Friday (Oct. 19):
Thurman Loop Oktoberfest @ the intersection of Thurman Ave. and Shenandoah Ave. At this Oktoberfest event, get a craft beer fix and enjoy carnival games, a home-brewing workshop and competition, and food from Thurman Grill, La Tropicana and Mojo Tapas. Admission is free. Friday, October 19, from 5 to 11 p.m. and Saturday, October 20, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Around the World Wine Dinner: Oktoberfest Wine-versus-Beer dinner @ Missouri Botanical Garden Enjoy four courses plus hors d'oeuvres created by chefs from Catering St. Louis. Courses include liverwurst dumpling in white wine broth with roasted winter squash, pork shoulder sauerbraten and veal roularden, and pumpkin bread. Each gets paired with its own drink. $58 per person. Call 314-577-0200 for reservations. 6:30 p.m.
Tenth Anniversary @ Third Degree Glass Factory This birthday blowout bash includes a pumpkin death match, special "birthday-tinis," free samples of Frostbite Gourmet ice cream and seasonal tapas such as autumn salad with cheese and pears, with plenty of entertainment to boot. Admission is free. 6 to 10 p.m.
Saturday (Oct. 20):
Gateway Greening Harvest Fair @ Bell Demonstration Garden Sweet potato harvesting, herb vinegar-making with the St. Louis Herb Society, a food presentation by River City Casino chefs, hot coffee and cider, a pot luck lunch and more fun activities abound during this fall fest. Admission is free. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m
Soulard Chili Festival @ Lift For Life Academy While filling that belly with good tasting grub, enjoy live music, craft booths and a wine and beer garden. Tickets cost $7 in advance and $12 at the door for samples from participating competitors such as Joe's Chili Bowl, Local Harvest Cafe & Catering and Hammerstone's. Saturday, October 20, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Food Trucks at the Factory @ Koken Art Factory Head to Koken to load up on eats from participating vendors such as Cha Cha Chow and Guerilla Street Food. Admission is $5. Family fun lasts from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and cocktails become available for big kids from 5 p.m. to midnight.
4 Hands Food Truck Feast @ 4 Hands Brewing Company 4 Hands debuts Smoked Pigasus to enjoy with offerings from Zia's on the Hill, Seoul Taco, Completely Sauced, Sweet Divine and more. The Fifth Wheel also smokes a whole pig, accompanied by live music, a canned food drive, a pumpkin painting station and beer-inspired games. Admission is free. Noon to 8 p.m.
Fall Fling @ Westport Plaza Get a taste of the season with cold weather fare, drinks and live music. Food and drink tastings and regular size portions will be sold individually from Dierdorf & Hart's, Drunken Fish, Paul Mineo's Trattoria and more. Admission is free. 3 to 7 p.m.
30th Anniversary Wine Tasting @ The Wine and Cheese Place Celebrate 30 years with a list of wine including Solitude Chardonnay, Jaqk 22 Black, Volunteer Cabernet Sauvignon and Culver Collecion Red. $10 per person. Call 636-227-9001 for reservations. 6 to 8 p.m.
Sunday (Oct. 21):
Raise the Bar @ The Galerie Craft cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and entertainment await, featuring eight local bars competing for the first "Raise the Bar" title. $50 per person, with a portion of proceeds to benefit Operation Food Search - purchase tickets via the Raise the Bar website. 5 to 9 p.m.
