(This story is sponsored by Bellingham Beer Week.)

Raise your glasses folks because beer season is here. After months of winter hibernation, it’s time to get outside, enjoy an ale, and be merry. And as any beer lover knows, an appreciation of a good brew doesn’t stop at the border.

Every spring, Bellingham Beer Week brings together breweries, local businesses, and people from all over the world in a celebration of the city’s vibrant brewing community. Bellingham has become known as a premier beer destination and since it’s located less than two hours’ drive from Vancouver, it’s well worth the trip.

More than 30 breweries and tap houses are participating in this year’s event, which will showcase some of the best craft beer in the Pacific Northwest. It’s called a week, but the festivities actually last nine days, kicking off on Friday (April 19) and ending on Saturday (April 27).

The schedule is jam-packed with fun activities, even if you’re not a fan of beer. The full calendar can be seen on the website, but attendees can expect all sorts of amazing recreation opportunities, music, and a general party atmosphere throughout the city. There will also be a series of parties, brewery events, speakers, craft beer releases, and more to satisfy the aficionado.

The festivities end on a high with the famous April Brews Day Festival, which takes place at Depot Market Square on Saturday (April 27) and features more than 70 regional breweries, 12 food trucks, three local bands, and a lot of fun. Although much of Bellingham Beer Week is free to attend, this event is ticketed with all proceeds benefitting Max Higbee Center's recreational programs for people with developmental disabilities. Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased here. With more than 140 regional beers on tap, April Brews Day is one of the Northwest's biggest and best craft-brew festivals.

Further information on accommodation and more can be found on the website. In the meantime, enter to win Bellingham Beer Week prize pack, below.