Columbia’s River Rat blows out an extra candle on its birthday cake this weekend as the Shop Road brewery celebrates its second anniversary with an “Everyone’s a VIP”-style party.

The past year has been a big one for the Capital City’s second production brewery. They’ve expanded their food offerings thanks to the Stone Law, released a slew of popular new beers and have begun plotting a sizable expansion of their brewing operation. And Saturday, March 12 marks the kickoff of what should be another year of growth.

Formerly a ticketed event, River Rat’s second anniversary party is now free to attend. More than 30 beers (including limited releases and barrel-aged offerings) will be on tap throughout the property. Tom Hall & the Plow Boys and The Mustache Brothers will be performing and complimentary food – including a pig pickin’ – will be available.

The event runs from noon to 10 PM at the brewery, 1231 Shop Road in Columbia. More information here.