At Bates Technical College you can learn a lot of things. Welding. Commercial truck driving. Sheet metal technology. Early childhood education. Even how to be a barber. And on Thursday, Bates will diversify the educational opportunities it offers even more, hosting a "Hoptoberfest" event - designed to educate the masses on the pairing possibilities of beer. According to hype, "Bates' culinary arts students will prepare and serve guests a five-course gourmet meal. Each dish will be partnered with flavorful brews from New Belgium Brewing, home of perennial favorite Fat Tire Amber Ale." The tickets run $40 - which goes to Bates scholarships for students in need.

[Bates Technical College, 6 p.m., $40, 1101 S. Yakima Ave., Tacoma, 253.680.7000]