All in the name of charity, a gigantic, two-day celebration of beer, wine, music and food is offering unlimited samples and unending fun in Grand Central this weekend. The Backlot Wine & Beer weekend is bringing two days of festival excitement to the neighborhood with the Wine and Jazz Festival on Friday, May 20, and the Backlot Beer Fest on Saturday, May 21. The festival location is 2100 3rd Avenue South in the grass lot between 3 Daughters Brewing and the Morean Arts Center for Clay, and tickets are available for either single day or all weekend.

Friday’s Wine and Jazz Festival, from 5-9 pm, offers unlimited sampling from dozens of wine varietals, along with live jazz from Hot Tonic, plus a craft market of more than 30 vendors along with food trucks. VIP tickets earn early entry, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, two full size premium glasses of wine, covered seating, private bathrooms, and priority seating near the stage.

Saturday’s Beer Fest, running from 12-4 pm, features dozens of local breweries and unlimited sampling from the area’s best craft beers. The always-entertaining ‘80s cover band The Spazmatics will take the stage, an artisan market will showcase local makers, and food trucks will be on hand to pair tasty eats with great beer. VIP tickets earn early entry, complimentary food, two full size craft beers, covered seating, private bathrooms, and priority seating near the stage.

In addition to all the drinks, food and fun, Backlot will offer several rounds of incredible giveaways thanks to charitable donations by participating breweries, distributors and sponsors. Highlights include everything from a four-pack of Cigar City’s rare and treasured Hunahpu, to Florida Keys Weekend Getaway with Islamorada Brewing.

Backlot Wine & Beer Weekend supports local charities

As if you needed another excuse to drink, eat and listen to music, the Backlot Wine & Beer Weekend benefits two great local charities, Hero To A Child, and Operation: Craft Beer Drop. The goal of the weekend, organizers explained, is to provide financial support and raise awareness for these two organizations.

Hero To A Child advocates for and supports children, young adults, and families impacted by abuse and neglect in Pinellas and Pasco Counties. The organization collaborates with community partners and the Guardian ad Litem staff and volunteers who support the children they serve.

Operation: Craft Beer Drop is a unique charity designed to serve the military that serves us. The mission is to provide care packages to deployed soldiers by sending them craft beer made from home.

Get your tickets here!

The featured event is organized and produced by 3 Sheets Events. I Love the Burg is not affiliated in the production of Backlot Wine & Beer Weekend.

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