Sonny's BBQ is now offering a special limited time menu called Smoke & Fire

It may be the end of summer, but August has a bounty of foodie-centric events happening. From the starts of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining to events like Sip and Savor Weeks, special wine and beer dinners, and more, your taste buds and tummy will be very happy!

Here is the list of Central Florida Foodie Events for August 2019:

AUGUST 1

Canvas Restaurant & Market, Lake Nona – Wine Pairing Dinner
Cost: $95
Enjoy a five-course pairing dinner featuring the wines of the Tavistock Reserve Collection.

Peterbrooke Chocolatier of Winter Park – Chocolate Summer Camp!
Cost: $49.50
Tuesday classes are about Candy Curation where you create custom chocolate bars down to the wrapppers. Wednesday and Thursday classes are Chocolatier Classes where you learn about where chocolate comes from and the science of tempering chocolate, then build a gift basket to take home.

AUGUST 1 – SEPTEMBER 2

Disney Springs, Walt Disney World – Flavors of Florida
Cost: Varies
Enjoy a slice of summer flavors with a selection of perfectly paired Florida dishes, cocktails, and brews. Over 20 participating venues are offering special menu items during this promotion.

AUGUST 2

The Alfond Inn, Winter Park – The Inquisitor Wine Dinner
Cost: $125
Chef Stephen and The Inquisitor takes you on a Journey to South Africa where you will enjoy a bounty of crisp wines and 5-courses of savory food.

The COOP, Winter Park – Southern Feast Fridays
Cost: $18.99 adults/$9.49 kids
The first Friday of the month, fill the family up with bottomless plates of signature classics and some good ‘ole Southern hospitality. Click the link above for this month’s menu.

The Greenery Creamery, Orlando – National Ice Cream Sandwich Day
Enjoy Vegan Donut x Ice Cream pairings with Orlandough for $6.50 each.

Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream – National Ice Cream Sandwich Day
Enjoy Orlandough Donut Ice Cream Sandwiches in Vanilla Glazed with Rainbow Sprinkles, Hibiscus Orange Blossom, and Oreo Brioche.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Universal Orlando – Jake’s Beer Dinner featuring Walking Tree Brewery
Cost: $55
The dinner features five expertly prepared dinner courses that the hotel’s award-winning chefs pair with local or regional specialty craft beers.

AUGUST 3

Norman’s at The Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes, Orlando – Movin’ Out Party
Cost: $195
Norman’s is sadly closing at the end of the month, but they’re throwing an incredible closing party. Namesake Chef Norman Van Aken will be joined by Guest Chefs Dean Fearing, Edward Lee and Ming Tsai, plus local guest chefs Kristy Carlucci, James & Julie Petrakis, Gloriann Rivera, Rabii Saber, Fabrizo Schenardi and Camilo Velasco.

AUGUST 4

DaJen Eats, Eatonville – One Year Anniversary Brunch
DaJen is celebrating with an exclusive vegan menu curated just for the celebration.

AUGUST 5

Epicurean Hotel, Tampa – Epic Chef Showdown: Noble Crust vs. The Rooster & The Till
Cost: $250 (Package of Two Tickets)
The Epic Chef Showdown is a seven-week competition pitting eight of the Tampa Bay area’s top restaurants against each other in a friendly cooking competition judged by a panel of local celebrities.

AUGUST 5 – 7

Renaissance Orlando at Seaworld, Orlando – Florida Brewers Conference
Cost: $65 – $285
oin the Florida Brewers Guild for two days of networking, education and informative workshops tailored to the Florida craft brewing industry at the third Florida Brewers Conference.

AUGUST 5 – 18

Various Orlando Main Street Districts Locations – Sip and Savor Weeks
Sponsored by the Audubon Park Garden District, Mills 50, Ivanhoe Village, The Milk District, Thornton Park District, College Park Main Street and SODO District, Sip and Savor celebrates the great food and drink of these collective Orlando Main Streets with specially priced menus.

AUGUST 6

Center for Health & Wellbeing, Winter Park – Cooking with Chef Collette: Well-Fed with the Mediterranean Diet
Cost: $35
Join Nourish Coffee Bar + Kitchen Chef Collette Haw in the Empowered Kitchen as she teaches healthy recipes inspired by the Mediterranean Diet.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Orlando – Food for Thought Tour
During this free one-hour information session you will learn more about who is hungry in our community and then take a walking tour of the food bank to see how they operate. Lunch or snacks are also provided.

AUGUST 6 – 8

AUGUST 7

The Hammered Lamb, Orlando – Wine Pairing & Dinner
Cost: $65
Enjoy a 4 course dinner with a wine paring with Wine Personality, Linda K Sullivan.

Marlow’s Tavern – Lee Vista, Orlando – 3rd Anniversary Celebration
There will be the return of classic menu items, live music, giveaways, and more.

Sonny’s BBQ (all locations) – Sonny’s 90th Birthday Deal
Founder of Sonny’s BBQ, Sonny Tillman, is turning 90 on August 14. To celebrate, today only, all Signature Pork favorites are 50% off in honor of the brand’s month-long celebration.

AUGUST 8

Digress, Orlando – Bungalower Hosts Blind Wine Tasting Extravaganza
Cost: $28.17
The wines for the evening will be served in a “blind” format that’s both an educational and enjoyable way to discover your own tastes. Enjoy a delicious Rose Reception before exploring a flight of three whites and a flight of three reds.

The District Market At Mills 50, Orlando – International Plant-Based Comfort Food Pop-Up
For this month’s pop-up, there will be a Plant-Based Miso Ramen for purchase featuring Thick Red Miso based broth served with Chasu soy based ground Purk, Enoki Mushroom, Roasted tomato, scallions, onion flowers, cilantro, Black sesame seeds and chili oil.

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, Orlando – National Frozen Custard Day
Enjoy a promotional size of their award winning Frozen Custard in a cup or cone for just 99 cents all day. One per person.

AUGUST 9

Hard Rock Hotel, Universal Orlando – Wine Riffs featuring Kobrand Italian Wines
Cost: $125; 21+ to attend
Listen to Kobrand’s Mauro Maugliani take you on an Italian wine adventure, taste the culinary pairings from Hard Rock’s award-winning chefs and enjoy a custom soundtrack set to the mood of the evening.

Red Pig Brewery, Holly Hill – Vegan Seafood Pop-Up
Oh My Cod Vegan Seafood Co. will have their Banana Blossom Fish & Chips, Fried Shrymp Basket, Crabby Cakes with chipotle aioli, Coconut Shrymp & LOBSTA Mac and Cheese for purchase.

AUGUST 9 – 11

Dead Lizard Brewing Company, Orlando – 3-Year Celebration
Enjoy select $3 beers all weekend, live music, food trucks, and a night market.

AUGUST 10

Good Crowd, Orlando – Orlandough Pop-Up
Serving up a full line up of their usual crazy donuts, pop tarts, and macarons free of animal products.

East End Market, Orlando – Feast with Papa Llama
Cost: $60
A chef’s choice celebration of the varied cuisines experienced on the salty Pacific shoreline, mountainous Andean region, and lush Amazon rainforest with influences from Peru’s diverse immigrant roots. Multiple seatings.

Hourglass Brewing, Longwood – 7 Year Anniversary
The day will be filled with epic collaborations, cans, specialty releases, and live music.

The Sanctum Cafe, Orlando – Proper & Wild vs The Sanctum Veggie Burger Brawl
Cost: $30-$40
Chef Eddie Matta of Proper & Wild vs. Chef Kelsey Moreau of The Sanctum Cafe are battling to take home the coveted Golden Spatula in this Veggie Burger Brawl.

Zanzibar Coffee House, Longwood – Vegan Crepes Brunch & Back to School Donation
Enjoy sweet, savory, delicious vegan crepes, and please bring a school supplies donation (pencils, eraser, books, crayons etc).

AUGUST 10 – 11

East End Market, Orlando – National S’mores Day Weekend
Sugar Rush Marshmallows will do a pop-up featuring all of your favorites plus eating contests, s’moresgasboard platters, giveaways and more.

AUGUST 11

DaJen Eats, Eatonville – Dinner & A Story: The Other Americans
Cost: $15
Discuss the book of the month, “The Other Americans” by Laila Lalami., while enjoying a vegan meal of Aubergine Hill and Gully Slide, along with Moroccan Tea Time: Harcha and Preserves with Mint Tea.

Dead Lizard Brewing Company, Orlando – French Quarter Cuisine Pop-Up
The Fleur D’Elise food truck will be serving up the best of New Orleans food for purchase.

Plant Mission Kitchen, Orlando – Mango Tasting Party
Cost: $15 adv/$20 day of
Price includes a guided tasting of 12 different mango varieties
and refreshing holy basil and butterfly pea iced tea to cleanse your pallate. Mangoes and Mango Trees will be available for purchase at the event.

The Royal Palm Railway Experience, Tavares – Wop’s Hops on the Royal Palm
Cost: $45
Enjoy a 4-course meal will be served with Wops Hops beer pairings as you ride the train.

The Wine Room, Winter Park – 4th Annual Italian Wine & Cheese Festival
Cost: $75
Sample over 30 wines and cheeses during this fest which tends to sell out.

AUGUST 13

Boca Winter Park – Wine, Cheese and Chocolate
Cost: $25
Enjoy tastings of decadent chocolate and cheeses paired with a glass of wine of your choice.

Frontera Cocina, Disney Springs – An Evening with Chef Bayless
Cost: $100
Chef Rick Bayless will personally bring the flavors of Yucatán to Frontera Cocina for an intimate experience, including a cocktail reception, recipe demonstration and menu tasting.

Luma on Park, Winter Park – Wines Around the World Dinner
Cost: $150
Enjoy a 7-Course wine paired dinner with special guest Master Sommelier John Blazon.

Paddlefish, Disney Springs – Rooftop Wine Experience
Cost: $40
Enjoy a monthly wine experience and discussion lead by their Sommelier team featuring wine flights from around the globe and light bites from the kitchen. This month’s theme is “Old World Whites, Remarkable Whites.”

AUGUST 14

Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe, Sanford – Wegan Night at Hollerbach’s
Cost: $30 with optional beer ($15) or wine ($25) pairing
Presented in partnership with Orlando Vegans, enjoy a special 3-course German vegan dinner.

Terralina Crafted Italian, Disney Springs – Tony Mantuano Wine Dinner: A Taste of Tuscany
Cost: $110
The evening features an exclusive 4-course dinner with James Beard Award winner Tony Mantuano and Executive Chef Justin Plank including Italian wine pairings.

The Vineyard Orlando – Torri Mor Winemaker Dinner
Cost: $70
Enjoy an evening with Winemaker Jon Tomaselli of Torri Mor with a 3-course wine dinner.

AUGUST 15

The District Market At Mills 50, Orlando – Vegan Crumbles Free Tasting
No Meat No Cheese’s creator Erica will offer flatbread samples of her line, and they will also be available for purchase.

Sonny’s BBQ (all locations) – Sonny’s 90th Birthday Deal
Founder of Sonny’s BBQ, Sonny Tillman, is turning 90 on August 14. To celebrate, today only, get a $9 St. Louis Rib dinner, featuring your choice of Sweet & Smokey or House Dry-Rubbed ribs, choice of two sidekicks and bread.

AUGUST 16

Albert Whitted Park, St. Petersburg – Tater Tot Throwdown
Cost: Free admission; Food and dring for purchase
A line-up of food trucks will serve up Tater Tot dishes as well as offering their normal cuisine.

Amalie Arena, Tampa – Bolts Brew Fest 2019
Cost: $50 general; $110 VIP
The Tampa Bay Lightning, is bringing back its craft beer drinking event, Bolts Brew Fest, with more than 200 samplings from over 50 local and national brands. A portion of all proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.

East End Market, Orlando – August Evening Exchange
Admission is free to this monthly event featuring live interactive workshops, trendsetting makers, culinary demonstrations (register in advance), specialty cocktail bars, food specials and more.

Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, Walt Disney World – La Luce® La Cena D’estate Cucina e Cocktails
Cost: $125
Enjoy a five-course dinner paired perfectly with innovative cocktails created by La Luce’s very own mixologists.

Publix Apron School, Dr. Phillips – Aprons Collaborative Beer Dinner Series: Crooked Can & 10 Ten
Cost: $45
Join the Aprons Chefs and Head Brewers Kreis Holland (Tactical Brewing) & Todd Glass (Crooked Can Brewing) for an evening of great local beers (including a special 1-time crafted beer for this dinner ONLY) and Chef inspired food pairings.

Rosen Centre Hotel, Orlando – Harry’s Sip & Savor: A Poolside Pairing Series
Cost: $60
The next installment of Harry’s Sip & Savor – A Poolside Pairing Series features multiple craft beers by the masters at Central 28 Beer Company paired with a menu created by Harry’s Chef Tello.

AUGUST 17

Celery City Craft, Sanford – Sanford Food Truck Fiesta
Cost: Free admission; food for purchase
Grab food from 20+ food trucks, drinks from the bars, enjoy live music outside, and plenty of tables and chairs to sit and eat your food truck bounty.

Lake Eola Park, Orlando – 5th Annual Mexican Gastronomic Festival
Cost: Free general admission; $20 VIP
LCHA and the Mexican Consulate in Orlando host the biggest and best Mexican food Festival in Orlando showcasing the best Mexican food in central Florida for purchase.

Miami Grill, Kissimmee – Grand Opening
From 11am-4pm, Miami Grill celebrates its new Kissimmee location with free face painting, DJ, Games, Food Samplings, and a chance to win Florida Theme Park Tickets.

Publix Apron School, Lakeland – An Evening with Evaton Winery
Cost: $50
Evaton imports wines and spirits from specialty regions around the world, with a focus on Iberian table wines. Enjoy them paired with a 4-course dinner.

Publix Apron School, Winter Park – Aprons Collaborative Beer Dinner Series: Crooked Can & 10 Ten
Cost: $45
Join the Aprons Chefs and Head Brewers Kreis Holland (Tactical Brewing) & Todd Glass (Crooked Can Brewing) for an evening of great local beers (including a special 1-time crafted beer for this dinner ONLY) and Chef inspired food pairings.

Reiter Park, Longwood – Wine & Jazz Festival
Cost: $10 general admission; $25 and up for Wine tasting; food for purchase
Enjoy 50 wine stops and food trucks along with live jazz music.

Reyes Mezcaleria, Orlando – Eloteria – Mexican Bingo & Bottomless Elotes
Cost: $10
Join Reyes Mezcaleria for ELOTERIA, a fun mashup of Mexican bingo with a bottomless elote bar.

Swirlery Wine Bar, Orlando – French Quarter Cuisine Pop-Up
The Fleur D’Elise food truck will be serving up the best of New Orleans food for purchase.

Wall St. Plaza, Orlando – MargaritaFest 10
Cost: $20 general admission; $35 VIP
Enjoy 3hrs of unlimited Margarita sampling from 5-8pm. VIP includes a Tequila Tasting, complimentary Corona beers and full-sized select Tequila drinks.

AUGUST 17 – 18

Lakeridge Winery, Clermont – 25th Annual Harvest Grape Stomp
Cost: $10
Enjoy the annual grape stomping, with live music, plus Lakeridge wine, beer, soft drinks and a variety of food will be available for purchase, along with complimentary Winery tours and tasting. A portion of the proceeds go to support the Alzheimers Family Organization.

AUGUST 17 – SEPTEMBER 8

Busch Gardens, Tampa – Bier Fest
Cost: Park admission required; Samples for purchase
This festival blends the local Tampa bay craft scene with time-honored traditions to create a unique food and beer celebration. Enjoy live entertainment and contemporary fare that pays homage to a traditional Oktoberfest with a modern spin.

AUGUST 19

Edible Education Experience, Orlando – Chef Night featuring Gary Appelsies
Cost: $70 adult; $30 kids
Nutritionist, Chef, YMCA Director of Healthy Eating, Gary Appelsies
will whip up a garden-inspired eggplant parmesan. Plus Kendra Lott, Publisher of EDIBLE ORLANDO MAGAZINE and Author of Unique Eats & Eateries will conduct a book signing and everyone will make a dessert from her book.

The Osprey Tavern, Orlando – Florida Oyster Revival Dinner
Cost: $60
Chefs Elek Kovacs, Huy Tin and Wendy Lopez will be teaming up with local oyster farmer and supplier, Colin Slemkewicz, of Sublime Oysters in Panacea to prepare dishes featuring the Florida oyster. Includes beverage pairings.

AUGUST 20

The Heavy WP, Winter Park – Pulptown Monthly Meetup
Cost: Free admission; Drinks for purchase
This month, Pulptown teams up with The Heavy WP to dive into the world of sober curious bars and beverages.

Mia’s Italian Kitchen, Orlando – Tour of Italy Wine Dinner
Cost: $90
Enjoy a 5-course Italian dinner paired with wines from the Southern Italy region of Puglia.

Whippoorwill Beer House, Orlando – JAM Hot Chicken Pop-Up!
JAM Hot Chicken will be serving up “REAL Nashville (and L.A.) inspired” Hot Chicken for purchase.

AUGUST 21

Five Star Liquor & Wine, Longwood – Breaker Bourbon Tasting
From 5-7pm meet Stephen Gertman, the master distiller for Breaker Bourbon, and sample some whiskey.

Orlando Brewing, Orlando – Doughnut and Beer Pairing
Cost: $20
Dig into sweet & savory organic mini doughnuts paired perfectly with four organic brews (5 ounces).

Paddlefish, Disney Springs – Beer Dinner
Cost: $75
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind beer experience complete with a 4-course dinner and seasonal beers pairings from Big Top Brewing Company.

Santiago’s Bodega, Altamonte Springs – Italian Wine Dinner
Cost: $65
Enjoy a 5-course Italian dinner with Italian wines.

Sonny’s BBQ (all locations) – Sonny’s 90th Birthday Deal
Founder of Sonny’s BBQ, Sonny Tillman, is turning 90 on August 14. To celebrate, today only, enjoy $6.99 All-You-Can-Eat Chicken in honor of the brand’s month-long celebration.

AUGUST 22

AUGUST 23

Lucky’s Market, Winter Park – A Spoon Full of Hope Sampling Event
From 4-7pm, sample A Spoon Full of Hope’s soup and Honey For Good. The line is produced by Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida to raise money for their programs.

AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 30

Various Locations – Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining
This year, over 120 of the Orlando area’s fine dining restaurants will be offering a $35 three-course prix fixe dinner menu showcasing the best of their dishes. It’s a great way to try new restaurants on your list, or rediscover old favorites.

AUGUST 24

Adjectives Market, Altamonte Springs – Heartsong Cookies Pop-Up
Heartsong Cookies offers a wide variety of flavors, including delicious tasting gluten and allergy-free options.

À La Cart Orlando – SourFest
Enjoy a variety of Sour beers for purchase, and special food truck menu items to pair with these tart and funky brews.

Coppertail Brewing Co, Tampa – 5 Year Anniversary
Cost: Free general admission; $60 VIP
Enjoy Berliners, Foeder sours and other diverse styles on tap from them as well as guest taps for purchase. VIP includes commemorative glass, 5 year shirt, special bottle release, access VIP lounge area with food and complimentary beer. There will also be a pig roast and more.

Mission Inn Resort and Club, Howey in the Hills – Five Course Wine Dinner
Cost: $95
Enjoy a 5-course dinner featuring limited edition wine pairings from Jackson Family Wines.

Publix Apron School, Winter Park – An Evening with Evaton Winery
Cost: $50
Evaton imports wines and spirits from specialty regions around the world, with a focus on Iberian table wines. Enjoy them paired with a 4-course dinner

AUGUST 25

Armature Works, Tampa – Halfway There: A Festival of Beer
Cost: $35 advance/$50 day of
Each includes a commemorative sampling glass and unlimited samples of beer from the 60 attending breweries (while supplies last).

Rosen JCC, Orlando – 10th Annual Taste of the J
Cost: Free admission
From noon to 2:30pm, Come out and get a taste of what the best local restaurants have to offer with complimentary food samples, family activities, and entertainment. You’ll also get a taste of all the wonderful programs the JCC has to offer.

Tony Roma’s, Orlando – Rib Eating Contest
In recognition of National Baby Back Ribs Day on September 3rd, select Tony Roma’s restaurants in the U.S. will invite guests to compete for the title #RIBCHAMP and win free ribs for an entire year. Enter to compete before August 15th here: tonyromas.com/ribchamp

AUGUST 28

À La Cart, Orlando – Bell’s Beer Dinner
Cost: $40
Bell’s Brewing out of Kalamazoo, MI hosts this dinner and will pair its brews with food from À La Cart’s vendors.

The Veranda at Thornton Park, Orlando – Orlando Vegan Market
This all-vegan market will feature The Bearded Vegan, Chi & Ki, Flavorful Chips, Avenue Eatery, CayCakes Bakery, Purple Ocean, and more.

AUGUST 29

Fun Spot America, Orlando – National Night Out Taste of I-Drive
Cost: Free admission
Come say hello to your Orlando Police Department Patrol Officers and local businesses at this free event. There will also be free food & drink, giveaways, and more.

Lucky’s Market SODO, Orlando – A Spoon Full of Hope Sampling Event
From 4-7pm, sample A Spoon Full of Hope’s soup and Honey For Good. The line is produced by Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida to raise money for their programs.

Orlando Brewing, Orlando – Artisanal Cheese & Beer Pairing
Cost: $20
Join Orlando Brewing for a night of cheese and beer with DAN THE CHEESE MAN (Certified Cheese Expert) and THE SALTY COW.

Swirlery Wine Bar, Orlando – South African Wine Tasting
Cost: TBA
Enjoy a wine class and tasting of South Africa wines.

AUGUST 29 – NOVEMBER 23

Epcot, Walt Disney World – International Food & Wine Festival
Cost: Park admission required; Samples average $4-$12
This annual event features seminars and workshops, fine dining events, appearances by top celebrity chefs, a free concert series, and bites and sips from 30+ regions around the globe.

AUGUST 30

Dead Lizard Brewing Company, Orlando – Tipsy Cookies, Brownies, and Beer Pairing
Cost: $20
Enjoy crafted tipsy cookies and brownies made with liquor, paired perfectly with refreshing craft beer.

Publix Apron School, Dr. Phillips – Wine & Dine: Willamette Valley
Cost: $50
Enjoy a 4-course chef-inspired menu paired with some amazing Oregon wines.

Publix Apron School, Winter Park – An Evening with Executive Chef Adrienne Grenier & a Portfolio of Craft Beer
Cost: $50
Join Executive Chef Adrienne Grenier, a Food Network Chopped champion, as she exemplifies pairing a portfolio of beers with the right foods.

AUGUST 31

Deviant Wolfe Brewing, Sanford – Bacon and Beer Pairing
Cost: TBA
The Tennessee Truffle is creating a delicious bacon concoction appetizer that will be paired with a Deviant Wolfe Brewing beer flight.

The District Market At Mills 50, Orlando – Vegan Soul Food Party
Che Che Vegan celebrates its one year anniversary pop-up with a menu of Vegan soul food for purchase. There will be a chance to win a week worth of meal prep meals from them.

Publix Apron School, Dr. Phillips – An Evening with Executive Chef Adrienne Grenier & a Portfolio of Craft Beer
Cost: $50
Join Executive Chef Adrienne Grenier, a Food Network Chopped champion, as she exemplifies pairing a portfolio of beers with the right foods.

Keep this page bookmarked because I’ll be adding events as they’re announced throughout the month. Plus let me know in comments which events you’re interested in or if I’ve missed an event.

About the Author
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About Michelle Snow

Michelle is the owner and editor of CitySurfing Orlando. She also owns Zengrrl.com, is a freelance writer specializing in travel and entertainment, and has authored/co-authored four guidebooks on Orlando and Florida. She lives in Orlando near Disney, and hears Magic Kingdom fireworks every night.