Each year, Olympia Brew Fest strives to give South Sound residents plenty of reasons to get out and drink some beer - as if most Northwesterners need any reason at all. To spice up the afternoon, the Oly Beer Fest brings in food, live music and more, all set against a waterfront backdrop.

More than 30 brewers will be at this year's festival, which will be held this Saturday, Aug. 1, at Port Plaza Park near the Olympia Farmers Market. Almost all are from Washington, with a few from Oregon as well. Tacoma and Olympia brewers make a fair showing, including Odd Otter, Narrows Brewing, Three Magnets Brewing, and the always popular Fish Brewing (organic amber - mmm).

"We will have sixteen new breweries and cider makers that have not joined our party before," said Mike Marohn, Brew Fest organizer. "In fact, a good portion of our thirty-three plus brewers received medal recognition at the annual Washington Brewers Festival in June of this year."

Food vendors will serve up a variety of fare to complement your cold one. Vendors include Marv's Marvlus Pit BBQ, Lucky Eagle Casino, O'Blarney's Irish Pub and Hawk's Prairie Casino.

"Food available for purchase includes Marv's Marvlus Barbeque bacon-wrapped meatballs, Lucky Eagle's traditional open-pit barbequed salmon, O'Blarney's bratwurst and Hawk's Prairie vegetarian flatbread pizza," Marohn added. "They have other fare, but those are the items I usually eat."

Live music will keep the event hopping and includes a diverse mix of local talent, including The Dogtones playing classic rock; The Brown Edition adding some funk to mix; and Hillstomp, which styles itself as something more unique - punk blues.

Also new this year - there will be some beer-related games and prizes in between music performances.

If the weather turns out to be too hot for your taste, never fear! There will be a misting tent on the premises to help everyone stay cool.

"Our brew fest is unique in its setting, right on the water at Olympia's Port Plaza," said Marohn. "We select our breweries after our tasting panel has sampled their beer, (and) not every brewery that wants to, gets in. Our food and musical entertainment is top notch. We continue to strive to be the best brew fest and party in the Northwest."

Additionally, Olympia Brew Fest tries to do some good in the world while also offering attendees a great time: The festival serves as a fundraiser for the Thurston Chamber Foundation Small Business Development program. It's not every day you can drink a beer and help your community.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Military, police and firefighters are $25 at the gate with ID. A commemorative mug and six 5.5-ounce tastes are included with admission. Additional tasting tickets are available for $8 if six is just not enough.

A special bonus - this brew fest is the first brew fest in the world to accept Bitcoin, and designated driver tickets are just $5.

OLYMPIA BREW FEST, Aug. 1 at Port Plaza Park near the Olympia Farmers Market. For more information, visit www.Olybrewfest.com or www.facebook.com/pages/Olympia-Brew-Fest/363721636993000.