There's just something about ornately arranged pumpkins that makes a person thirsty. Throughout the month of October, the Dallas Arboretum's concert series will feature pre-concert craft beer tastings. A different local brewery will be on hand for each concert, and this week it's Deep Ellum Brewing Co.'s turn. Enjoy four samples, a full beer and a souvenir glass to take home. Tickets start at $45 and concert admission is included.
What it be: Craft Beer Tastings in the Garden
When it do: 6:15-7:15 p.m. Thursday, October 1
Where dat is: 8525 Garland Road
*****
Literacy and alcohol have enjoyed a longstanding fellowship. Just ask Hunter Thompson or O. Henry or pretty much any writer, ever. The tradition continues with Lakewood Brewing Co. and nonprofit reading advocacy group Room To Read, who are teaming up to present Booktoberfest. It's the same Oktoberfest you've come to know and love, with plenty of sausage and beer, but with the added fun of literacy! All funds raised will go to local Read-a-Thons or toward the purchase of books for children overseas. Tickets are $20 in advance or $28 at the door.
What it be: Booktoberfest
When it do: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday, October 1
Where dat is: 2302 Executive Drive, Garland
*****
Join chefs Mark Wootton (Garden Cafe), Justin Box (Bolsa) and Scott Tobey (Blind Butcher) as they prepare a six-course, BYOB dinner using the fresh bounty from the farmers and artisans of Good Local Markets. Proceeds benefit Good Local Markets, a charity organization dedicated to promoting the local food economy with education and market venues. The menu will feature items from Demases Farms, Texas Honeybee Guild, Kitchen Pride mushrooms and Texas Worm Ranch herbs. The cost is $85 per person and reservations are required.
What it be: Good Local Farm Dinner
When it do: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, October 1
Where dat is: 5310 Junius St.
*****
The 20th annual Lebanese Food Festival is back and better than ever. It's got falafel, it's got kebabs and kafta and kibbeh and tabouli and all manner of dishes that sound funny but are seriously good. The festival runs all weekend long, so you'll have plenty of time to pencil in a cooking demo or two, some folk dancing and, you know, more kebabs. Admission is free.
What it be: Lebanese Food Festival
When it do: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3; 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, October 4
Where dat is: 719 University Place, Lewisville
*****
John Tesar's annual event, which benefits the Dallas Chapter of Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, will feature a host of celebrity chefs from around the country for everyone's favorite alliterative meat and booze extravaganza: Burgers & Burgundy. Chefs including Matt McCallister from FT33 and Kris Morningstar of Terrine in Los Angeles will cook their rendition of burger sliders, which will be paired with a Burgundy of their choice. Tickets start at $85.
What it be: Chef John Tesar's Burgers & Burgundy
When it do: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, October 2
Where dat is: 4637 Meadowood Road
*****
Like sleeping on the ground, home brewing and meeting other people who do? Well then do I have an event for you. Texas Beer Camp, a 24-hour camping event in Princeton, is slated to be just like the camps of your youth. Well, except for brewing demos, a Beer Glass Swap Meet and, you know, pervasive alcohol consumption. But the sleeping outside part is still the same. And maybe the pervasive alcohol consumption. Entry costs $40 per person.
What it be: Texas Beer Camp 2015
When it do: Saturday, October 3, and Sunday, October 4
Where dat is: 2177 County RD 494, Princeton
*****
Beer + bikes = what could go wrong? Sponsored by Bike Friendly Oak Cliff, the Bicycle Brewery Tour is a 10-13 mile ride on city streets with stops at four breweries. Riders will meet at 11 a.m. at the west entrance of the Continental Avenue Pedestrian Bridge where wristbands will be disbursed for brewery discounts. Participating breweries are Community Beer Co.,Tupps tap takeover at the Foundry, Braindead Brewing and Cold Beer Co.
What it be: Cyclesomatic - Bicycle Brewery Tour: The Fall Edition
When it do: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, October 3
Where dat is: 122 Continental Ave.
*****
Augustine of Hippo once said, "The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." This metaphor lends itself rather well to my personal ethos, wherein I believe the world is a smoker and those who do not travel eat only one brisket. If you happen to be one of those unfortunate souls who have not braved the back roads of Texas for the promise of smoke rings, all is not lost, for Smoked Dallas brings with it a myriad of prized barbecue from all over the state. There will be Black's Barbeque from Lockhart, Bee Cave's Schmidt Family Barbeque, BBQ on the Brazos based out of Cresson and many more. VIP tickets are $90 and BBQ tasting tickets are $45; tastings are included with either ticket.
What it be: Smoked Dallas
When it do: 1-10 p.m. Saturday, October 3
Where dat is: 1902 Main St.
*****
Exterminate! That's what a Dalek says when it sees a Pop-Tart or other poor excuse for brunch food. Join fellow Doctor Who lovers for a geek-tastic brunch at the Winewood Grill in Grapevine. Then, head to the British Emporium for Doctor Who Day festivities. Tickets are $25 for this ladies-only event.
What it be: Geek Girl Brunch: Doctor Who
When it do: 11:15 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, October 4
Where dat is: 1265 S. Main St.
*****