South Florida Food and Drink Events This Weekend: Burger Battles, Sushi Strolls, and Beer Fests

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. Whether you're looking to chow down at the Riverwalk Burger Battle, drink beer at the Delray Beach Craft Beer Fest, want to join a bar crawl, or have plans to take mom out for Mother's Day brunch, there's something for you to do in South Florida this weekend.

Friday

Riverwalk Burger Battle
The Burger Battle will pit sixteen of the area's best burger restaurants against one another as they show off their creative juices and grilling skills for over 1,200 guests along Fort Lauderdale's scenic New River. Each establishment will be offering unlimited burger samples to event goers. From homemade sauces and original recipes, to creative toppings and high-quality ingredients expect a stellar line-up of gourmet burger in this year's battle for the title of "Best Burger." Tickets to the event coset $40 per person for general admission, which includes voting chips, three drink tickets, and unlimited burgers tastings. VIP tickets will be sold for $125 per person, and include early entry at 6:30 p.m., as well as unlimited burger samples from all burger contest contenders; a specialty VIP burgers sponsored by The Tilted Kilt; full open bar and craft beer tastings; specialty tables and seating; and frozen desserts provided by Whole Food Market Fort Lauderdale. The Riverwalk Burger Battle VI will be presented by the Fort Lauderdale-based real estate firm Pilgram Group on Friday, May 8, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Huizenga Plaza in Bubier Parl in Fort Lauderdale. Visit Blacktie South Florida website to purchase tickets.

Food In Motion Green Market
The second Friday of each month, Peter Feldman Park will be host to the night-time green market, Food In Motion. The artisan and craft food event will feature fresh and local produce, food trucks, vegan fare, gourmet baked goods, and locally made handcrafted products. Meet the people behind the food movement. Free beer will be on hand for those 21 and over. The event takes place at 310 NE 6th St., Fort Lauderdale from 5 to 11 p.m. Admission is free.

Sushi & Stroll 
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach is brining back their popular Friday evening Sushi & Stroll events. All summer long experience and explore its Japanese gardens, cold drink in hand. Sip craft sake selections from Stacole Fine Wines – some sweet, sparkling, creamy, or even in a can – that you might not find anywhere else in South Florida. Visitors are also invited to indulge in Pan-Asian cuisine from Morikami’s Cornell Café, Museum Store shopping, and enjoy roaring drum performances by Fushu Daiko. For more information visit the Morikami website.

Beer Fest Pre-Party at Saltwater Brewery
What to do before the Delray Beach Craft Beer Fest on Friday? Well, pre-game it with more beer, of course. Nearby Saltwater Brewery will be hosting a pre-party kick off event before the festival starts that evening. Beginning at noon, the brewery will be tapping a number of specialty releases including Green Bench Brewing's "Wild Hermit" Brett pale ale, a Cascade Dry Hop "DGC" Belgian tripel, and Don't Get Stung Stinger Double IPA.

Fourth Annual Delray Beach Craft Beer Fest
Friday night marks the start to the 4th annual Delray Beach Craft Beer Fest (formerly known as the Old School Beer Fest) taking place at the Outdoor Pavilion and Old School Square Park in downtown Delray Beach. Ticket holders will be able to get unlimited tastings of more than 100 craft brews and ciders (wine and a liquor bar are also available). The event takes place from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and early entry for VIP ticket holders starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online.

Saturday

Fort Lauderdale Bar Crawl
Why walk to the bar when you can crawl? On Saturday, May 9, you'll find out why. Fort Lauderdale Bar Crawl is back in downtown Fort Lauderdale's Himmarshee Village. A $20 ticket will get you nine free mixed drinks — or beer — at nine different bars (three of the bars will also be giving a choice of a Fireball shot). Participating bars include Tarpon Bend, Tilted Kilt, Crafti Bar, Bar Stache 1920's Drinking Den, Lucky's Tavern, Capone's Night Club, America's Backyard, and Cyn. An after party will include drink specials with your crawl bracelet, and free admission to Cyn all night. Advance discount tickets are available online. The event begins at 6:30 p.m.

Bottomless Brunch Block Party at Colada Cuban Coffee House & Eatery
On Saturday, May 9, Colada Cuban Coffee House & Eatery will be celebrating its grand opening at The Manor in Flagler Village (525 N Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale) with a bottomless brunch block party. Unlimited tastings of the brunch menu will be available for $25 per person from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and includes bottomless drinks on tap (even mimosas). Try the Colada Cakes, espresso pancakes with powdered sugar and whipped cream; Tortilla Espanola, a Spanish-style omelette with chorizo, onions, red pepper, and served with French fries; Cuban French Toast made with Cuban bread and topped with powdered sugar; or Pan Con Tomate, a combination of Swiss cheese, tomatoes, onions, pipits, and mojo mayo on Cuban bread.

Sunday

Mother's Day in South Florida
For an online listing of Mother's Day brunch specials we've listed the best deals here: Mother's Day Specials 2015 in Broward and Palm Beach Counties.

Nicole Danna is a food writer covering Broward and Palm Beach counties. To get the latest in food and drink news in South Florida, follow her @SoFloNicole or find her latest food pics on the BPB New Times Food & Drink Instagram.