A food and drink-fueled guide to making the most of your extended weekend.
Make the drive to Lakeland's Brew Hub to honor the late Piero Rodriguez of MIA Beer Company. The craft beer industry icon will be celebrated during the Pints 4 Piero memorial, where suds from MIA, JDub's Brewing Company, Orange Blossom Brewing Co. and more will be showcased between 1 and 10 p.m. Friday. Proceeds will benefit the GoFundMe page for Rodriguez's family. Free, money for beer. 3900 Frontage Road S., Lakeland, 863-698-7609.
At 6 p.m. Friday to Sunday, Chief's Creole Cafe will host a Louisiana-style seafood spread for locals to enjoy. Live crawfish, fresh shrimp and previously frozen Dungeness are highlights of the St. Petersburg restaurant's Creole Crab, Crawfish and Shrimp Boil. Sides and live music are also planned. $30. 901 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-498-8979.
Also starting at 6 p.m. Friday is Craft & Curd's Wine Tasting and Cookout. Hot-off-the-grill dogs and sausages will be available for purchase, while cheese and other goodies are included with admission. Expect samples of at least a dozen Fourth of July-inspired wines as well. $10. 2908 W. Gandy Blvd., Tampa, 813-433-0853.
Take the kids to the Family Friendly Farm in Lutz from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday. Local food trucks, including Moca Loka Frappe, The Cake Girl and The Burger Lab, will accompany the mother-and-daughter-owned farm's assortment of fresh eggs and produce. Free, money for goodies. 206 Newberger Road, Lutz.
Hot dog! Between 5 and 11:30 p.m. Sunday, why not keep the long weekend going at Crowbar's Hot Dog Party 10? Titled "A Decade of Delicatessen," the event — a part weiner-eating contest, part rock 'n' roll showcase, now in its 10th year — will offer live tunes from bands like Roadkill Ghost Choir, Poetry 'n Lotion and Samurai Shotgun. Free, money for food and drinks. 1812 N. 17th St., Ybor City, 813-241-8600.
