As if you needed another reason to obsessively count down until the weekend, this Saturday is the New Times' Beerfest, with a chance to try dozens of beer samplings from Florida craft brewers in addition to international beer legends. If beer isn't your thing, the 17th Annual Wine and Culinary Celebration at the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale caters to vino fans. Looking to plan out your week in food and drink? Find a roundup of food-related happenings this week in Broward and Palm Beach after the jump.
Tonight:
Food Truck Invasion in downtown Hollywood -- The popular weekly food truck rally is 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. with more than a dozen South Florida food trucks lining up at Arts Park in Young Circle in downtown Hollywood. There is no admission charge, but bring cash for the trucks.
Thursday:
Taste of Home Cooking School -- Learn cooking techniques from cooking show host and cookbook author, Eric Villegas, who will lead a demo during a taped appearance. The show is at 7 p.m. and doors open at 5 p.m. to allow attendees time to check out on-site vendors and grab food samples. The cost for the Taste of Home Cooking School is $5 in advance or $10 at the door. The event is at Northwood University in West Palm Beach.
Friday:
Delray Beach Bus Loop -- The smart solution to how to get around town for a night of bar hopping, this endeavor nets you a safe ride between participating bars and restaurants and a free drink at each place that's in on the game (be sure to bring some cash to tip for the freebies, plus the number of a cab company for when the loop winds down). The loop runs from 6 to 11 p.m. and check-in is at the Delray Beach Public Library. The cost is $20 in advance or $25 at the gate.
17th Annual Wine and Culinary Celebration -- The Museum of Discovery and Science in downtown Fort Lauderdale will host the 17th Annual Wine and Culinary Celebration with samples from several dozen South Florida restaurants and wine samples from around the world. Tickets are $85 to $150. General admission is 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. or 6 to 11 p.m. for VIP ticket holders.
Dancing Under the Stars -- The Boca Raton Museum of Art will host a dance night with a ballroom performance by professional dancers, plus a chance to cut the rug to live music (swing, jazz, etc.). Local restaurants will attend and supply snacks and wine throughout the event, which is 7 to 11 p.m. Admission is $55 per person. Black tie or cocktail attire is requested.
Saturday:
New Times' Beerfest -- Beer, bands, and basketball -- what more do you need to know? OK, other than the time, location, and price of this barley-soaked event? Beerfest, the beer event of the season, is 6 to 11 p.m. in Huizenga Plaza in downtown Fort Lauderdale and tickets are $30 to $75 (depending on when you purchase and whether you opt for VIP admission, which includes food samples from local restaurants). Or, you can try to win a free pair of tickets while supplies last.
Third Annual "Little Black Dress" Fundraiser and Cocktail Event -- Cocktails and small bites are part of this annual event to benefit Operation Smile South Africa, a charitable organization dedicated to helping kids who are affected by cleft lip and cleft palate. The party is 7 to 11 p.m. at Opium at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood. Tickets are $30 for general admission and $100 for VIP.
Down the Line:
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