We blame the industry for this… It used to be that when we wrapped up our Weekend Picks on Friday, we could coast through the weekend. There was little need to check in for updates – things were pretty much done. But clearly all that’s changed. So here’s some of what’s happened in the world of craft beer while you were enjoying your weekend.

Must See TV (Los Angeles, CA) – In an era dominated by premium cable, it’s rare that we would call your attention to anything showing on network TV – but we are now because American Craft Beer’s Los Angeles Correspondent, Dave Stratton, and his beautiful wife, Mandy, will be making a special appearance today (4/22) on CBS’s Lets Make A Deal. If you’ve ever read Dave’s craft beer coverage, you know that though he’s fun, he can go Gonzo at a moment’s notice, so our lawyers are on stand-by. You won’t be able to miss the two of them – they’re appearing dressed in prom king and queen garb!

Upslope Upgrades (Boulder, CO) – Upslope Brewing Company has announced that they’re having a grand opening for their second brewery and taproom this Wednesday, April 24. The 17,000 square foot brewery will allow Upslope to produce 70% more beer initially, with room for future expansion. It will also house a 2,300 square foot taproom.Upslope first opened its doors in 2008. Over the past four and a half years, the company has expanded six times in their current location.

Lots of Laughs and Too Many Drafts (Annapolis, MD) – A craft beer and comedy lover’s dream is returning next weekend! The 2^nd Annual Drafts and Laughs will be taking place next Saturday, April 27, at the Annapolis Maryland Armory. This year’s event will be offering both afternoon and evening sessions. Both will feature some of the mid-Atlantic’s finest craft brewers, including Heavy Seas, Yards, Flying Dog, and Port City, along with the area’s funniest comedians.

Stillwater To Grow Fourfold (Stratford, CT) – It appears our friend and gypsy brewing whiz kid, Brian Strumke, has some big plans brewing that he shared with Under My Host. With a new production agreement in place at the new Two Roads Brewing facility in Connecticut, Stillwater Artisanal Ales is set to produce more beer than it ever has before. Two Roads, which has its own brand but largely produces beers for other breweries, can brew beer in 100-barrel batches. According to Strumke, the arrangement will lead to a lowering in prices across the board and will result in the addition of Stillwater Premium in cans by the start of summer.

Firestone Walker To Roll Out More Barrels (Buellton, CA) – Firestone Walker’s new barrel room, which currently has 400 barrels, has room to grow to 700 barrels, according to The Santa Barbara Independent. In addition to beers aging longer in new oak barrels that can be sampled on the weekends, the barrel room now features ales that are being aged in former spirit barrels (mostly bourbon but also others). The Barrelworks tasting room is also currently being enhanced with stained-glass windows to create a “cathedral effect.”