Get Festive: Blues, Brews & BBQ and Las Olas Wine & Food 2013

Get Festive: Blues, Brews & BBQ and Las Olas Wine & Food 2013

April is prime time to eat, drink & celebrate at these annual festivals…

The sixth annual Blues, Brews and BBQ sets up shop at Seminole Casino Coconut Creek April 20. From 2-11pm, feast on live music, over 100 beers and "some of the best BBQ in South Florida." Performers include Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band (3-3:45pm), Albert Cummings (4:15-5pm), Bonerama (5:30-7pm), Tab Benoit (7-8:30pm) and North Mississippi All-Stars  (9-10:30pm). A “People’s Choice” cash prize and trophy will be awarded to the top craft beer and for first, second and third places for best BBQ. $25 general admission, $50 VIP admission, purchase Ticketmaster.com.

The 18th annual Las Olas Wine & Food Festival returns to Fort Lauderdale April 14-19. The lineup includes:

• April 14: Guests can purchase a $20 wine card at Las Olas Wine Cafe to sample select wines that will be featured at the street festival, with 20% going back to the American Lung Association in Florida. Deal runs from 12-10pm, live music from 2-6pm
• April 16: Cheese Culture hosts a "Perfect Pairing" seminar from 7-9pm. $50 per person
• April 17: Preston’s hosts popular “Wine Down Wednesday” from 6-9pm and chef Toby Joseph presents a $50 five-course pairing menu
• April 18: Napa Valley’s Chateau Montelena and Tuscan Grill present an evening of live music, interactive food stations and great wine. $65 for unlimited wine, $85 for open premium bar
• April 19: 70  restaurants, 45 wine tables, Weedline Band, Pan Vibes, and DJ Carlos will take over Las Olas Blvd between SE 6 and 11 Aves from 7:30-10pm. $100 per person

All festival proceeds benefit the American Lung Association in Florida. Get info and tickets at www.lasolaswff.com or 954-727-0907

The 18th annual United Way Miami Wine & Food Festival reinvents itself this year as VERITAGEMIAMI. The four-day event runs April 17 - 20, highlights include:

• April 17: A craft beer tasting at Wynwood Walls
• April 18: A walk-around wine tasting at the Village of Merrick Park
• April 19:  Featured chef Daniel Boulud hosts an interactive dinner at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami
• April 20: Italian chef David Brovelli (Italy's II Sole di Ranco) prepares a wine-paired Italian-themed dinner at the Orion Jet Center

Get info & tickets online