounters at the hilltop, too! Ticket price includes zoo admission, a commemorative tasting glass, and unlimited tastings from participating brewers. www.sbzoo.org/zoo-brew

June 8 — Truckee Brew Fest, Truckee — The 8th Annual Truckee Brew Fest at Truckee Regional Park goes from 1-5pm. Tickets are $25 advanced/$30 at the gate, all benefiting youth programs in Truckee. Live music by Drop Theory. truckeeoptimist.com/truckbrewfest.htm

Photo: Timothy Horn

June 15 — Monterey Beer Fest, Monterey — The greatest assortment of beer ever assembled on the Central Coast. Sample varied styles of ales, lagers and ciders from several breweries with hundreds of beers to taste. Tickets: $50 main/$75 VIP. www.montereybeerfestival.com

June 29 — Santa Cruz Hop-n-Barley Fest, Scotts Valley — This afternoon event at SkyPark benefits the Community Housing Land Trust of Santa Cruz County and the California Craft Brewers Association. It will feature the best of local brews, bands and food. $39 adult general admission. www.hopnbarley.org

July 6 — Beerfest & Bluegrass, Northstar Village — It’s hard to argue with this combination, especially when it’ll be at Northstar-at-Tahoe’s mountain village with children’s treats and activities. Featuring Melody Walker & No Lonesome and Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line. www.northstarattahoe.com

July 24-28 — Oregon Brewers Fest, Portland, OR — Planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest? This is an exciting opportunity to sample and learn about a variety of craft beer styles from across the country. New this year is an additional day of festivities, as well as 12.8 ounce glass tasters! Eighty craft breweries from all parts of the nation offer handcrafted brews to 80,000 beer lovers during this five-day event. www.oregonbrewfest.com

August 10 — California Beer Festival, Aptos — With over 70 craft brews on tap, three live bands and mouth-watering food at beautiful Aptos Village Park, this is one of the best festivals of the year for craft brewing lovers! www.californiabeerfestival.com/santacruz.php