Five Best Food and Drink Events This Weekend: Tail-Gate at Funky Buddha Brewery, Oktoberfest in Lantana, and More

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 hoping make it to Octoberfest in Lantana, raise a beer toward a good cause, or enjoy a pairing dinner at Whole Foods, there's something for you to do in South Florida this weekend.

See Also: Ten Best New Restaurants in South Florida in 2014, So Far

5. Whole Foods Pairing Dinner

The Pembroke Pines Whole Foods is hosting a wine pairing dinner on Friday, October 17. The event will offer a four-course meal expertly paired with award-winning Ruffino Italian wines. Dishes will be prepared by the chefs at Whole Foods Market. There will also be a sommelier on hand to talk about the craftsmanship behind the winery and its wines. Tickets are $35 per person. Those who are interested in attending should call 954-392-3500 to reserve a spot. The menu will include a Caprese salad with prosecco wine dressing, and paired with Ruffino prosecco; a stuffed endive with mushroom paired with Ruffino chianti; and steak braciole with mashed parsnips and asparagus vegan fare: stuffed eggplant with orzo and asparagus paired with Ruffino Riserva Ducale. For dessert, expect almond tiramisu with a citrus wine reduction paired with Ruffino moscato.

4. Delray Bash at Old School Square

This weekend celebrate the 4th Annual Delray Bash, which will be held rain or shine on Saturday, October 18, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Old School Square Park just off Atlantic Avenue in downtown Delray Beach. The American Lung Association has returned as a sponsor to this event for an entertaining evening of food, wine, beer, spirits, and live music. Advance tickets are $50 online at thedelraybash.com through midnight October 17, or tickets may be purchased at the gate for $60. All ticket holders must be 21 and older, and will enjoy unlimited food and beverages from 7 to 9:30 p.m., including Bombay Sapphire's World Bazaar signature cocktails, fine wines from William Hill Estate Winery, a taste of the Caribbean with Shellback rum, and refreshing cocktails courtesy of New Amsterdam Vodka. Don't miss the specialty brews Saltwater Brewery and Stone Brewery are pouring, and indulge in savory cuisine from your favorite Palm Beach restaurants, all while being entertained by local businesses and live music. Then stay in town for the After Party by SoLita Italian.

3. American German Club Oktoberfest in Lantana

This weekend, enjoy the final few days of Oktoberfest in Lantana, which runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The most popular German custom that Germany has ever exported to the rest of the world, this Bavarian celebration of beer and good times has gradually caught on in many parts of the world. Every year the American German Club of the Palm Beaches hosts its traditional Oktoberfest on the second and third weekend of October. Held on 10 acres under a pavilion and massive tent, the "original Oktoberfest" is one of the largest in the country outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Here, you can get authentic Bavarian and German cooking with bratwurst, German potato salad, Leberkäse, and sauerkraut. Looking to drink? The festival features the original Hofbräu Bier of Oktoberfest, imported directly from Munich, Germany, just for the event. There's also a wine bar that serves German wines, and a special Jägermeister bar with a number of cocktails and shooters. The celebration wouldn't be complete without traditional folk dancing and choral singing to the two bands that come directly from the Germany Oktoberfest to Lantana. Vendor and craft booths, carnival rides for children of all ages, and a kids' zone make it fun for the whole family. Admission is $8 for adults, and free for children 12 and under. For more information visit the American German Club at americangermanclub.org.

2. 2014 Founder's Dock, Dine & Dance at the Hyatt Pier 66

The Fort Lauderdale Historical Society will be hosting the 2014 Founder's Dock, Dine & Dance event at the Hyatt Pier 66 from 6-9 p.m. The 2014 Founder's Dock, Dine & Dance event will honor Winterfest Inc. and celebrate their Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade that has provided 43 years of holiday magic in South Florida. This exclusive event in one of Fort Lauderdale's most special venues, the Hyatt Pier 66 - Pier Top, offers panoramic views of downtown Fort Lauderdale and Fort Lauderdale Beach. Tickets are $150 per person and include open bar, various food stations and dessert. The event will be co-chaired by Art Bengochea and Kelly Tortoriello. Go here to purchase tickets for the event.

1. Recycla-Bull Terrier Tail-Gate at Funky Buddha

On Sunday, October 19, the Recycla-Bull Terrier Rescue is doing a "tail" gate themed yappy hour at Funky Buddha Brewery. For a $5 donation you'll receive a wristband that will get you $1 off Funky Buddha brews from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the Recycla-Bull Terrier Rescue emergency fund, which includes travel, rehabilitation, and medical fees for rescued animals in their search for their "furever" homes. Shake Shack will be out front slinging their legendary burgers, and a silent auction will feature a ton of great items -- including a bottle of Funky's Maple Bacon Coffee Porter. For more information visit the Facebook event page.

Nicole Danna is a food blogger 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 Clean Plate's Instagram.