A well-rounded list of Tampa Bay food and drink events taking place throughout the weekend. And don’t worry — we didn’t skimp on the seasonal affairs, or beer-drinking opportunities.
• Typically not a fan of pumpkin brews? Soggy Bottom Brewing Co. might change your mind. The brewery bills its Pumpkin Slaughter Ale Release, available starting at noon Friday, as “a delicious slice of real pumpkin pie, without being too sweet.” Free, money for beer. 662 Main St., Dunedin. 727-601-1698.
• On Saturday, bring your ap-pie-tite to the Pinellas County Pie Festival. Back for another year, the indulgent smorgasbord that celebrates a beloved dessert spotlights local bakers selling pies by the slice and round (not to mention cakes and cookies) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., alongside food competitions — namely a city-wide bake-off for prizes and pie-eating contests. An arts and crafts section, free entertainment and a $7 all-they-can-play kids’ zone round out the highlights at Largo Central Park. Free, money for goodies. 101 Central Park Drive, Largo.
• Mastry’s Brewing Co. Turns 2 also goes down Saturday. The brewery has a full draft selection, food truck and ticketed silent disco planned for its anniversary celebration between noon and midnight. But locals who can’t wait to get their merriment on should stop in Friday for an early special release tapping of barrel-aged beers. Free, money for beer and food. 7701 Blind Pass Road, St. Pete Beach. 727-202-8045.
• Just in time for Halloween, Florida Gardening Magazine columnist Kenny Coogan teaches green thumbs a thing or two about Caring for Carnivorous Plants at 1 p.m. Saturday. These deadly flora need love, too, ya know. Coogan’s talk touches on Venus flytraps, sundews and pitcher plants. To attend, a ticket to the USF Botanical Gardens’ Fall Plant Festival, where carnivorous plants are available for purchase, is required. $5. 12210 USF Pine Drive, Tampa.
• Traditional eats, live polka music and tons of German beer await during the 44th Annual Dunderfest. On Sunday, head to Mr. Dunderback’s and take home prizes while enjoying the smorgasbord of beverages and bites from 3 to 6 p.m. Guests can even enter to win a $200 stein. Dunderfest continues every weekend in October, Thursday through Sunday. Free, money for beer and food. 14929 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa. 813-977-4104.
This article appears in Oct 11-18, 2018.
