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Tampa Bay food events this week: St. Pete Beer and Bacon, more

A barbecue and blues fest hits Zephyrhills and Bonefish Grill’s original location in St. Petersburg celebrates 20 years, plus Red Mesa gets a liquor license.
The annual St. Pete Beer and Bacon festival will return to Vinoy Park on Jan. 18. [Courtesy of Brewed Life]
The annual St. Pete Beer and Bacon festival will return to Vinoy Park on Jan. 18. [Courtesy of Brewed Life]
By Meaghan Habuda
Published Jan. 15
Updated Jan. 16

PERFECT PAIR: BEER AND BACON

St. Pete Beer and Bacon invades Vinoy Park with an unlimited craft beer and cocktail tasting and bacon dishes from a lineup of vendors. The fourth annual festival also offers games, live music and prizes along the downtown waterfront. Food is not included in the Grand Sampling price, but there’s a VIP ticket option that includes the tasting and the carving of a whole hog. $15 and up, free for children 10 and under; Grand Sampling $45; VIP $80. Noon-7 p.m. Saturday. 501 Fifth Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. stpetebeerandbacon.com.

Related: You can now order liquor at St. Petersburg’s Red Mesa restaurant

IN GOOD SPIRITS: RED MESA

Booze has started flowing at the original Red Mesa location in St. Petersburg. The restaurant recently landed a liquor license, which allows it to pour everything from tequila and whiskey to, at last, margaritas. Previously, customers of the Mexican restaurant doing refined regional Mexican, Central American and Southwestern fare were limited to sangria: red, white or margarita — made with agave wine. Now you can order a classic marg by the glass or pitcher, in addition to specialty takes like the Hot Carlos featuring tequila, muddled jalapenos, lime juice and agave. 4912 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. (727) 527-8728. redmesarestaurant.com.

Tequila-based cocktails at Red Mesa Cantina, the downtown offshoot of St. Petersburg's Red Mesa, which just landed a liquor license. [SANTANA, LUIS | Tampa Bay Times]

SAVE ROOM: BARBECUE AND BLUES

Be sure to bring an appetite (and lawn chairs) to the Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival. The big draws of this showcase of blues tunes and barbecue bites — now in its 10th year — are the ’cue competition and live music, though a car show, cornhole, a kids’ zone, a military history museum and a business expo are planned as well. Free, $10 parking. 6-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, 39450 South Ave. (813) 782-1913.

MILESTONE MARKER: 20TH ANNIVERSARY

Observe the 20th Anniversary of Bonefish Grill’s original location in St. Petersburg with an outdoor popup birthday party. This celebration of the casual seafood chain promises craft cocktails and food, including fun throwbacks. Live entertainment and giveaways, such as “Golden Bang Cards” valid for one order of the signature Bonefish appetizer Bang Bang Shrimp every month during 2020, complete the highlights. Free, food and drink additional. 4-7 p.m. Thursday. 5062 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. (727) 521-3434. bonefishgrill.com.

St. Petersburg-born Bonefish Grill's signature Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer. [Courtesy of Bonefish Grill]

GET THE SCOOPS: 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY

Plant Love Ice Cream commemorates a year in the EDGE District with live music and art, local vendors and the house signature: organic, dairy-free specialty ice cream. Plant-based hot dog cart Nah Dogs provides the 1 Year Anniversary Party’s savory grub on Friday, then Ray’s Vegan Soul takes the lead on Saturday. Free, food and drink additional. 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 953 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. (727) 803-8398. plantloveicecream.com.

HOP ON: ONESIE BAR CRAWL

Now in its third year, the Onesie Bar Crawl stops by at least six watering holes with a group of revelers donning their finest onesies. You enjoy discounted beverage specials throughout the pub hop, as well as score a koozie and other giveaways at registration and a T-shirt at the after-party. The Onesie Bar Crawl kicks off at Thirsty First before hitting spots like the One Night Stand, Pelican Pub and Park & Rec. $15 and up. 5 p.m.-midnight Saturday. 119 First Ave. N, St. Petersburg. eventbrite.com.

DINNER AND DRINKS: LOW COUNTRY BOIL

A seafood dinner and drinks drive the second annual Low Country Boil at Bartow Golf Course sports bar and grill Mulligan’s. Don’t miss the live music, raffles, karaoke or door prizes, either. Benefits George Harris Youth Shelter. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 6-9 p.m. Saturday. 190 Idlewood Ave., Bartow. (863) 595-0220. eventbrite.com.

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