Today is the start of American Craft Beer Week, hosted by the Brewers Association, celebrating U.S. independent and craft brewers, which runs through Sunday, May 20. Keep an eye out for any related specials or events this week around you; and in the meantime, here are the Oregon-specific events and news for this Monday, May 14. As usual I will be periodically updating this post throughout the day, so check back from time to time on this post for updates.

Select McMenamins locations are continuing their month-long fundraiser for the Oregon Humane Society, featuring Muttly Brew Pale Ale: “We’ve partnered with the Oregon Humane Society to celebrate their 150th year! Visit select locations in the Portland area and get a pint of Muttly Brew Pale Ale, made just for the OHS, pouring the entire month of May. We’ll donate $1 per pint and $2 per growler fill of this pup-inspired Pale Ale sold, giving you an easy way to support the oldest humane society in the Pacific Northwest! Look for Muttly Brew on tap at: 23rd Avenue Bottle Shop, Barley Mill Pub, Chapel Pub, Courtyard Restaurant at Kennedy School, Fulton Pub & Brewery, Hillsdale Brewery & Public House, Market Street Pub, Rams Head, Ringlers Pub, Sidewalk Bar at Ringlers Annex, St. Johns Pub, Tavern & Pool, White Eagle Saloon & Hotel and Zeus Café.” You can read more about the beer here.

Central Oregon Beer Week returns to Bend and Central Oregon this week, kicking off on Thursday, May 17 and running through May 27! I’ll be highlighting events each day during COBW, and to get started take a look at upcoming events already posted. Time to start celebrating Central Oregon beer!

In additional McMenamins news, the Edgefield Brewery has a new canned beer being released: Tropic Heat. “The Edgefield brewery is pleased to announce our newest canned product, Tropic Heat! Its a sour beer brewed with copious amounts of guava and coconut, with a mild heat from from habanero peppers. Available while supplies last. $4/Can $16/4Pack.”

Wild Rid Brewing (Redmond): This Saturday, May 19, Wild Ride is celebrating its 4th anniversary (as part of Beer Week)! There will be live music, a new patio, specialty beers I’m sure, and merriment all day long.

BridgePort Brewing (Portland): This Thursday, May 17, BridgePort is hosting a Pilot Party to showcase its new pilot brew system: “Join BridgePort Brewing to celebrate the lift-off of our new experimental pilot beer system. Enjoy $1 half pints and try out all of our brand new beers. We will have Belgian Blonde, German Hefeweizen, Portland Style Red, German Helles, Mexican Lager and West Coast IPA. And, don’t miss the chance to preview our upcoming Rosé IPA – their beer of the summer!” The event starts at 4:30pm.