Five weekend food and drink happenings — a celebration of Japanese culture and winter beer festival among them — to satisfy any palate.
The Palm Harbor Citrus Festival, now in its eighth year, will bring hometown fun to the city's historic downtown during its remaining run from Friday to Sunday. Though the fest kicked off Thursday, food and drink, carnival rides, live music and more will all help celebrate Palm Harbor's heritage. Check the event's website for times. Free, money for goodies. Florida and Georgia avenues, Palm Harbor, 727-784-4287.
At 7 p.m. Friday, a themed tasting of Spanish cheeses, traditional and one-of-a-kind, will feature paired condiments and select wines at Cheese Please in South Tampa. Since prepaid reservations are required, pay online or call the shop. $30. 3225 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, 813-766-0060.
Snag a taste of Japan at Generation Food Court's Seminole Heights Japan Festival from noon to 11 p.m. Saturday. Local food trucks, including favorites like Mmm BAP and Flip'n Tasty, will put their own takes on Japanese cuisine. Martial arts demos, cultural booths, and a cosplay contest for prizes from Ichicoro Ramen and more will also be highlighted. Free, money for food and drinks. 5210 N. Florida Ave., Tampa.
Held at Sea Dog Brewing Co. between 3 and 9 p.m. Saturday, the Winter Beer Fest will offer 15-plus beers on tap and $3 drafts until 7 p.m. Relax with a winter brew flight or old-school games, order grub from the grill and don't forget Fido. The dog-friendly Clearwater event will benefit the Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida. Free, money for beer and food. 26200 U.S. Highway 19 N., Clearwater, 727-466-4916.
Learn how to make tapas with a healthy spin from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday at Tampa's Sweetwater Organic Community Farm. Using seasonal ingredients, certified health coach Julie Miller will discuss how to create tapas like apple and onion crostini, chickpea hummus and ratatouille. RSVP for the cooking demo online. Free. 6942 W. Comanche Ave., Tampa, 813-887-4066.
This article appears in Jan 21-27, 2016.