WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Looking for something fun to do this weekend?  This week’s Lifestyle Lookout has you covered.

Bellingham Beer Week kicked off this week and runs through April 28. Beer, and more specifically, brewing, is a huge part of the culture and economy of Whatcom County and the Pacific Northwest.  There are a bunch of fun activities planned over the next week to celebrate all things beer.  Let’s highlight a few, shall we?

On Saturday, April 20 at Structures Brewing in Bellingham’s Old Town neighborhood, it’s their “Reefer Release Party.”  Structures will have food specials like four burgers for $20 and even a Hot Cheeto chicken sandwich to go along with the release of their new Reefer IPA.  It’s a big and hoppy India Pale Ale with all the dank notes you’ve come to love or hate over the years.  Let’s be honest, these dank IPAs are not for the faint of heart, but if you haven’t tried one, your quest to conquer the mighty hop is not complete.

Next up on Saturday is the 6th Annual Beer Olympics at K2.  Head on down to Kulshan Brewing’s second location on Kentucky Street from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. to watch 22 teams compete in eight beer Olympic games.  Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes and team names, so it’s not all about your beer drinking skills.  If you look up “fun” in the dictionary, I’m pretty sure it’s defined as “Beer Olympics.”  Head on down to find out for yourself.

There are too many events to mention for Beer Week, but let’s highlight just one more, shall we?  On Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Otherlands Beer in the Sunnyland neighborhood is hosting their iconic Kölsch Night.  Kölsch just happens to be your humble narrator’s favorite beer style.  It’s an easy drinking lagered ale with crisp and bright notes that finish both sweet and bitter on the tongue.  Like many aspects of German beer culture, it’s all about the experience.  The good folks at Otherlands will make the rounds with 0.2L pours of their Kölsch and will keep them coming until you place a coaster on top of your glass to signal that you’ve had your fill.

It’s all good fun, of course, but make sure you’re safe and plan a ride home after all the festivities during Bellingham Beer Week.  Go to bellinghambeerweek.com for all the details.

How does a cemetery tour sound?  BellingHistory is hosting walking tours of Bayview Cemetery monthly from May through October.  The first round of tours is this Saturday.  Founded in 1887, you’ll explore the history of the cemetery, visit the older sections and even check out the most interesting monuments.  You’ll get to know some of the interesting folks who were laid to rest at Bayview on this two-hour tour.  If this sounds like your cup of tea, get yourself a ticket and register online at bellinghistory.com.

Our featured live music this week is happening down at the Shakedown in downtown Bellingham.

Jonny West, who appeared on the hit TV show “American Idol”, will bring his brand of dreamy pop music to downtown Bellingham on Sunday night.  If you like captivating melodies and catchy beats, this is the show for you. Jonny West is playing with singer-songwriter Savanna Woods at 8 p.m. sharp.  Tickets for this one are just $10, and like all shows at the Shakedown, this is a 21+ night.  Go to shakedownbellingham.com for all the details.

Enjoy the weekend and happy Bellingham Beer Week!

Listen to this week’s Lifestyle Lookout segment below and on the KGMI Morning News every Friday morning: