On Saturday, the Austin Music Hall will be invaded - by beer nerds. The first edition of the Great Austin Beer Festival takes place this weekend, and almost 40 breweries will participate in the event. We recently spoke to festival coordinator Blake Richards to learn more about what to expect from what could become a big event on the Austin beer calendar.

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Now that we've officially hit summer beer season, our Texas craft brewers seem to be scheduling events faster than you can down a Saison at a summer BBQ. Here's a roundup of the latest news:

• South Austin's (512) Brewing is hosting a launch party on Saturday, June 19 for their re-release of the Belgian-style strong ale titled One.2. (Yes, that name is confusing.) The event runs from 2-5pm, and like most brewery open houses, you have the choice of doing free small samples or buying a $5 (512) pint glass for larger pours. A word of advice: (512)'s 78745 location and, well, the fact that there is free beer means that these open houses are always crowded, so expect lines, be patient, and bring a bottle of water to beat the heat. (Thanks to Patrick Beach for the tip.)

Image from www.homeslicepizza.com Home Slice-O-RamaSaturday, November 17Home Slice Pizza (1415 South Congress)Noon-6pm, Admission is free; booths, games and drinks cost tickets. All carnival proceeds to benefit Young Texans Against Cancer[info] The delicioso crew at Home Slice Pizza will celebrate their second year of slinging perfecto pizza by hosting a back yard carnival on Saturday, with all proceeds benefiting Young Texans Against Cancer. Here's what's on tap: • An old school pizza eating contest to win... more ›

Primizie Osteria (Italian) Location: 1000 E. 11th St., Ste. 150 [map] Phone: (512) 472-9299 Cost: Entrees $9-11 Atmosphere: Casually urban decor, concrete floors, wine bar. Counter ordering. Food: The new Primizie Osteria serves simple but elegant Italian at good prices in a comfortable, casual setting in semi-gentrified East Austin. Eastside denizens are lucky to have such a place close by for a spur of the moment relaxed dinner or a to-go run for a... more ›

Now that we’re in the true heat of the summer, there’s no better place to be than on a bar patio with a light summery beer. We suggest you check these lighter local beers out the next time you’re at one of these fine establishments: more ›

Our first experience with Independence Brewing Company came just a few short years ago when browsing the beer aisle at a nearby Austin grocer. Shuffling past the quick favorites (Lone Star) and growing tired of the old standbys (Shiner) we noticed the logo of a shaggy-haired kid jumping, cannonball-style, into a pool not unlike Barton Springs. With curious minds and ever-growing sobriety, we jumped in and discovered what has quickly become one of our... more ›

Our first experience with Independence Brewing Company came just a few short years ago when browsing the beer aisle at a nearby Austin grocer. Shuffling past the quick favorites (Lone Star) and growing tired of the old stand-by's (Shiner) we came upon the logo of a shaggy-haired kid jumping, cannonball-style, into a pool not unlike our own Barton Springs. With curious mind and ever-growing soberness, we delved further to discover what has quickly become... more ›

Attention, SXSWers: we'll cut through the fat — below the Expand-o-Tron lies a huge repository of restaurants that Austinist staffers love and endorse, all of which are near downtown. One of the greatest things about Austin is that you can find amazing food in any part of town. With that said, this list is not intended to be comprehensive. We limited the scope, geographically, from the river in the south, to about 38th St.... more ›

Another victim of the fires that ravaged KOOP's former residence was Sweatbox Studios, the "home to generations of punk and garage rock" and one of Austin's more historic recording spaces. Over at Emo's tonight they're hosting a benefit show with Poison 13, Knife in the Water, The Meat Purveyors, and Possessed by Paul James. (Friday, Emo's, 10pm) On Saturday, the Rhizome Collective hosts the first-ever Clay Hands, a new benefit series that hopes to "raise... more ›