Five eating and drinking (mostly drinking) events to help you make the most of this extended Labor Day weekend.
Starting at 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, rid your hurricane blues during White Linen Nights in downtown St. Pete. The inaugural two-day event will treat patrons to a 600 Block party with local craft beer, food, art and fashion. Participating food and drink spots include The Hyppo, The Lure, Central Melt and The Cider Press Café. Free, money for goodies. 600 Block, St. Petersburg, 727-914-7222.
Looking for more downtown St. Pete revelry? Celebrate our favorite neighborhood dive, The Bends, at its Four Year Anniversary Party between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. Friday. Guests will sip new and $4 specialty cocktails and nosh on barbecue, all while checking out Daniel Mrgan’s art opening and listening to cool jams from multiple bands. Free, money for drinks and food. 919 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-202-8931.
Head out to The Brass Tap in Wesley Chapel from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday for a local beer tapping. The Shops at Wiregrass bar plans to crack open a keg of Coppertail Brewing Co.’s Brews Banner, a double dry-hopped beer with a multiblend of hop varieties. Grab a pint and hang with friends, or order a tasty dish off the menu. Free, money for beer. 2000 Piazza Ave., Wesley Chapel, 813-991-4343.
Dance the night away throughout the End of Summer White Party at Tampa’s Blue Martini. At 8 p.m. Saturday, guests are encouraged to wear fashionable white attire (ladies in white get in free), and drink deals will be offered, including specials on the White Gummy Bear Martini and $9 Patrón cocktails. For VIP reservations or bottle service, just give the restaurant a call. $10. 2223 NW Shore Blvd. #B203, Tampa, 813-873-2583.
Enjoy a poolside Sunday Funday at the Hollander Hotel in downtown St. Pete. Between 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday, guests will grab a drink from the pool’s full liquor bar and enjoy an afternoon of swimming and tanning. Jennifer Real will provide the tunes. Free, money for drinks. 421 Fourth Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 727-873-7900.
This article appears in Sep 1-8, 2016.