We cleared your schedule on Sunday, because Mom, but here’s a rundown on the best ways to hang with food and drink throughout most of the weekend. Expecto hangover after at least one of these suggestions.
• The Florida Aquarium has joined forces with Coppertail Brewing Co. to release the first of three planned collaboration beers, Coral Haze — a limited-edition pale ale brewed with Calypso hops and hops grown on-site at the aquarium. On Friday, the Launch Party celebrates the beer’s debut from 3:30 to 7 p.m. with remarks from Florida Aquarium President Roger Germann — who’s set to pour Coral Haze in the taproom for the first time — and surprise animal visits. Customized beer glasses are available for purchase, alongside drafts of the beer while supplies last. Coppertail also plans to donate $1 from every pint sold to the aquarium’s conservation efforts. Free, money for beer. 2601 E. Second Ave., Tampa, 813-247-1500.
• Also on Friday, indulge in the glorious offerings of the Ramen & Waffles food truck between 5 and 10 p.m. while downing some guest taps at downtown St. Pete’s newest brewery, Overflow Brewing Company, which opened last month. 770 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-914-0665.
• U-pick peaches — available till 4 p.m. — are an obvious highlight of Keel & Curley Winery’s 4th Annual Peach Festival, scheduled for 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. But other festivities planned for the family-friendly celebration of the fuzzy fruit include specials on peach wine, peach cider from Two Henrys Brewing Company, food and craft vendors, live music, and activities for kids. The fest is free and open to the public, but parking costs $5. Free, money for goodies. 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City, 813-752-9100.
• Ready to get serious about that homebrewing hobby of yours? Head to Grindhaus Brew Lab Tap Room and Homebrew Supply on Saturday for a lesson in Advanced Brewing and ween yourself off of those homebrew kits and clone recipes. Hosted from 1 to 2 p.m., this latest class focuses on recipe development, covering topics like base malt and hop selection, specialty grains, additives and yeast. Ticket purchases, which can be made online, include a 32-ounce beer flight. Space is limited. $15 for single, $20 for couple. 1650 N. Hercules Ave. #1, Clearwater, 727-240-0804.
• On Saturday, wands and pints collide during the Expecto Bar Crawl, which, oddly enough, goes down in Tampa’s SoHo district. Nevertheless, booze-loving wizards and witches drink their way around four neighborhood watering hotels without a cover fee — MacDinton’s, The Lodge, Yard of Ale and Soho Saloon — downing themed drink deals in their finest hats and robes along the way from 6 to 9 p.m. Yeah, what could possibly go wrong? Tickets, available online, include a souvenir beer stein and a wizard sorting lanyard (because what kind of Harry Potter-inspired pub hop would this be without one?). Check in at MacDinton’s, where wands and other surprise gifts await, begins at 3 p.m. A portion of the proceeds benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. $25. 405 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-251-8999.
This article appears in May 10-17, 2018.
