Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are five choice dining events going on around the Twin Cities:
When: Friday, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Loring Park
What: The official kick-off to the 2013 Twin Cities Pride Celebration begins with the Pride Dabbler. Sample fare from 25 of Minnesota's food trucks paired with craft beer from 25 local breweries. Each food truck will highlight one menu item specially paired with a local brew for $3 each, in addition to their regular menu offerings. All craft beer sampling is included in the ticket price. For pairing list, entertainment lineup, and ticket information, click here.
2) Food Truck Fair
When: Sunday, 3 to 8 p.m.
Where: Hennepin Ave & Lake St
What: The second annual Minnesota Food Truck Fair showcases 29 local food trucks, local craft beers, and live music from Minnesota bands. And, this year, the event is free. Food is purchased directly from the food trucks with cash/credit. Drink tickets will be purchased at tickets/wristband locations scattered about the event. Check out the fair's website here.
3) Twin Cities Jazz Festival
When: Friday, 4 to 10:30 p.m. and Saturday, 1 to 10:30 p.m.
Where: Mears Park
What: This free, outdoor jazz festival turns 15 this year. Lowerton restaurants Bulldog, Heartland, Senor Wong, Black Dog, and Barrio will be selling food items such as catfish, tacos, sausages, french fries, vegan and veggie wraps, ice cream, lemonade, hot dogs, sweet potato fries, and fresh fruit. Food trucks Fork in the Road and Cave Café will also be around. See the full festival lineup here.
4) Uptown Pride Block Party
When: Friday, 6 to 10 p.m.
Where: Bryant Ave & Lake St
What: This free event also kicks off 2013 Pride weekend with local bands, karaoke, food, and drinks. The Bryant Lake Bowl will be serving up their usual picnic foods sourced from local farms and will have a full bar serving beer (Fulton, Lagunitas, Bell's, PBR Tallboys), wine, and cocktails. See music lineup here.
When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Loring Park
What: The 41st Pride Festival in Loring Park features over 400 exhibitors, 40 food and beverage booths in this free celebration of the GLBT community. Check out the parade, art shows, concerts, and more during this weekend-long event. For detailed information and times, check out the festival's website.
Also of Note: Lift Bridge is throwing a release party for the return of Pathway Pilsner at their taproom (Saturday 6 to 10 p.m.). Summit's Taproom Friday (3 to 8 p.m.) will feature food truck Rusty Taco and bar trivia starting at 6 p.m. Enki Brewing in Victoria opens its taproom doors at noon on Saturday. Punch Pizza is serving up $1 pints of Fulton when you buy a pizza (through Sunday) during its Fire & Craft Beer Festival. Bad Weather Brewing invites you to meet the brewer during pizza night at Sun Street Breads (Monday, 6 to 8 p.m.).
—Lindsay Abraham
