Whether you're a oenophile, beer drinker or cooking enthusiast, there's lots of eating and drinking to be had this weekend throughout the bay.
Foodies and winos should get to the three-day St. Pete Wine & Food Festival this weekend at North Straub Park in downtown St. Pete. The festival kicks off with Beer Night at 5:30 p.m. Friday, where local, regional and national brews will be served up until 9:30. Then, head back to the park at noon either Saturday or Sunday to sip fine wines through 5 p.m. at the festival's Grand Tasting. Festgoers will also get the chance to brush elbows with some of the area's best chefs while unwinding. Multiday ticket packages are available for interested guests, too. $65-$165. 350 Bay Shore Drive NE, St. Petersburg.
Grab great breakfast deals between 8 and 11 a.m. Saturday during the Central Avenue Solstice, a new celebration of downtown St. Pete's Central Ave. Specials will feature a $5 breakfasts at several eclectic eateries. Try vegan French toast at Community Cafe in the Grand Central District, or a Brooklyn breakfast sandwich with potatoes, eggs and coffee at the EDGE District's Brooklyn South. A full list of participating locations is posted on the event's website. Free, money for food and drinks. Central Avenue, St. Petersburg.
At 10 a.m. Saturday, learn how local organic farming is done at Tampa's Sweetwater Organic Community Farm. Visitors will get a complete tour of the farm during this open house, so wear closed-toe shoes and a hat and bring along plenty of water. Stick around after the tour to learn about the farm's volunteer opportunities. Free. 6942 W. Comanche Ave., Tampa, 813-887-4066.
Pair O' Dice Brewing Co. in Clearwater will host its second annual Oktoberfest, from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, to celebrate the coming of fall. There will be five German-style suds to try, as well as 13 of the brewery's rotating taps. Guests may listen to live music, eat authentic food from Brats Sensation and participate in the lederhosen and dirndls contest, too. Admission includes five beer tokens and a commemorative glass stein. $35 online, $45 at the door. 4400 118th Ave. N., Clearwater, 727-755-3423.
Held in Nature's Food Patch's community room at 4 p.m. Sunday, this Clearwater raw foods cooking class will teach folks how to make vegan pâté at home. Chef and instructor Brad Myers' signature tuna pâté will be the focus. Free. 1225 Cleveland St., Clearwater, 727-443-6703.
This article appears in Sep 24-30, 2015.