Congratulations, you made it through yet another working week. You might as well give yourself a pat on the back to celebrate — or better yet, a drink or three. This weekend in Broward and Palm Beach counties, choose from a BBQ competition, a touching fundraiser, a tequila festival, and more for your fun foodie events.
Oktoberfests
It's officially Oktoberfest season, so check out our roundup of all the specials and events taking place throughout Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Pumpkin Patches
Check out our guide to the best pumpkin patches in South Florida.
Friday
Food Trucks at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park
Start your weekend off right by indulging in some serious food truck action. From 5 to 8 p.m. at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park (11600 Poinciana Blvd., Royal Palm Beach), there will over 20 food trucks to choose from. The list includes Think Greek, Paradise Cups, Philly Grill, Spring In Roll Out, Best French Fries and even more. Folding chairs and picnic blankets are welcomed.
Day One: Fourth Annual Isle Smokin' BBQ Contest
Prepare to eat just a light snack on Thursday night in preparation of this event. Over 40 teams will compete in the Jack Daniel's World BBQ, American Royal & Sonny's Smokin' Showdown qualifier. The event takes place at Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park (77 Isle of Capri Cir., Pompano Beach) from 3 to 9 p.m. Aside from BBQ for purchase will be live music from Uproot Hootenanny at 6 p.m. Visit Pompano-Park.IsleOfCapriCasinos.com.
Saturday
Day Two: Fourth Annual Isle Smokin' BBQ Contest
The second day of the Isle Smokin' BBQ Contest takes place from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. On this day, the People’s Choice Contest, Firefighters Backyard BBQ Contest and awards for the best pork, ribs, chicken and brisket take place. There will also be Andrew Morris Band at 1 p.m.
South Florida Tequila Festival
Whether you’re celebrating or merely just trying to loosen up, tequila is a good remedy. Find out for yourself at the second annual South Florida Tequila Festival at Bar Stache 1920’s Drinking Den (109 SW Second Ave., Fort Lauderdale). General admission is $30 and grants access from 7 to 9 p.m. VIP tickets are $60 and allows access to the festival at 6 p.m. Tickets also include food samples from featured vendors. In addition to eating Mexican food and drinking tequila cocktails (duh), guests will also learn from expert tequila purveyors as well. Visit SouthFloridaTequilaFestival.com.
Sunday
Fundraiser at Tryst
Former Tryst employee Michelle Granata was in a serious car accident on October 12. Her friends and colleagues at Tryst (4 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach)are hosting a fundraiser to help with her mounting medical expenses and support her on her road to recovery. Starting at 4 p.m., guests can experience entertainment, a raffle, and food. The suggested ticket donation of $20 allows guests to get a free drink of their choice. Donations will also be accepted at GoFundMe.com.
Homebrew Beer Making Class
Make your own beer with Funky Buddha Brewery’s (1201 NE 38th St., Oakland Park) homebrew class from noon until 3 p.m. Instructor Kevin from the Boca location will lead the class, which includes a tasting at the end of the finished product. The $35 admission includes a logo pint glass, two beers and admission to the class. Visit FunkyBuddhaBrewery.com.
Pumpkins and Pints
What better to accompany pumpkin beer than a nice pumpkin carving contest? At Tap 42, (1411 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale), they understand this concept. Join the Boca location for a pumpkin carving contest and enjoy many of the 20 pumpkin ales on draft. Brews include Hoppin’ Frog Hallow Double Pumpkin Ale, Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale, Southern Tier Warlock, and even an initial release of Unita Brewing’s Jacked B Nimble Imperial Pumpkin Ale among others. Pumpkins cost $5 and carving kits will be provided. Guests are permitted to bring their own carving kits or pumpkins. This event starts at 5 p.m.
All Week Long
Throughout the month of October, Brio Tuscan Grille (499 S. University Dr., Plantation and 14576 SW Fifth St., Pembroke Pines) and Bravo! Cucina Italiana (149 Soundings Ave., Jupiter ) will have set meal prices on sale. Brio will have three-course menu for $19.95 while Bravo! features a three-course meal for two at $29.95. This is in honor of National Pasta Month and is available Sunday through Thursday. Lasting until October 29, the meals will feature a choice of salad, pasta and desserts.
For more events, visit our online calendar or pick up the print edition of the New Times Broward-Palm Beach every Thursday. To submit an event, use our online form.
Natalya Jones is a food and music writer covering Broward and Palm Beach counties. To get the latest in entertainment and fun things to do in South Florida, follow her on Twitter.