Beer drinkers, get ready to hoist your mugs: the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl Octobeerfest, from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel Ballroom, will showcase 50 beers, local food, entertainment and a silent auction.

"Octobeerfest is a celebration that showcases our community pride," said Ernest Nishizaki, Hawai'i Bowl Foundation president and Sheraton Hotels executive, in a statement. "We all work hard to make Hawai'i a better place. With Octobeerfest at the Sheraton Waikiki, we're able to share good times while strengthening the bonds between neighbors, families and friends."

The event, sponsored by Heineken and Paradise Beverages, continues the tradition of supporting community endeavors by donating all the net proceeds to those who make life a bit better for folks. Past recipients include Big Brothers Big Sisters of Honolulu, Education-First Hawai'i, Hale Kipa, Hawai'i Children's Cancer Foundation, Hawai'i High School Athletic Association, HUGS, Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawai'i and Special Olympics Hawai'i. The Hawai'i Bowl Foundation and AM 1500 The Team are other sponsors.

The business community is assembling donations for the Octobeerfest silent auction, which such options as trips, hotel stays, sports memorabilia among the items up for bid.

The Sheraton Waikiki also is offering a special overnight-stay hotel rate for those attending the event. Call 921-4610 and ask for the OCTFEST rate.

Tickets: $55 in advance, $70 at the door, available at the University of Hawai'i, by phone at 548-2695 or online at www.etickethawaii.com.