An extended version of CL's usual roundup, because, well, this weekend has a ridiculously good lineup of food and drink festivals in store for the region.
• During the 34th annual St. George Greek Festival (it's family-friendly), taste food, dance to music and enjoy the carnival at St. George Greek Orthodox Church from Friday to Sunday. There's a midway with rides, and — although we'd prefer the Greek food ourselves — fair food is on hand as well (I wonder, how do you make moussaka fair food? Deep fry it? Smother it in cheese? Nah, it's perfect all on its own). The non-fair-style food includes dolmades, baklava and gyros, and of course you can get Greek coffee and Greek beer. As for the non-food fun, there's a vendor village, pony rides and lectures and demos from world-renowned iconographer Elias Damianakis. Free, money for food and drinks. 9426 Little Road, New Port Richey. —Cathy Salustri
• Sometimes it's nice to not have beef. If you're feeling the meat-free vibe, you could do worse than check out Tampa Bay Veg Fest, celebrating its ninth year on Saturday. This one, hosted between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., is shaping up to be the biggest ever, with a new location — the beautiful Perry Harvey, Sr. Park — and more than 100 vendors. Want more? Jeez, you're wanty. But there is more, including speakers, cooking demos, live music, a kids' zone and the debut of the fest's vegan mac 'n' cheese cook-off. 1000 E. Harrison St., Tampa. —Scott Harrell
• The National Aviation Academy's Food Truck Festival & Open House, taking place Saturday, features family-minded fun, including eats, music and raffles from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Frankie's BBQ, Doughbie Brothers Pizza Company and Grateful Dogs are among the participating restaurants-on-wheels, and a special helicopter landing rounds out the highlights. Proceeds benefit Operation: Military Matters. Free, money for food. 6225 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater.
• That sound? Your belt buckle crying and inner child screaming with joy. Shop Local For Good's annual Macaroni & Cheese Fall Festival returns to New Hope Church for an afternoon of stuffing your face with lacto-loaded carbs — all complemented by Noah's Ark On Wheels's petting zoo, pony ride station and other activities from noon to 5 p.m. Best part is that you're supporting local nonprofits that help some of the neediest families in the area. Get tickets online. $10-$16. 455 Riviere Road, Palm Harbor. —Ray Roa
• The seventh annual Clearwater Beach Uncorked runs from Saturday to Sunday, kicking off next to the Wyndham Grand at 1 p.m. each day (noon if you're VIP). This food and wine festival showcases the talents of celebrated local chefs, restaurants and breweries, as well as a bunch of vino, directly on the sand. Attendees score a limited-edition wine glass and custom tote bag, alongside the unlimited tasting. A portion of the proceeds benefit the St. Petersburg College Foundation. Tickets are up for grabs online. $75 general admission, $100 VIP. 100 Coronado Drive, Clearwater.
• Largo Taste Fest is a tropical food celebration outdoors, offering one free drink and a spread of samples from local restaurants' menus. Live music and area-made artwork — plus a silent auction to benefit a scholarship fund for kids — are also planned at Highland Family Aquatic Center from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Guests crown the best artwork and their favorite restaurant as winners at the end of the night. Register in person at the Highland Recreation Complex, Southwest Recreation Complex or Largo Community Center, or go online. $25 in advance, $30 at doors. 400 Highland Ave., Largo.
This article appears in Nov 1-8, 2018.