This weekend marks the 15th anniversary of that hops-heavy, barley-bedecked event for suds lovers everywhere -- the Great Alaskan Beer & Barley Wine Festival.

For those of us who have toed-the-line and stood Northface-to-Northface at previous events, the modus operandi is much the same this year. Entertainment is abundant and includes local tunes from bands such as Silver Train, Good Life, The Snapping Turtle Swing Band, Rolling Boil Blues Band, the Defrosters and the Road Rangers.

As previous fest-goers know, the Egan Center provides a choice of food while you're imbibing -- this year, food will be located down the escalator by the restrooms as well as the coat check. Upstairs you can still find a pretzel or hot dog if you're in the mood.

Aurora Productions Event Coordinator Annie Chaves said this year marks the very first time all breweries from the Brewer's Guild of Alaska (14 total) will be represented.

First-timers Denali Brewing Co. from Talkeetna and Skagway Brewing Co. will be hitting the highways to attend their first ever tasting. Keep an eye out for the Klondike Gold (a refreshing American wheat) or Oosik Stout (a full-bodied oatmeal stout with a clever name) from Skagway. From Denali, be sure to test the Big Mama (an interesting take on the black-and-tan) and Single Engine Red.

About six new breweries from the Lower 48 that weren't in attendance in 2009 will also be making an appearance this year. In all, the festival will feature around 80 breweries from Alaska, the U.S., Canada and Europe.

The price of admission ($30-$40) includes 30 sample tickets (2 ounces) a small commemorative pilsner glass and an event program. A connoisseur session on Saturday provides a more relaxed, convivial and information experience for brew-o-philes. The special session benefits the Brewer's Guild of Alaska, and beers poured at this session aren't always served at the other two. Breweries often hold back the private stock for the connoisseur session and have more time to discuss their technique with tasters. This is where you want to be if you want to learn about beer, as the admission number is reduced to around 1,800 instead of the 2,100 evening sessions.

It's worth going on Saturday to see the winners of the barley wine competition, which pits more than 50 brewers against each other in a certified battle of the brew.

Pete Devaris, a nationally certified judge, instructor and exam grader with the Beer Judges Certification Program said it's no home brew taste-test.

"It's got some real recognition," Devaris said. "We consistently pick the top barley wines that go on to win medals."

Devaris knows his brews -- he's been to almost every Alaska event as well as more than 300 national and international competitions.

The contest is a double-blind tasting and each barley wine is judged twice to get to the final for "Best in Show," as well as first, second, and third place rankings. Winners get trophies, serious marketing clout and bragging rights for an entire year.

Whatever your preference -- beer, barley wine or something in between -- be safe and have fun this weekend.

15th Annual Great Alaskan Beer & Barley Wine Festival

Today: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. with a special connoisseurs session 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: $30 for each evening session, $40 for the connoisseurs session

Tickets: Available at Ticketmaster.com, the Sullivan Arena box office and local Fred Meyer locations. Online: auroraproductions.net