The 21st Annual Oregon Brewers Festival began Thursday afternoon (7/24) on Portland’s waterfront, and continues on through the entire weekend.

The taps are scheduled to stay open from noon until 9:00pm during the opening three days of this year's festival. On Sunday, beer will flow from from noon to 7:00pm.

Visitors can enter the festival grounds at Tom McCall Waterfront Park through the main entrance at S.W. Oak Street and Bill Naito Parkway.

Entry into the festival is free, but to enjoy the brews visitors must purchase a 2008 souvenir mug for $5.00. Mugs from previous years will not be filled.

Tokens are also required for the purchase of beer. They cost $1 apiece. Patrons are required to pay four tokens for a full mug, or one token for a "sample" taste.

The Oregon Brewfest features 72 craft breweries offering handcrafted brews to what is exepcted to be more than 60,000 beer lovers during the four-day event.

The focus is craft beer, but the festival also features live music, food, and other vendors.