Five more food- and drink-centric events to keep you busy this weekend in Tampa Bay. But don't forget about the 6th Annual Tampa Vegan Bake Sale at Mojo Books & Records, Brooksville's Florida Blueberry Festival, the Ybor City Latin Food Fest, Best of Tampa Bay and what's left of Bern's Winefest No. 19.
Fans of the Reggae Rum Fest block party from downtown Tampa's Jerk Hut Jamaica Tropicale should get to its Reggae Rum Punch Party at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Tropical craft cocktails, the restaurant's famous rum punches and a buffet will be featured. Admission gets you one drink ticket and access to the unlimited buffet, and the cover charge can be waived for groups. $10. 513 N. Franklin St., Tampa, 813-223-5375.
Featuring free craft beer samples and local burger tastings, Safety Harbor's dog-friendly Beer & Burger Throw Down will run from 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday. In addition to the citywide burger and beer sampling that begins at 1 p.m., live entertainment (inside and outside the Safety Harbor Marina), a large vendor section with area businesses and artisans, and a 2,000-square-foot kid zone will be showcased. Plus, beer seminars from Crooked Thumb Brewery and a live auction. Guests will determine winners in the "Best Brew" and "Most Creative Craft" categories, while the "Best Burger in Pinellas" and "Best Use of Bacon" titles will be awarded by a panel of judges. Parking is free, and tickets are available online. $5. 110 Veterans Memorial Lane, Safety Harbor.
Spring Beer Fest will return to Cajun Cafe on the Bayou's beer-garden setting, from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, with pours from Florida breweries, out-of-state kegs, cider and mead, and plenty of European beer. The Pinellas Park restaurant's Cajun plate tradition will include red beans and rice, chicken etouffee, crawfish cornbread and Creole-marinated pork, plus bites like bacon-wrapped sausages and peanut butter pretzels. Don't forget the event's Dunedin Doggie Rescue fundraiser, either. $50. 8101 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park, 727-546-6732.
Starting at 1 p.m. Sunday, Taste of Dunedin attendees will take their taste buds on a tour around downtown Dunedin restaurants and meander through neighboring shops. Two-ounce samples of signature dishes will be offered from 20-plus locations, as well as wine and craft beer, live entrainment at Pioneer Park and additional vendors. Tickets may be purchased online in advance. $20 for Taste Pass, $20 for 25 drink tickets. Downtown Dunedin, between Broadway and Highland, 727-437-3569.
With a portion of its proceeds benefiting Feeding Tampa Bay, Swinefest #4 at Rebecca's at City Market will highlight pork, local beer and more in Dade City. Between 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Expect to see vendors like Saint Somewhere Brewing Co., Marker 48 Brewing, The Urban Canning Company, Pinellas Chocolate Company and Kumquat Growers. $16-$26. 14148 Eighth St., Dade City, 352-521-9700.
This article appears in Apr 14-20, 2016.