Block parties are always a blast (as long as your neighbors don't suck).
You get to eat tons of food, drink copious amounts of booze, and hang out in the middle of the street: What's not to like?
Soon, Fort Lauderdale's most popular food and drink destination is closing down the block with its annual Las Olas Wine and Food Festival.
See Also: Himmarshee Public House Starting Sunday Brunch Party This Week
Taking place Friday, May 2, from 7:30 to 10 p.m., the festival is taking over the Las Olas Boulevard with food for more than 70 restaurants, over 45 stations with wine and micro brews, multiple liquor lounges, and live entertainment.
Noteworthy restaurants include 3030 Ocean, American Social, BAO bar + Asian Kitchen, Chima Brazilian Steakhouse, D'Angelo Pizza, Wine Bar, Tapas, Johnny V Las Olas, Myapapaya Juicery + Kitchen, S3 Restaurant, and Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grille.
This year, the festival has added several new features and sponsors.
"After 18 years, it's hard to keep an event fresh especially in an area that is saturated with non-stop activities!" says Cariann Moore, area director for the American Lung Association. "This year, we have new presenting sponsor brands, William Hill Estate Winery who will be featured throughout the street plus La Marca Prosecco who will be hosting a lounge for the first time. Also new is New Amsterdam Vodka who has created a 1900's style lounge that will offer hot shaves on the street."
Back to the fest this year, is the Bombay Sapphire Gin lounge, with a laidback chic vibe for those looking to escape from the masses. Another return is the Shellback Caribbean Hut, which will be handing out rum samples all night.
While this is Moore's first year heading the festival, she's looking forward to executing the event.
"I've attend the event several times as guest but this is my first time behind the scenes," says Moore. "I have to say though that I'm always excited to see what Bombay has to offer. Their lounge is always impressive!"
See also: New Times' Best Of is Back: Vote for Your Favorite Restaurants, Dishes Now
If you're looking to get your drink on a bit earlier, the VIP Prive party hosted by JM Lexus is taking place pre-festival from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Taking place at the Stranahan House includes live entertainment, special wines, and appetizers by Capital Grille and Publix Aprons Catering.
Attendees looking to connect digitally can follow @LungSoFla on Instagram and Twitter and hashtag #LOWFF14.
General admission tickets are $100 per person. VIP tickets are $225.
It takes place on Las Olas Boulevard starting at the Cheesecake Factory. Visit lasolaswff.com.
Follow Sara Ventiera on Twitter, @saraventiera.
Follow @CleanPlateBPB
