Swirl, sniff and become one with your inner Frasier Crane at GrapeFest. This marks the 29th year for what is hailed as the biggest wine fest in the Southwest. Whether you would like to sample wines from Texas, Oregon and Argentina, participate in guided wine tastings or just raise your resveratrol levels, GrapeFest has something for everywino. Tickets range from $8 to $23.
What it be:The 29th Annual Grapefest
When it do: 10 a.m -10:30 p.m.Thursday, September 17-Sunday, September 20
Where dat is: Downtown Grapevine
*****
It's easy as 1, 2, 3 at Bird Cafe. Every Thursday in September, the cafe will feature Whiskey and Bar Bite Pairings. Enjoy 1 beer, 2 whiskies and 3 small plates for $25.
What it be: Whiskey Business 2
When it do: 5 p.m. Thursday, September 17
Where dat is: 155 E. Fourth St.
*****
Ah yes, Oktoberfest. While its translation has become fuzzy with waning sobriety levels, "Oktoberfest" is a word Germans use to describe the sacred time of year when Americans participate in collective drinking facilitated by steins. Addison's Oktoberfest is no exception. This four-day event features German favorites including Paulaner Bier, sauerkraut and strudel. And what would an Oktoberfest be without plenty of lederhosen-busting schuhplattlering going on! Prices vary; see the website for details.
What it be: Addison Oktoberfest
When it do:
6-11 p.m. Thursday, September 17
6 p.m.-midnight Friday, September 18
Noon-midnight Saturday, September 19
Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, September 20
Where dat is: 4970 Addison Circle Drive
*****
In conjunction with Addison Oktoberfest is Chamberlain's Brau Haus, a three-course tasting dinner comprising German dishes. Menu highlights include apple and sage cured Bavarian ham, a trio of German sausages, Paulaner braised pork and cherry strudel with Kirschwasser. Each course will be paired with a Paulaner beer. Tickets are $49.99 per person and include gate admission into Oktoberfest.
What it be: Addison Oktoberfest: Chamberlain's Brau Haus
When it do: 6:30 and 8:30 p.m Thursday, September 17 and Friday, September 18; 6 and 8 p.m. Saturday, September 19
Where dat is: 4970 Addison Circle Drive
*****
Wine and cheese chats. Because you're an adult who likes to get out on a Thursday evening. Because spray cheese and wine spritzers doesn't seem to be cutting it at your social gatherings and you need to learn about this stuff. Because you want to be around other people who like getting out on Thursday evenings to learn about this stuff. Enjoy four wines, four cheeses and a chat with Grape GM/sommelier Courtney Luscher and cheesemonger Ali Morgan. The cost is $28 per person. Call 214-828-1981 for reservations.
What it be: Wine and Cheese Chat at The Grape
When it do: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Thursday, September 17
Where dat is: 2808 Greenville Ave.
*****
You know those sad stand-up comedy bars? The ones that smell like nachos and tears? Don't go there. Go to Noble Rey Brewing Co. instead, where they will host the Brew-HaHa Comedy Series. For $20 (in advance, $25 at the door), a ticket to Brew-HaHa gets you entry into and a mini-tour of the brewery, a comedy show featuring, you know, comedians and stuff, as well as three beers and an obligatory commemorative pint glass. Food trucks will also be there.
What it be: Brew-HaHa Comedy Series
When it do: 7-10 p.m. Thursday, September 17
Where dat is: 2636 Farrington St.
*****
Come rub shoulders with the man who loves to rub shoulders (usually pork, but sometimes human) this Thursday evening. John Tesar will step down from his meaty throne for Foodiepalooza, a benefit to raise money for the East Dallas Boys and Girls Club. Tickets start at $65 and include visits to food and beverage tasting stations.
What it be: Foodiepalooza 2015
When it do: 7 p.m. Thursday, September 17
Where dat is: 7 for Parties 150 Turtle Creek Blvd. No. 107
*****
Attention all Peter Pan/Robin Williams/amputee fans, the Alamo Drafthouse is holding a special screening of Hook. The screening will include a three-course, themed meal for $30. Expect grilled Tinkerbell.
What it be: Hook Dinner Party
When it do: 7 p.m. Thursday, September 17
Where dat is: 100 S. Central Expressway Suite 14
*****
Lockhart pitmasters Will Fleischman and Eric Perry will bring their barbecue game to Texas Ale Project for one night only. Or, you know, whenever they feel like it. Cause they're pitmasters. Plates will range from $7-$10 and beers will be $5 each.
What it be: Bare-Knuckle Barnyard Barbecue Pop-up
When it do: 5:30 p.m. Friday, September 18
Where dat is: 1001 N. Riverfront Blvd.
*****
Over a dozen restaurants will be participating in the second annual Harvest event. Held in The Shed at the Dallas Farmers Market, participants can enjoy entertainment by DJ Lucy Wrubel as they sample food, sip cocktails and join in auctions benefiting the North Texas Food Bank. Participating restaurants include CBD Provisions, Bolsa, Haute Sweets Patisserie, Taqueria La Ventana, The Slow Bone and Velvet Taco. Tickets are $200 each.
What it be: Harvest
When it do: 7-11 p.m. Friday, September 18
Where dat is: 1010 S. Pearl Expressway
*****
You there. Crunchy granola. Go to this event. It's free, it's at the Dallas Farmers Market and it's called Green Fest 2015. This is the seventh year for the fest, which aims to promote green living by giving local vendors and artisans spaces to disseminate their green agenda. They will probably encourage you to, you know, be kind to the land and to eat things grown in the dirt and all kinds of radical stuff like that.
What it be: Green Fest 2015
When it do: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, September 19
Where dat is: 1010 S. Pearl Expressway
*****
About 30 food trucks will participate in the Great Texas Food Truck Rally. Held on the lawn of Reunion Tower, this event will also include live music and a beer garden courtesy of The Nodding Donkey. Admission into the rally costs $10, with proceeds benefiting Executives in Action.
What it be: The Great Texas Food Truck Rally
When it do: 2-10 p.m. Saturday, September 19
Where dat is: 300 Reunion Blvd. E.
*****
The triple "B" strikes again. Come see what alcohol infused meat-sweats really look like at the 3rd Annual Beer, Bourbon and Brisket Festival in Fort Worth. Tickets are $15 for general admission or $50 for a beer, bourbon and brisket sampling ticket.
What it be: 3rd Annual Beer, Bourbon and Brisket Festival
When it do: 4-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
Where dat is: Panther Island Pavillion 1098 W Peach St., Fort Worth
*****
The Wild Detectives are hosting a night of flamenco and paella in celebration of The Oak Cliff Flamenco Festival. This free event begins at 7 p.m. with a rumba set. At 9 p.m., Cante (a form of Flamenco) will begin. And the Paella? Jorge Diez of Paella 4U will make plenty to share.
What it be: Flamenco and Paella
When it do: 7-10 p.m Saturday, September 19
Where dat is: 314 W. Eighth St.
*****
