Sample your way through downtown St. Pete's Beer Project and pop into Chakana SoHo or deBine Brewing Co.'s grand opening festivities, then map out your other weekend destinations.
At 6:30 p.m. Friday, mix murder and masks with gourmet eats at Ruth's Chris Steak House in downtown St Pete. The restaurant will host the Murder at the Masquerade event, where guests will dine and drink while trying to figure out who's committed murder (oh, the horror!). Those attending are encouraged to wear formal attire, and masks will be provided by Ruth's Chris. $98. 131 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-821-4139.
At last. The Lakeland Center's Florida Festival of Flavor & Fire has arrived for spicy food fans from the Bay area and beyond. This two-day, worth-the-drive expo was meant for folks who put hot sauce on everything. Multiple cooking demos will be showcased throughout the weekend, highlighting large and small hot sauce-makers. Plus, product lines plan to offer samples and items available for purchase. Doors open at 10 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday. $12, free for kids ages 12 and under. 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland, 863-834-8100.
Unwind at the historic Centro Asturiano de Tampa's Spanish Wine Tasting in Ybor City. From 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, a selection of Spanish wines will be paired with tapas. Reservations are accepted and may be made by phone. $25. 1913 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-229-2214.
The IPA Festival from Dunedin Brewery is set to return between 7 and 11 p.m. Saturday. Now in its eigth year, the fest will offer 30-plus national and local IPAs on draft, as well as Montreal-spiced beef tips with mango salsa (don't worry vegetarians, there's a veggie options for you, too). Entry includes dinner, the beer tasting and a commemorative glass, and tickets are available online. The Lee Boys featuring Roosevelt Collier will provide the soundtrack for evening. $50. 937 Douglas Ave., Dunedin, 727-735-0606.
In downtown St. Pete, finish off the weekend at Bloom Art Center's Garden Tea Party. Attendees may sip teas from Station House's TeBella or a bubbly mimosa, starting at 11 a.m. Sunday. Pastries from swah-rey and gourmet pops by Treat Yo' Self Popsicles will also be on hand. Admission is cash only. $3, money for food and drink; free for kids 5 and under. 910 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-300-1710.
This article appears in Jun 9-16, 2016.