Happy Cinco de Mayo! Check out the 20-plus places you can spend your Friday in honor of the holiday (seriously, you're pretty much late at this point). But don't neglect the rest of your weekend. There's still plenty to do.
Part of the annual Tampa Riverfest, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park's inaugural Hot Dog Festival showcases a friendly frank-tasting competition between local restaurants and caterers; a Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest qualifier (winners move on to the big-deal contest in Coney Island); a wiener dog derby; and a live concert in the park. The event is free from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. But sampling tickets, available online in advance, are needed for the local hot dog tasting. $12-$23. 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa.
We know, we know. May 4 has passed, but that doesn't mean you can't celebrate the Last Jedi's December arrival, right? Don your favorite Star Wars or sci-fi gear and get to the Castle's annual Star Wars Night, which kicks off at 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Those who come dressed have a chance to win the costume contest, and guests can also participate in a "Wookie-howling" battle. EBM, synthpop, electro and more are planned throughout the night, as well as the intergalactic drink blue milk and BB-8 shot specials. $10 for 21 & up, $12 for 18-20. 2004 N. 16th St., Tampa, 813-247-7547.
At downtown St. Pete's Sundial, Sea Salt is off to the races. Patrons score specials on two Kentucky favorites from the bar between 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday. Order a $12.95 turkey hot brown, then wash it down with a $9.95 Woodford Reserve mint julep (or a couple) and root for the Kentucky Derby competitors starting at 6:45 p.m. Free, money for drinks. 183 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-873-7964.
Pony up! Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails also has mint juleps in store from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday during its Inaugural Kentucky Derby Formal. Watch the race at this EDGE District hangout while enjoying freshly shucked oysters from Empire Oyster, Made Coffee cold-brew cocktails, and deals on juleps. BCA BBQ has Kentucky fried chicken and other Southern goodies available, too. Free, money for food and drinks. 1111 Central Ave, St. Petersburg. 727-342-0156.
Fill up on barbecue and birthday merriment with Ox & Fields. The Seminole Heights restaurant's 1st anniversary features a $20 all-you-can-eat buffet of 'cue and a special guest bartender mixing up cocktails between 4 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Expect games, prizes and a 50/50 raffle, with proceeds benefiting the Sustainable Living Project. Free, money for food and drinks. 7701 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-443-6125.
This article appears in May 4-11, 2017.