Happy Monday! Welcome to this first Monday of November, the 5th, I hope you had a great weekend! Let’s get back into the swing of things and kick off a new week with the news in beer from around Oregon. As usual I’ll be updating this post throughout the day so check back often.

The Oregon Historical Society in Portland is hosting a cool event this evening: Hoptopia: The History and Science Behind Pacific Northwest Beer. “In celebration of the OHS exhibit, Barley, Barrels, Bottles, & Brews: 200 Years of Oregon Beer (opening October 26), a historian and scientist will present together on the history and present condition of the state’s hop and beer industries. First, Peter A. Kopp, author of Hoptopia: A World of Agriculture and Beer in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, will overview the global origins of the hop and beer industries that arrived in Oregon from European traditions in the nineteenth century. Second, Thomas Shellhamer, a world-renowned brewing scientist housed at Oregon State University, will dig deeper into the biology and chemistry of hops and their function in beer making.” This event takes place from 7 to 8:30pm.

Vertigo Brewing (Hillsboro) has a new beer release dropping today: “Starting today (11/5), you can come taste our collaboration beer with our neighbors at Big Bottom Distilling. Our Cascadian Dark Ale – Bob Barley is dark, dank and delicious. While the majority of this batch is aging in barrels, we kept a few kegs out to enjoy now. Taproom opens at 4:00. Hope to see you this afternoon.”

McMenamins Grand Lodge (Forest Grove) is hosting a Friends & Family Night fundraiser to benefit the Friends of Banks Public Library tonight starting at 5pm: “In addition to this emphasis on supporting local communities in which McMenamins has a presence, we focus contributions on three key areas: education, human support services and community development. 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!” This is a good cause, and 50% of the night’s proceeds from the Ironwork Grill at the Lodge will be donated—that’s beer, food, everything.

Portland’s Belmont Station is celebrating The Dark Side of beer this week—actually, from November 2 through 7— “As we “fall back” to standard time, we are going to The Dark Side with special drafts of imperial stouts starting on Nov. 2 and running through Nov. 7 — the Days of Darkness! Along with the release of Founders CBS we will also be tapping special kegs from Prairie, AleSmith, Great Notion, Fremont, and others.”

This weekend, on Friday and Saturday, November 9 and 10, the McKenzie Cider & Craft Beer Festival returns to Springfield, the seventh annual iteration of this event. “Springfield Rotary Club will present the 7th Annual McKenzie Cider & Craft Beer Festival on November 9th & 10th at the Bob Keefer Center located at 250 S. 32nd Street in Springfield. This craft brewing festival is Lane County’s premier fest for craft beer & cider. Join us for live music, great food, brewing classes, family events, and more than 150 craft brewer tastings. All proceeds go to local charity programs supporting youth in the community. Come help out a great cause and have a terrific time tasting the best the Northwest has to offer in craft beer & ciders!” (From the Facebook event page.) Tickets are available here and cost $15 for one day, $20 for both days.

McMenamins celebrates five years of its passport program today: “Happy 5 years to our Passport Program! Five years ago we set out to connect with customers and show them the pubs, small bars, nooks and crannies and aspects of McMenamins that they had never known about. Thank you to all of our Tripsters new and old who have travelled near and far to be a part of this wild ride! Today only, get a special 5 year stamp at any location, and all day happy hour to our Cosmic Tripsters!”

Ascendant Beer Company (formerly Pints, of Portland) announced that it signed with Maletis Beverage for distribution: “We’re over the moon to announce that we have joined the Maletis Beverage portfolio!! That means more small batch ales and lagers are coming your way and will be available in all of your favorite pubs. Help us celebrate with launch parties at Bridgetown Beerhouse, Belmont Station, and Loyal Legion!”

Cascade Brewing (Portland) is releasing a fan favorite beer this Friday: “Back in 2008, we released a beer that was only to be sold in our own brewpub, but since then has become one of the biggest “white whales” in Cascade Brewing history! Cuvée du Jongleur or “Blend of the Juggler,” has been sold/traded amongst beer collectors worldwide fetching upwards of $100 per bottle. This Friday, Nov. 9, the Jongleur returns in a 500ml bottle and on draft. Cuvée du Jongleur consists of select red, triple and quad sour ales aged in oak barrels for up to three years.”

Old Town Brewing (Portland) has a new beer out: “‘Mind Your Elders’, our newest release, is on tap now! This nuanced brew showcases a complex depth of flavors and aroma, while maintaining an elegant and refreshing spirit. Notes of sweet elderflower play brilliantly with its soft hay and lemony character. Mildly sweet and crisp, with a semi-dry finish. Available at both locations now!”