Happy Monday once again! We’re in the other half of September and autumn is a scant few days away. Here’s the news in Oregon beer for this Monday, September 17, which I will be updating occasionally throughout the day. Check back in from time to time, and if you have news to share, please contact me to let me know.

Ecliptic Brewing (Portland) has a fresh hop release today, for Altair Fresh Hop Pale Ale: “Be the first the try Altair Fresh Hop Pale Ale on draft in the pub! This beer was brewed to celebrate the annual hop harvest! Altair is a bright star in the constellation Aquila the Eagle. Fresh Centennial & Amarillo hops were used in this year’s Altair. This light pale ale has fresh aromas of grapefruit and orange with a floral hop balance.”

This weekend is the start of Oktoberfest! The kegs are tapped in Munich on Saturday the 22nd, and Oktoberfest is on until October 7. Naturally around Oregon there a number of Oktoberfest celebrations taking place this weekend, including:

• Bend Oktoberfest
• Occidental Oktoberfest
• Stammtisch Oktoberfest
• Brookings Oktoberfest

And more! Get ready to raise your steins this weekend!

McMenamins Murray & Allen (Beaverton) is hosting its Friends & Family Night benefit this evening, raising money Imagine Possibilities Center: “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!”

This Saturday the largest fresh hops festival in Oregon returns: the 15th Annual Hood River Hops Fest! Presented by Jacobs and awarded silver medal for best beer festival from the Willamette Week, Oregon Beer Awards, the Hood River Hops Fest is an annual celebration of beer’s bitter friend, freshly harvested hops. Hood River County is surrounded by world-renowned hop growing regions, and since 2003 brewers have gathered each September in downtown Hood River to share their fresh-hop beer creations. The family-friendly event features more than 50 breweries with more than 60 fresh-hop beers, plus a variety of food vendors, live music, and an awesome collectable mug.”

Worthy Brewing (Bend) has free beer! Okay, free samples to solicit feedback, but still! “Hey Imperial Fans! Starting today and running through Friday (9/21) at Worthy Brewing we’re providing free beer for your feedback! If you’re interested, you may receive one free flight with three samples of our newest Imperial brews in exchange for your feedback. We will also comp you a free pint of your favorite imperial beer from the flight which will be good through 9/23. Time to schedule in your blind tasting here @worthybrewing!”