A solid glimpse into what regionites seeking beverages and bites can get into throughout the weekend. Aside from Gasparilla Music Festival and Pass the Plate, which are also worth checking out, there's plenty more where these recommendations came from.
On Friday, head to the European-inspired Hall on Franklin for Happy Hour Gets Happier. Specials typically reserved for the end of the workday — $6 cocktails and wine, $5 cocktails mixed with Tito's Handmade Vodka, and $1-off drafts — are now extended from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free, money for drinks. 1701 N. Franklin St., Tampa, 813-405-4008.
Snag a taste of the race, downtown St. Pete's annual Grand Prix, that is, during the Grand "Prix Fix" dinner. Held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday (plus Saturday and Sunday), this three-course feast with an optional wine pairing goes down at Sea Salt. Call to reserve a seat. $35, $45 with wine pairings. 183 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-873-7904.
On Saturday, the Epicurean Hotel's latest workout series, Pilates & Prosecco, brings a lesson in core strengthening to the Grand Cru Ballroom — followed by a much-deserved glass of prosecco. Participants should arrive early to check in with their IDs, mats, waters and towels. Led by the neighboring Club Pilates, the class runs from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Find tickets online. $10 for members, $20 for non-members. 1207 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-999-8700.
In honor of Tampa Bay Beer Week, a Cajun feast invades the 81Bay Brewing Co. taproom for Boil and Brews from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday. Robert's Meats Featuring Smokin with Sweet P is set to provide the shrimp boil (think potatoes, corn, smoked sausage and, of course, shrimp) that complements the South Tampa brewery's new suds, including the Yeastbound & Brown Ale and Electric Particles IPA. $13.99 for a bowl. 4465 W. Gandy Blvd. #600, Tampa, 813-837-2739.
Craft Kafé hosts another open-to-the-public Latte Art Throwdown on Saturday. Alongside the specialty coffee, free food and booze are in store throughout the friendly competition between 7 and 11:30 p.m. If you're itching to duke it out with your fellow local baristas, check out the full list of rules. Free to attend, $12 to pour. 6653 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-914-7443.
Prepare to drool. Zephyrhills Brewing Company spotlights an a la carte spread of bacon, egg and cheese pitas, syrupless French toast with fresh strawberries, blackened shrimp and grits, feta fries topped with gyro or chicken shawarma, and other dreamy brunch eats during Sunday's Brewery Brunch. TBBW guests can also look forward to mimosas, Champagne and beermosas, as well as offerings from The Hemp & Coffee Exchange, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free, money for food and drinks. 38530 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills, 813-715-2683.
