Need something to do this weekend? Consult this guide to six food and drink happenings that're worth checking out.
On Friday, help the Gulfport Community Garden grow during the 3rd Annual Dance for Plants Fundraiser from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. Dance lessons, live music, a cash bar and a silent auction with items from local artisans are among the highlights, as are plant giveaways and expert gardening advice. Guests who come dressed in plant-themed costumes receive $2 off admission; advanced tickets can be purchased in person from the Gulfport Casino, Mangia Gourmet and Beach Bazaar. $10 in advance, $12 at doors. 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport, 727-893-1070.
The Dog Bar, a pooch-centric watering hole, celebrates its 2nd Birthday Pawty with $2 drink specials (that continue all weekend long, ahem) and tunes from DJ Shannon C. The festivities kick off at noon Saturday. Free, money for drinks. 2300 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-317-4968.
Mermaid Tavern breaks in its new deck with a Grand Opening. The Saturday party is set to feature the jams of Dean Johanesen and Jack Sprouse, alongside the eclectic bites and beverages regionites have come to expect between noon and 5 p.m. No cover. Free, money for food and drinks. 6719 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-238-5618.
"Wine's World, party time, excellent!" That's what you'll be reciting during the biggest fundraiser of the year for Tampa Theatre. Yep, WineFest (postponed in September due to Hurricane Irma) is themed around the popular-SNL-sketch-turned-film Wayne’s World, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. On Saturday, a two-tiered sampling extravaganza — dozens of boutique wines, food from beloved restaurants and silent auction items — invades the historic movie palace at 8 p.m. Don't forget a movie-inspired outfit, either. Tickets can be found online or in person at the box office. $55. 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa, 813-274-8981.
Fit for food enthusiasts and everyone in between, Saturday's Taste of Pride brings a crowd-pleasing culinary experience — filled with local restaurants and breweries — to The Coliseum from 7 to 10 p.m. Live entertainment and dancing also await. Tickets at the door aren't a guarantee, so get yours online now. The dress code is business casual or cocktail attire. $40. 535 Fourth Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-892-5202.
On Sunday, head to either 7venth Sun Brewery location in Seminole Heights or downtown Dunedin for the Anyone's Guess Bottle Release. Billed as the "first bottled Brett beer in Tampa" and up for grabs from noon to 8 p.m., this collaboration beer with Tampa Bay Brewing Co. is a Brett blended farmhouse ale — one you're gonna want a taste of. Free, money for beer. 6809 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-231-5900.
This article appears in Mar 1-8, 2018.