After you’re done scoping out the new Beef Jerky Outlet in Clearwater Beach, indulging at Sea Salt’s Oysters and Champagne event and National Pimento Cheese Day at The Fresh Market, or exploring Tampa’s annual Festa Italiana Weekend , make time for these additional weekend food and drink happenings.
The Hawaiian-inspired Honu restaurant plans to officially say “aloha” to downtown Dunedin throughout its grand opening celebration, which started at 11 a.m. Friday and continues through Saturday. Guests will enjoy food, beer and wine specials, as well as live music and giveaways. The Honu will also test its patrons’ knowledge with Hawaiian trivia. Free, money for food and drink. 516 Grant St., Dunedin, 727-333-7777.
Get to the popular locals hangout that is The Sail Pavilion for its monthly Brews & Bites tradition. The 360-degree waterfront bar will feature a fleet of food trucks and craft beer from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday. Free, money for food and drinks. 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa, 813-373-1193.
In Pinellas Park, the 10th Annual Pinellas Pepper Fest — hosted from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday — will bring a lineup of barbecue and hot sauces, rubs, marinades, pickled products, pepper plants and way more to England Brothers Bandshell Park . While a pepper-eating contest and the “Spicy Lolly Lick-A-Thon” are among the spicy food show’s food competitions, live music and a car show will also be showcased. $3 for adults, free for kids 12 and under. 5010 81st Ave. N., Pinellas Park, 727-423-8433.
Also at 11 a.m. Saturday, pick your own berries and tomatoes at the grand opening for Florida Urban Organics ‘ blueberry U-pick. The community event will feature more than 30 local vendors selling goods like handmade soaps and fresh produce. Plus, Taco Bus will dish out its Mexican eats, and there will be children activities that include upcycled sack races. During the event, money will be raised for the His Call International organization. 11010 Riverview Drive, Riverview, 813-279-8849.
Learn and eat at the
Soul Fusion Vegan Cooking Class with Ray’s Vegan Soul. From 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at downtown St. Pete’s Fusion 1560 apartments, guests will get a how-to on raw pizza, a probiotic smoothie and more. Afterward, the tastes can be recreated at home with assistance from a free recipe E-book. Tickets are available
online .
$30. 1560 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-415-9030.
This article appears in Apr 7-13, 2016.