3rd Annual Caribbean Rum Fest @ House of Deréon Friday, noon to 10 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to Sunday 2 a.m. 2204 Crawford Street
The two-day rum-stravaganza is back with more cocktails, history, tastings and Caribbean music! There will be live performances by more than two dozen artists, a bartender flair competition, a best cocktail contest and a competition to see who can cook up the best curry dish, jerk dish, veggie dish and rum-inspired creation. There will also be lawn space for creative-types to set up with a canvas and a cocktail and get inspired. The after party on Saturday night will celebrate the winners and get even rowdier. It's free with a Rum Fest wristband or $15 to $20 at the entrance. There are five different ticket levels for Rum Fest, but a single day non-VIP ticket costs $30 plus tax. Check out the schedule online to plan your visit. Oh, and hydrate plenty the day before. It's gonna be hot, and there's gonna be a lot of rum.
EaDo Pub Crawl @ 8th Wonder Brewery Friday, 5 p.m. 2202 Dallas Street
Friday is the second annual EaDo Pub Crawl benefitting Air Alliance Houston. The pub crawl starts at 8th Wonder Brewery at 5 p.m. before moving on to Lucky's, Mojeauxs, Little Woodrow's and Walker Street Gastro Pub. During the pub crawl, there will also be an eco-friendly street art festival, live music and food from the Eatsie Boys food truck. Tickets for the pub crawl are $15 and include a limited edition pub crawl pint glass and admission to the O'Brother concert at Warehouse Live at 8:30 p.m. For a $33 ticket, you get admission to both the pub crawl and the Houston Dynamo vs. Seattle Sounders game the following day.
Beer Tasting with Drink of Ages @ Growler's Beer & Wine Co. Friday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 1005 Waugh Drive
The radio show Drink of Ages, which focuses on home brewing and the craft beer industry, wine and spirits on 92.1 on Saturdays from 7 to 8 p.m. is hosting a beer tasting. The hosts, Jon Denman and Preston Brown will be at Growler's on Friday evening to host guests for a craft beer tasting and discussion. Both Denman and Brown are long-time home brewers, and Denman even offers free classes at Backyard Home Brewers and Education Center in Humble to help educate the public on good beer. You don't need any tickets; just show up and buy a pint or two.
Battle of the Bands and One Pot Cook-Off @ Braman Winery Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m. 3333 FM 359 in Richmond
Braman Winery is hosting a battle of the bands and cook-off in their tasting room to benefit VETSports, a National Wounded Warrior non-profit organization. Teams of four will compete to cook the best one-pot dish, with first prize receiving a case of wine (and, according to Braman, bragging rights for a year). Second and third place prizes will also be awarded. The Warrior Spirit Band, a group of veterans who use their music to empower wounded vets, will perform at 4 p.m. Tickets aren't necessary, but tastings at the winery will, of course, require some funds, all of which will benefit VETSports.
Veggie Cooking Class @ Wabash Antiques and Feed Store Sunday, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. 5701 Washington Avenue
Vegetables can be healthy and delicious, and Wabash Antiques and Feed Store wants to prove it to you! At the free class, instructor Joe Bozwell will show you simple ways to move your vegetables from your garden to your plate. He'll present ways to cook veggies fast and even get the kiddos to eat them too. He figures that if you or your family think you don't like certain vegetables, you're cooking them wrong. Admission is free. Just bring some sunscreen and an open mind.