For those aiming to avoid Gasparilla-related happenings as much as possible, consider these food and drink events from Friday to Sunday.
At 6:30 p.m. Friday, catch the
University of South Florida screening of
Food Chains , a documentary that features the Coalition of Immokalee Workers’ hunger strike outside Publix’s Lakeland headquarters. After the film, which will be held in Room 1-3 of the
Morsani College of Medicine ground-level building, the CIW’s Leo Perez will answer questions. The screening comes on the heels of the Florida Board of Governors’ approval to
build a Publix on the USF campus.
Free. 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa.
Make the drive to pig out (no, seriously) to the
Lakeland Pigfest from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The two-day festival features barbecue from more than 150 competitive barbecue teams in four categories: ribs, chicken, pork and brisket. Attendees will chow down while listening to live music, and the event will benefit Lakeland area charities.
Free, money for food. 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, 863-686-8075.
Kum-what? Check out downtown Dade City’s annual
Kumquat Festival between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday for Old Florida fun and goodies made with kumquats. The fest promises treats like kumquat pie, cookies, smoothies and even salsa. Guests may also enjoy live music or children’s activities while they munch.
Free, money for food. 38053 Live Oak Ave., Dade City.
From 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, celebrate
The Ale and the Witch ‘s five-year anniversary through the
Witch's Local Fresh Beer Festival . More than 20 Florida breweries will offer up their suds during two sampling sessions inside the Witches BBQ Den, and each brewery will showcase two rare beers. Admission, which may be
purchased online , includes a barbecue platter and an anniversary glass that can be used for $3 brews at the Witch’s birthday bash Feb. 4. The glass grants folks access to discounted drafts all year long as well.
$55.111 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, 727-821-2533.
Grab a few pints while supporting injured veterans from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday. The second annual
Hops for Heroes Craft Beer Festival ,
hosted at the
St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club , is set to feature 20 breweries and 100-plus beers, plus a local home-brew contest. Food trucks will also be on hand. Tickets are
available online .
$35-$45. 559 Mirror Lake Drive N., St. Petersburg, 727-822-2083.
This article appears in Jan 28 – Feb 3, 2016.