Today, the second Monday of October, is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, celebrating the Indigenous people of the Americas in lieu of Columbus Day. Nothing beer related, but an important day to observe. In the meantime, here is the Oregon beer news for this October 8; as usual, I’ll be occasionally updating this post throughout the day with the latest news, so check back in from time to time.

McMenamins Thompson Brewery (Salem) is hosting a Friends and Family Night fundraiser tonight, benefiting Sprague High School Music starting at 5pm. These are big nights for fundraising: “So on Friends and Family Nights, bring everyone you know out for burgers, beers, wine, cocktails, salads, sandwiches, tater tots, the day’s specials and more – because at the end of the night, 50% of the evening’s total sales are donated to the beneficiary! The more you order, the more is earned for a good cause!” Definitely worth stopping in tonight for dinner and drinks to help out!

This Saturday, October 13, the Umpqua Brew Fest returns to the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Roseburg. This event raises “funds for Umpqua Watersheds, a non-profit conservation organization located in Roseburg, Oregon and dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Umpqua Watershed and beyond through education, training, and advocacy.” $10 admission gets you the glass and four tasting tickets, with more available for $1 apiece; one tickets gets a half pour and two tickets gets a full pour. The festival starts at 1pm.

2 Towns Ciderhouse (Corvallis) is holding its 8th annual Harvest Party on Saturday, featuring over 20 craft ciders and “including party exclusives, a pumpkin cider bar, delicious food vendors, rockin’ bands all day long, and other fun activities.” It starts at noon and admissions is $10 which gets you drink tickets and re-usable stainless steel mug; proceeds will benefit Trillium Family Services.

Block 15 Brewery (Corvallis) announced the details of its late fall bottle release, featuring five beers: Figgy Pudding 2018, Imagine 2018 (Belgian-style imperial stout matured in bourbon barrels), Imagine Belgian Chocolate 2018 (same, with Belgian chocolate added), Framboise Black 2018, and The DAB Lab, MO$AIC. The release is Saturday, November 3, at both Corvallis locations, and the downtown pub will additionally feature brunch for which you can enter a lottery to attend, so mark your calendars and enter the lottery if you want a chance at beer brunch.

Royale Brewing (Portland) has a new IPA on tap to check out. “Have you tried our newest IPA, Party Battery? It’s available at the taproom, 5-10pm Monday. The aroma includes tropical fruit, orange, and hints of mango coming from the use of Zythos, Mandarina Bavaria, and El Dorado hops. Smooth and very round mouthfeel. Finishes with hints of stone fruit and candied mandarin oranges. 6.6% ABV 36 IBU. If we don’t see you today, we’re back open Thursday from 3-10pm!”