Get out your calenders! It’s time for this week’s list of upcoming food, beer, and wine events to help you stay in the know.

Natural Selection goes Vegan for Veg Fest
What: Chef Aaron Woo unveiled a fully vegan, mostly gluten free menu this week to celebrate Veg Fest, coming to Portland this weekend. Dishes include the best of the late-summer bounty—think piquillo peppers filled with quinoa, currants, chickpeas, fennel, and onion "cream", creamy polenta with summer squash and crispy squash blossom, and much more, with some tasty vegan desserts to top it off.
When: This week, September 13th through 17th
Where: Natural Selection 3033 NE Alberta
How Much: Four course, fixed-price dinner is $35, wine pairings available for $21.

BridgePort Brewing’s Hop Harvest Party
What: Celebrate the release of BridgePort Brewing Company’s Hop Harvest beer, made from 625 pounds of hops that traveled from farm to tank in less than an hour. According to Brewmaster Jeff Edgerton, the hoppy beer has a "subtle garden-fresh and natural citrus taste that beer drinkers crave.” The release party is the place to be to get the first taste of the new brew.
When: Thursday, September 15 at 5:30 pm
Where: BridgePort BrewPub in the Pearl at 1313 NW Marshall St.
How Much: FREE! For more information, call 503-241-7179.

Lincoln’s Bar Camp Presents “Desert Island” cocktails
What: Here’s you chance to hone your shaking skills—David Welch, co-owner of Lincoln Restaurant, is hosting a one-of-a-kind Bar Camp to share his tips and pairings for great cocktails. This weekend’s session includes those essential classic drinks that everyone needs to have in their arsenal, and is topped off with a family-style meal prepared by executive chef and co-owner Jenn Louis.
When: Saturday, September 17th. Class is 4:30 to 5:30 pm, with dinner at 5:30.
Where: Lincoln Restaurant 3808 North Williams Ave
How Much: $125 per session, including dinner and all "sipplies". For reservations, call 503-288?6200

The Original Hot Dog Eating Contest
What: Try your hand at competitive noshing this Sunday at The Original, as they host a Hot Dog eating contest to benefit the Children’s Hospital Travel Fund. Diners will have ten minutes to eat as many dogs as possible, collecting sponsorships from friends and family for each bite. There will also be a special hot dog menu all day, including the Buffalo Dog with beer batter, wing sauce and blue cheese and the Breakfast Dog served on a french toast bun with bacon, sunny side egg and maple syrup.
When: Sunday, September 18, contest starts at 3 pm.
Where: The Original 300 SW 6th Ave
How: Interested in Participating? Email [email protected]

Know about a great event coming up that should be on our radar? Shoot me an email at [email protected] or give me a shout over on Twitter at @allisonejones. Now get out there and start eating!