Happy hump day! Here’s the Oregon beer news for this penultimate day of January. As usual I will be updating this post throughout the date with the latest news, so check back occasionally for updates.

The Salem Winter Brewfest begins today, kicking off four days of beer and cider across the street from the State Capitol Building. The first three days (through Friday), the Fest begins at 4pm, and on Saturday it runs all day starting at 11am. This first day features free entry and the highlight is the VIP Lagunitas Brewing & 2 Towns Ciderhouse Tap Takeover Party (which is open to the public). Tickets for the upcoming days can be purchased online.

The Bend Brewfest announced its official 2019 dates this morning: August 15-17. Make your plans now, it’s going to be busy in Bend that month! Also note that the brewery application process for the Brewfest opens up this Friday, the 1st, and runs through the 22nd.

McMenamins Chapel Pub (Portland) is hosting a Friends & Family Night benefit for the Roosevelt High School Swim Team tonight, starting at 5pm and lasting until closing. 50% of the night’s proceeds (food and drink) will be donated to the swim team, so this is a great opportunity to go out to dinner (or even just a few beers) to help out the community.

Bend’s Worthy Brewing is turning 6 this year, and next Tuesday the brewery is celebrating its 6th birthday with a special charity pint night: “Join us Tuesday, February 5, 7-9PM for an extra special charity pint night! Worthy is turning six and to celebrate we’re partnering with The Family Resource Center to host six other breweries and cideries in a dessert pairing event, all to raise money for one of our treasured community charities. Taste delicious sweet bites from Ida’s Cupcake Café, Nancy P’s Bakery and Café, and Oregon Craft Chocolatiers as these treats are paired with our neighbors including Dry Fields Cider, Deschutes Brewery, and Sunriver Brewing. Worthy is showcasing one of its Heart & Soul beers, Betty White, paired with a tasty surprise from Chef Kyle.” Tickets can be purchased in advance here.

Ruse Brewing (Portland) has a new can release out on Friday: “Mirrored Minds, our extravagantly dry hopped DIPA with @structuresbrewing is dropping Friday at 3pm. As a special bonus our new northern pals will be making the trek down and bringing along 1 or 2 special kegs for us all to enjoy.”

Deschutes Brewery (Bend): The Bend Public House has just tapped Big Rig Bitter, and easy-drinking pub classic.

Ground Breaker Brewing (Portland) has the return of its gluten-free porter: “Paddy Porter is back on tap in the Gastropub. Enjoy $1 off a pint or glass, all day today. It’s Happy Hour at Ground Breaker.”