What it be: National Cheddar Fries Day
When it do: Friday, April 20
Where dat is: Multiple locations
******
5Ks come in all flavors these days. In October, runners don lederhosen and quench their thirst not with water but with dark German beer. Then there are the color runs, the disco runs and the rubber-duck-inspired runs. But among these novel exercises in community and, well, exercise, you will find the Velvet Hammer 5k. This race features a 5K run and walk followed by an after-party where finishers are treated to three Peticolas brews of their choosing. Goal-oriented physical exertion followed by beer? Sounds about right. Tickets start at $40.
What it be: Velvet Hammer 5K
When it do: 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, April 21
Where dat is: 1301 Pace St.
*****
All-you-can-eat crawfish.
Now that I have your attention, here's how to get endless mudbugs: Go to Richardson's Church of the Epiphany's annual Crawfish Boil and Pop-Up Art Sale. Purchase a $25 ticket. Eat said crawfish from Fuge's in addition to corn, potatoes and sausage. Then have some brisket and pulled pork from Knight's BBQ, and after that, wash it all down with some ice-cold craft beer samples from Richardson's own Four Bullets Brewery. As if that wasn't all-inclusive enough, you can also check out the art vendors that will set up shop on-site. Because mudbugs and mixed media just make sense, you know?
What it be: Epiphany Crawfish Boil and Pop-Up Art Sale
When it do: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 21
Where dat is: 421 Custer Road, Richardson
*****
Break out the washboard, it's Big Mamou time. Traders Village has expanded its annual crawfish and Cajun music festival to cover two weekends this year, and this Saturday and Sunday are your last chances to enjoy all that Mamou has to offer. Delicious Louisiana cuisine will be available for purchase, from boiled crawfish to shrimp gumbo and etouffee. Cajun music will begin at noon each day to help put you in that cajun state of mind. Admission is free, while parking is $4.
What it be: Big Mamou Cajun Festival
When it do: Noon-5 p.m. Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22
Where dat is: 2602 Mayfield Road, Grand Prairie
*****
Dogfish devotees, the wait is over. Dogfishtival, the Common Table's annual ode to Dogfish Head beer, is back for another round. The beer list includes an impressive mix of crowd-pleasers, rares and vintages from 60 Minute to wood-aged Bitches Brew. The event is free to attend — but sorry, you still have to pay for the beer.
What it be: Dogfishtival VIII: Live and Let Dogfish
When it do: 3 p.m. Saturday, April-2 a.m. Sunday, April 22
Where dat is: 2917 Fairmount St.
*****
Our favorite recurring pop-up is back as Dude, Sweet Chocolate's Katherine Clapner and local food photographer Manny Rodriguez team up for a Sunday brunch pop-up featuring Cuban cortados and fresh-baked goodies served out of Rodriguez's gorgeous photo studio behind the Belmont. On the menu this week: Frito pie-stuffed Parker House rolls, ricotta-tomato jam brioche buns made with Slow Bone bacon, grapefruit-walnut crunch caramel hand pies and rice pudding and apricot "Pop-Tarts."
What it be: Clapner and Rodriguez pop-up
When it do: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, April 22
Where dat is: 1007 Fort Worth Ave.
*****
The Granada is getting in on the crawfish boil action, and they're doing it in true music venue style. Bugs and Brews will be held behind the theater, where musicians and mudbugs will come together in name of good times. A $22 ticket includes 2 lbs. of crawfish and access to Club Wood, Silas Nello, Vandoliers and The Free Loaders. Kids 10 and under are free with a ticketed adult.
What it be: Bugs and Brews
When it do: 2-9 p.m. Sunday, April 22
Where dat is: 3524 Greenville Ave.
*****
A Japanese food festival in Deep Ellum? This weekend, Niwa is making it happen. The Deep Ellum Japanese barbecue joint teamed up with Y's Catering Kitchen, George Kaiho of Jettison and Ichigoh Ramen (opening this summer) to throw a four-hour fest filled with yakitori skewers, sushi, ramen and cocktails. Admission is free, and each dishes ranges from $3-$7. Come for the food, stay for Taiko Drummers from Dallas Kiyari Daiko. What it be: Haru Matsuri (Spring Japanese food festival)
When it do: 5-9 p.m. Sunday, April 22
Where dat is: 2939 Main St.
