Dear beer lovers, more than 20 micro-breweries throughout Japan are scheduled to gather in Hiroshima this weekend. You're welcome.

Seriously though, the Microbrewery Beer Festa in Hiroshima may be an opportunity to discover a new craft favorite produced here in Japan.

Brewers will offer beer themselves, and some of their drinks will only be available at this particular event. Another good thing about an event such as this is getting the chance to have a conversation with the brewers to learn more about how their wares were produced.

For those planning to try out as many brews as they can, drink tickets will be available for between ¥2,300-¥3,800.

Besides beer, there will be food booths and a market that serves meals ranging from pasta to desserts to okonomiyaki — a cabbage-based savory pancake that's a Hiroshima specialty.

The beer festival is billed as a family event with live performances by local artists.

Marking its seventh anniversary this year, Microbrewery Beer Festa is the biggest beer festival in the Chugoku region.

The Microbrewery Beer Festa in Hiroshima takes place April 19 and 20 at First Hiroshima Municipal Stadium. Entrance is free, but drink tickets are required. For more information, call 082-248-2657 or visit www.golden-garden.tv/beerfesta.