Follow these suggestions on where to hang with food and drink this weekend.
Cheers! Clink glasses and sing Italy’s praises at the Italian Wine Tasting between 6 and 8 p.m. Friday. At Craft & Curd in Tampa, guests will taste a collection of Italian wines, both reds and whites, from multiple regions. The shop has cheese and more planned to complement the vino. $10. 2908 W. Gandy Blvd., Tampa, 813-4430853.
At 7 p.m. Friday, the Official Trinidad and Jamaica Independence Celebration will help kick off the weekend. Tampa’s Jerk Hut Rhum Bar is set to host a special celebration filled with colorful music and eats. Jam out to live tunes from Zuberi and his band, followed by DJ Spice. Drink specials will flow all night alongside scratch-made food. Free, money for food and drink. 926 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, 813-977-5777.
The Big Storm Tap Takeover will showcase the local craft brewery as it rules the draft lines at Clearwater’s Mamma Mia’s from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Nosh on tasty Italian bites while enjoying $4 Big Storm brews like the Helicity Pilsner and Wavemaker Amber Ale. Guests can expect games, prizes and live music, too. Free, money for beer and food. 3580 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater, 727-202-6869.
Get yourself in a pickle during St. Petersburg’s upcoming Beginner Pickling Class. From noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, participants will learn how to pickle anything with the folks at The Urban Canning Company and walk away with their own jar of pickles. The hands-on class will also discuss local agriculture, nutrition and sustainability, plus clear up some canning myths. Admission includes an emailed booklet that details how to start small-batch canning at home. Tickets may be purchased online. $45. 1040 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-826-0604.
Who let the dogs out? The Brass Tap Oldsmar’s Yappy Hour Fundraiser did. Between 3 and 7 p.m. Sunday, drink cold suds and help out Suncoast Animal League. The Brass Tap will donate $1 for every Local Coast Brewery pour that’s purchased. Not a beer drinker? No problem. The bar is prepared to offer animal-themed cocktails as well. Giveaways, a raffle and 4 p.m. animal trivia are among the event’s other features. Free, money for beer. 4011 Tampa Road, Oldsmar, 813-749-7555.
This article appears in Aug 11-18, 2016.