What it be: American Craft Beer Week
When it do: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Thursday, May 19-Saturday May 21 and noon-midnight Sunday, May 22
Where dat is: 4821 Bass Pro Dr., Garland
*****
Tastes & Tunes combines everything you could possibly want in an outdoor event. Family atmosphere? Check. Food trucks? Yep, those too. But what about libations? Be not afraid, my neurotransmitter-altering friends, there will be beer and wine aplenty. And best of all, outside food and drink is allowed, which means you can eat and imbibe and listen to music for free.
What it be: Tastes & Tunes
When it do: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, May 19
Where dat is: 12611 Denton Road, Farmers Branch
*****
Before Tim Hutchins and Dustin Blackwell travel to New York City to show the James Beard House a thing or two about Texas barbecue, the pitmaster duo behind Hutchins BBQ will host a five-course trial run. Enjoy everything from "Texas Twinkies" — brisket and cream cheese-stuffed jalapenos — to pulled pork sandwiches, St. Louis-style spareribs, burnt ends and of course, plenty of peach cobbler. Tickets are $39 and include Texas wine, beer and spirits.
What it be: Sizzling Texas 'Cue: Hutchins BBQ James Beard Local Dinner
When it do: 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, May 19
Where dat is: 9225 Preston Road, Frisco
*****
It's about time DFW had itself a good ol' fashioned AeroPress competition. Watch professional baristas and home brewers go press-to-press at Shift Coffee in Denton as they raise money for Neptune Coffee. Registration is closed, but this event is free to attend and open to the public. If watching people grind under pressure is your thing, come out, bring a six pack (it's BYOB) and enjoy the show. What it be: DFW AeroPress Competition
When it do: 6 p.m. Friday, May 20
Where dat is: 519 S Locust St., Denton
*****
The Fort Worth Zoo is holding their annual Beastro event, which is not only a bad pun but also the perfect occasion to look at giraffes while you stuff your face on Campisi's pizza. Beastro raises money for local and international wildlife conservation and education efforts, and it does so in true-zoo style. Guests will enjoy samples from a litany of local eateries as well as drinks at open bars located throughout the park. Select exhibits will remain open until sunset so guests will have the opportunity to see if live music really does soothe the savage beast — Emerald City, The Project and Live 80 will take the stage. Tickets are $99 per person.What it be: Beastro
When it do: 7:30 p.m.-midnight Friday, May 20
Where dat is: 1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth
*****
Good Local Markets, a non-profit organization that hosts three farmers markets, educational programs, a food stamp program and a community garden, is holding a carrot contest at Lakeside Baptist Church. Show off your carrot soup, bread, dessert or whatever else you can put carrots in. Prizes will be awarded for best savory, sweet and creative dishes. It's free to enter and tasting tickets are only $3 per person.
What it be: Spring Carrot Contest
When it do: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 21
Where dat is: 9150 Garland Road
*****
The good folks behind Little D Market present, well, a market. Markets are what they do. Lucky for us, they do it well. A whole host of vendors are slated to set up shop at Community Beer Company for Little D's latest incarnation. Notable food vendors include Casa Masa Tamales, Birdcage Bakeshop, Dandelion Cheescakes and Kessler Pie Company. Community Beer will also be available for purchase.
What it be: Little D Market
When it do: Noon-6 p.m. Saturday, May 21
Where dat is: 1530 Inspiration Dr. Suite 200
*****
The North Texas Firkin Fest brings unique and rare firkins from craft breweries across the state to Globe Life Park in Arlington. A firkin refers to both a unit of measurement and to the metal or wood cask used to condition beer. The cask allows for natural fermentation and carbonation, as opposed to being force-carbonated courtesy of CO2. Fans of these small batch, naturally brewed beers swear that the cask conditioning creates better-tasting beer. Find out for yourself for $40 in advance or $50 at the gate, where you'll be supplied with eight sample tickets, each of which is good for a three-ounce pour. Participating breweries include Deep Ellum, Peticolas, Chimera, Big Bend, Community, Saint Arnold, Division and Four Corners, to name a few.
What it be: North Texas Firkin Fest
When it do: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, May 21
Where dat is: 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington
*****
Chino Chinatown isn't exactly known for their barbecue, but that may change. This Sunday, the Chinese and Latin fusion restaurant welcomes Doug Pickering, pitmaster at DWP BBQ, to join Chef Uno in preparing a backyard-style dinner with all the fixings. The meal includes all manner of meat — ribs, brisket, turkey — alongside everything from smoked potato salad to elotes, fried okra and s'mores banana pudding. Beer and wine is also included in the $40 ticket price. Tickets are limited; call 469-513-7457 for reservations.
What it be: Backyard Texas Dinner
When it do: 6 p.m. Sunday, May 22
Where dat is: 3011 Gulden Lane Suite 110
*****
