Five ways to make the most of your weekend with food and drink.
In Tampa, start the weekend off sweet during the Allergen-Free Dessert Night at Stacy’s Gluten Free Goodies. From 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, attendees will indulge in new menu items (all allergen-free and vegan), including pumpkin whoopie pies, apple cobbler and spice cake. Free, money for goodies. 14379 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, 813-477-4247.
A little later, starting at 6:30 p.m. Friday, enjoy a celestial celebration, the Full Moon Party, at St. Pete Beach’s Selene. Guests are invited to enjoy food and drink specials while listening to music from Eddie G. More live tunes from Craft Kids will kick off a dance party at 9:45 p.m. Dressing to impress is encouraged. Free, money for food and drinks. 4945 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727-317-2064
Oh my gourd! Have fun with the whole family at Gourds Fest between 1 and 11 p.m. Saturday. Tampa Bay Brewing Company’s Westchase location will host this fall craft beer festival for the first time, serving up seasonal brews, games, gourds and more. Fall-themed beers like the Gourds Gone Wild and Sir Gourd the Imperialist will be on tap. Beer and food tickets can be purchased on site. Free, money for beer and food. 13937 Monroe's Business Park, Tampa, 813- 247-1422.
Check out the Cigar City Growler Tapping from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, too. Total Wine on Dale Mabry Highway plans to sample Cigar City’s Chocolate Chip Pancake Brown Ale. Guests may fill 32- or 64-ounce growlers with the limited-release brew while supplies last. Free, money for beer. 1720 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-350-9601.
Head to the fourth installment of Rooster & the Till's Pop Up Brunch service. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Geoffrey Igartua of On Swann will pour cocktails behind the bar, while DJ Blenda provides the sounds. Reservations, which can be made by calling Rooster, are first come, first served. Check out the menu on the brunch's Facebook event. 6500 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-374-8940.
This article appears in Sep 15-22, 2016.