Happy Friday! Here’s the late Oregon beer news for the 5th of October and the weekend—late because I’ve been occupied with another (non-beer) event today that’s taken up a lot of my free time. I’ll get the news posted and update as I can, so check back from time to time to look for updates. And if you have news to share, please contact me and I can get that posted as well.

Lompoc Brewing (Portland): Today is the big release day for their Monster Mash Imperial Porter, from 4 to 10pm tonight at the Sidebar—featuring both this year’s Monster Mash and a 2010-vintage Bourbon Barrel Aged Monster Mash. They’re both 8.1% abv. In addition there will other featured beers on tap, and free appetizers. Should be a fun night, and who could pass up a bit of big beer appropriately Halloween-themed?

The Portland Fresh Hops Fest is taking place tomorrow at Oaks Amusement Park (in you guessed in, Portland!) with a special preview event tonight from 5:30 to 8:30. $20 for tonight (order on the main page) gets you the glass, tasters, and food; tomorrow the Fest lasts from noon to 8pm and is similarly priced. There are a lot of great-looking beers available, so you’ll definitely want to check this most seasonal of festivals out if you’re in the Portland area!

Deschutes Brewery (Bend) has their Fresh Hop Harvest Dinner tonight, featuring five courses of locally-harvested food paired with five fresh hops beers. Tickets are sold out, but this should be a great event so if you’re going, have fun!