CL never gets tired of beer. From canine-friendly gatherings to Halloween- and pumpkin-inspired events to what seem like endless keg tappings, here's our top picks for those looking to throw a couple back this weekend.
FRIDAY
7venth Sun Brewery's three-day, Halloween-themed tapping party, 7 Feet Under, kicked off its "Farmhouse Fright Night" at noon. The events will showcase more than 50 beers, and continue through the weekend with "Digital Climax" Saturday and "Oh the Horror" Sunday, highlighting session brews. Inside and out, the festivities begin at noon both days. Patrons should use Dunedin's downtown lots for parking. There will be no growler fills or samples of specialty beers. Noon on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Free, money for beer. 1012 Broadway, Dunedin, 727-733-3013.
Hot Schtuff, the latest brew from Three Palms Brewing, will debut with a bottle release party. At 7.8 percent alcohol, this stout's got hints of brown sugar, cinnamon and the infamous ghost pepper. 5 p.m. Free, money for beer. 1509 Hobbs St., Tampa, 888-813-4856.
SATURDAY
Celebrate Pair O' Dice Brewing's one-year anniversary while sipping more than 30 suds and chowing on mobile eats from food trucks like Ninja Noms and Ain't No Thang. Don't forget to get in on the release of the brewery's triple IPA called The Pit Boss, either. Live tunes and raffles will be featured. Noon-11 p.m. Free, money for beer and food. 4400 118th Ave. N. #208, Clearwater, 727-755-3423.
Score unlimited samples of four kegs from Davie's 3 Sons Brewing Co. at Brewers' Tasting Room. Each ticket purchase comes with a souvenir tasting glass and entrance into a drawing for one bottle of #35, a 3 Sons bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout. Brewers' Tasting Room put up a second round of tickets, so snag one before they're gone. 2-6 p.m. $20 in advance, $25 at doors if available. 11270 Fourth St. N. #202, St. Petersburg, 727-873-3900.
Humane Society pooches will benefit from this brew festival's proceeds. Hosted at the Lakeland Center, more than 90 beer brands will be showcased, and festgoers get a commemorative sampling glass and soft pretzel with their ticket purchase. A small food truck rally will be hosted on site alongside live music. Pets are welcome. 6-9 p.m. $42.50. 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland, 863-834-8115.
If you've never been, now's your chance to experience The Ale and the Witch's annual pumpkin beer bash. Imbibers can expect tappings of Tampa Bay Brewing Company's Gourds Gone Wild, Punkin by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery and Cigar City Brewing's Good Gourd. Upstairs, the Witches BBQ Den will serve up seasonal offerings on special. The Wholetones and Applebutter Express will provide sounds throughout the evening, too. Those who come with a Jack-o'-lantern, which will decorate the stage, will receive a $10 gift card to use during another visit. 2 p.m.-midnight. Free, money for beer. 111 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, 727-821-2533.
SUNDAY
Motorworks Brewing's Beer Brunch will bring $3 Bloody Marys and mimosas, $1 off drafts and TK Grill grub. After 1 p.m., football lovers can catch the games indoors or out. There are beer garden games, as well as free biscuits and water for your four-legged pals. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free, money for drinks and food. 1014 Ninth St. W., Bradenton, 941-567-6218.
This article appears in Oct 23-29, 2014.