We're so ready for the weekend. Here's a roundup of five things to do with food and drink, with even more local options listed on CL's online events calendar.
On Friday, kick back with flavorful eats and a cold one at the St. Pete Taco & Beer Fiesta, part of the Gulf to Bay Food Truck Association's series of food truck rallies on the downtown waterfront. Attendees enjoy Mexican- and South American-inspired dishes between 6 and 10 p.m. from local restaurants-on-wheels, including The Bacon Bass, I Wanna Wok and The Taco Traveler. Sweets lovers aren't left out with "Dessert Court" vendors like Craving Donuts and The Cake Girl, either. NATL Act provides the soundtrack to your chomping. Pups and families are welcome. Free, money for food and beer. 250 Eighth Ave. SE, St. Petersburg.
Get crafty during Mugs Sports Bar & Grill's Blue Moon Pint Glass Decorating Event. Hosted from 8 to 9 p.m. Friday, participants sip on pints of Blue Moon for $3.99 while adorning their own glass to take home. Supplies are provided. Free, money for beer. 13563 Icot Blvd., Clearwater, 727-240-1262.
Try olive the things (heh) on Saturday alongside Kalamazoo Olive Company, which is celebrating seven years in business. The specialty olive oil and balsamic vinegar purveyor's Birthday Party has several on-the-house offerings in store, including Champagne and mimosas, gourmet food samples and birthday cake. Throughout the bash, running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., shoppers who make a $25 purchase land a free birthday gift, too. Free, money for goodies. 449 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-258-4925.
Chow down at the fourth annual Tampa Bay Lobster Festival. This two-day crustacean-fueled extravaganza — scheduled for 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday — packs food vendors (think fresh Maine lobster, oysters and a sushi bar) and live music into the Kapok Special Events Center. Feast on a whole lobster dinner for one, or split 25 or 40 pounds of steamed lobster with a six-person crew. Tickets, including meal packages (ordering these ahead of time is strongly suggested), are available online. Learn more. $9 for general admission, $27.95 with dinner. 923 McMullen Booth Road #B, Clearwater, 727-725-8733.
Finish off the weekend with the last day of Woodstock Week, a funky, weeklong celebration put on by Mastry's Brewing Co. in observance of Woodstock's anniversary. Craft beer, live music by Lea Braun and barbecue from the Hot Butts BBQ food truck are planned. Guests can jam out from 2 to 5 p.m., but the brewery's open till 8. Free, money for beer and food. 7701 Blind Pass Road, St Pete Beach, 727-202-8045.
This article appears in Aug 17-24, 2017.