Events
Brews, Bites and Bryant Park
A Brew with a View: West Palm Beach Beer Fest Pours on the Flavor with Craft Beer, Cocktails and Bites at Bryant Park.
August 22nd, 2026
Sunny skies, temperatures reaching 93 degrees and a light breeze coming off the Intracoastal Waterway provided the backdrop for the fifth annual West Palm Beach Beer Fest on Saturday, Aug. 22, as the festival settled into its new waterfront home at Bryant Park.
The move to Lake Worth Beach gave the event additional room for breweries, distilleries, food vendors and other participants while putting the festivities alongside the Intracoastal Waterway. Organizers had touted the larger venue, waterfront views and ability to accommodate additional vendors and guests as major reasons for the move.
With unlimited tastings, live DJ entertainment, food and an extensive mix of local and national beverage companies, there was plenty to explore throughout the evening.
For those looking to make the most of that experience, VIP admission offered a significant head start.
VIP ticket holders were able to enter at 4 p.m., two hours before general admission, providing the first opportunity to sample participating breweries and spirit brands before the larger evening crowd arrived. The package also included a commemorative event T-shirt, VIP swag bag and souvenir tasting cup. General admission began at 6 p.m. and included unlimited tastings and a souvenir cup.
Although I had a VIP ticket, a late arrival meant missing out on much of that early-access window. For anyone considering VIP in the future, getting there when the gates open would be worthwhile. At a festival with this many options, those extra two hours provide considerably more time to explore before general admission begins.
By the time I arrived, however, there was still plenty left to discover.
One of the first stops of the evening was Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., where Nick introduced one of the brewery’s best-selling beers, Hazy Little Thing IPA. The 6.7% ABV IPA offered a smooth, fruit-forward flavor with low bitterness, making it a refreshing way to begin an evening of sampling.
Sierra Nevada was only part of a beverage lineup that stretched well beyond traditional beer. The festival brought together local and national breweries alongside rum, cider, mead, hard soda, ready-to-drink cocktails and non-alcoholic selections. THC-infused beverages were also represented, giving the 21-and-older crowd plenty of options beyond what the festival’s name might suggest.
Nearby, Isadora and Flavia represented Rhonda Rita, a ready-to-drink margarita cocktail featuring bold citrus flavors and smooth tequila notes. The brand traces its roots to Rhonda, a Las Vegas bartender whose personal margarita recipe became a favorite among friends, family and customers before eventually becoming the inspiration for the company.
As the tastings continued, the aromas coming from nearby food vendors provided another reason to explore Bryant Park.
Among them was Empire Baked Goods, a family-run business based in Boynton Beach. Owner and head baker Dan Stein serves freshly baked goods from a commissary kitchen, including Crumbl cake, spinach feta loaf and a variety of savory selections. The family atmosphere extended to the festival, where Stein was joined by his wife and in-laws.
Another highlight came from Hawkers Asian Street Food, represented by Executive Chef Benjamin Combs from the restaurant’s Delray Beach location on East Atlantic Avenue.
Founded by four best friends inspired by their travels throughout Asia, Hawkers has grown well beyond its original location. Its Delray Beach restaurant, located at 640 E. Atlantic Ave., brought some of that street-food influence to the festival.
Among Hawkers’ offerings, the street chicken fried rice stood out as a crowd favorite.
Food and drinks weren’t the only things competing for attention. Live entertainment and local vendors added to the atmosphere, while a Beer Stein Hoist competition hosted by Boston Beer Company gave festivalgoers another way to get involved rather than simply moving from tasting table to tasting table.
The overall beverage roster was extensive. Participants announced for the festival included Funky Buddha, Voodoo Ranger, Pompano Beach Brewing Company, The Tank Brewing Company, La Tropical Brewing, NOXX & DUNN Florida Rum, Rolling Waves Brewing & Distillery, Sam Adams, Great Lakes Brewing Company and others. Non-alcoholic choices were also included in the lineup.
Beyond any individual pour or plate, Bryant Park proved to be a fitting setting for an event built around walking, sampling and socializing. The waterfront location provided an open-air atmosphere while bringing together local businesses, national beverage brands and South Florida food and drink enthusiasts.
The festival also served a community purpose, benefiting the Lake Worth Beach Royal Poinciana Neighborhood Association and its community initiatives.
For this attendee, the fifth annual West Palm Beach Beer Fest left a strong enough impression to warrant a return.
As South Florida’s food, beverage and craft-drink industries continue to grow, the festival also has an opportunity to bring even more local breweries, restaurants and vendors into the mix in the years ahead.
After an evening of sampling what this year’s festival had to offer, a return in 2027 sounds like an easy decision.
From vampire bartenders and a neon coffin photo op to Halloween cocktails and waterfront dancing, Regatta Grove’s Fangtasia was a bloody good time.
November 2, 2026
Halloween in Miami just hits differently. While the rest of the country is bundling up for spooky season, we’re sipping cocktails by the water, dancing under the stars, and apparently hanging out with vampires.
And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.
Regatta Grove in Coconut Grove went all in for Halloween weekend with Fangtasia, a two-night vampire-inspired celebration on October 30 and 31 that turned the waterfront hotspot into a spooky little paradise.
We stopped by to see what all the fang-tastic fun was about, and between the elaborate costumes, DJ, festive cocktails, and vampire staff, there was plenty to love.
The first thing we noticed? Regatta Grove was fully committed to the theme.
Red Halloween decorations transformed the open-air venue, creating a moody atmosphere against the backdrop of Biscayne Bay. Guests showed up in elaborate costumes, bringing plenty of Halloween personality to an already lively setting.
But our favorite detail might have been the staff.
Every staff member was dressed as a vampire.
Yes, even the people making your drinks were embracing their undead era. It’s those little details that make themed events so much more fun, and Regatta Grove definitely understood the assignment.
And then there was the neon coffin photo op, because what’s a vampire party without somewhere to take a ridiculously good Halloween picture?
Let’s just say the photo opportunities were not lacking.
Now, obviously, we need to talk about the drinks.
Fangtasia featured three Halloween specialty cocktails made with Ketel One vodka, each with its own spooky personality.
The Ghoul’s Mule was a Halloween twist on the classic Moscow Mule, made with Ketel One vodka, ginger beer, strawberry, and lime. Fruity, refreshing, and just the right kind of festive for a warm Miami evening.
The Black Widow was one for the espresso martini lovers, combining Ketel One Espresso vodka, cold brew, and coffee liqueur. Dark, coffee-forward, and appropriately named for the occasion. We love a cocktail that matches the dress code.
And finally, the Bloody Good Martini mixed Ketel One vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and strawberry for a citrusy, fruity take on a Halloween martini.
Honestly, who needs a cauldron when the cocktail menu is already this fun?
One of the best things about Regatta Grove is its location. Set right along Biscayne Bay, the Coconut Grove venue already has that laid-back, tropical atmosphere that makes Miami nights so much fun.
But for Fangtasia, things got a little darker.
The red decorations, vampire costumes, and Halloween details gave the venue a completely different personality, while a great DJ kept the energy going throughout the celebration.
And the guests definitely brought their A-game. From elaborate costumes to all-out Halloween looks, the crowd was clearly having fun with the theme.
There was something especially entertaining about seeing such an eerie Halloween atmosphere mixed with palm trees, waterfront views, and Miami’s warm evening breeze.
A little spooky, a little glamorous, and very Miami.
Between the costumed crowd, vampire staff, themed cocktails, and neon coffin photo op, Fangtasia at Regatta Grove was such a fun way to celebrate Halloween in Coconut Grove.
What made the night memorable wasn’t just one big attraction. It was how all the details came together, from the music and decor to the staff getting in on the fun.
And really, a Halloween party where you can dance by Biscayne Bay, sip a Bloody Good Martini, and take photos in a glowing coffin? That’s pretty hard to beat.
Fangtasia may be over for this year, but we’re already curious to see what Regatta Grove has planned next.
Until then, we’ll be keeping our fangs crossed for another round next Halloween.
Regatta Grove | Coconut Grove, Miami
3415 Pan American Drive, Miami, FL 33133
Event: Fangtasia Halloween Celebration
Dates: October 30–31, 2026
Come for the Crab, Stay for the Party: South Beach Serves Up a Saturday Worth Savoring.
South Beach Seafood Festival serves sweet stone crab, buttery shrimp and a Miami soundtrack worth sticking around for.
Fright Nights Delivers Scares, Flavor and a Behind-the-Scenes Look at Halloween Magic.
From pickle-topped pizza and bucking cucumbers to pun-filled fashion and lively music, Boca Raton’s briniest celebration delivered plenty of flavor before lightning crashed the party. (more…)
Six haunted houses, sinister surprises and death-defying entertainment turn Miami’s Jungle Island into a scream-worthy playground where fear and fun collide. (more…)
Horror movie villains on Friday, disco skeletons on Saturday, and two nights of Halloween chaos we absolutely cannot miss.
October 14, 2026
Okay, Fort Lauderdale, Halloween weekend is looking GOOD.
The Wharf Fort Lauderdale is giving us not one, but TWO completely different Halloween parties this year, and honestly, choosing between them feels unfair. One night we’re running from horror movie villains, and the next we’re dancing under disco balls with skeletons. What more could we possibly want?
Whether you’re the type who lives for a good scare or just wants an excuse to wear something outrageous and dance all night, The Wharf has plans for you.
And yes, we’re already thinking about costumes.
Friday, October 30: Slasher Drive-In
Remember when horror movies were all about creepy drive-in theaters, questionable decisions, and someone inevitably running in the wrong direction?
Well, The Wharf is bringing that energy back with Slasher Drive-In, an old-school horror-inspired Halloween party that sounds equal parts terrifying and ridiculously fun.
The venue is transforming into a vintage-style drive-in movie theater, complete with a throwback concession stand serving movie-night snacks.
Cute, right?
Except there’s one tiny problem.
Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, Ghostface, and Leatherface are all on the guest list.
Yes, the horror icons themselves will be roaming around the venue throughout the night, so maybe think twice before wandering off alone.
We love a good Halloween theme, but this one sounds like you’re stepping straight into your favorite slasher movie. Except instead of screaming at the characters on screen, you might actually be the one doing the screaming.
And honestly? We’re kind of into it.
Saturday, October 31: ‘Til Death Do Us Party
Now THIS is our kind of afterlife.
On Halloween night, The Wharf is trading horror movie scares for a full-blown disco takeover with ‘Til Death Do Us Party, where Studio 54 meets the great beyond.
Think glitter, mirror balls, disco skeletons, fabulous costumes, and a dance floor that refuses to rest in peace.
It’s spooky, it’s glamorous, and it’s giving us every reason to break out the sequins.
There will also be a costume contest, plenty of photo opportunities, and a special menu of $12 Halloween cocktails, because what’s a disco in the afterlife without a little something spooky to sip?
We’re picturing outrageous outfits, sparkly accessories, and a whole lot of dancing. If you’ve been saving a dramatic Halloween look for the perfect occasion, this might be it.
And can we just appreciate a Halloween party that doesn’t make us choose between looking fabulous and embracing the spooky season?
So, Which Night Are We Going?
Here’s the thing. We genuinely cannot decide.
Friday is for horror movie lovers who want to hang out with the villains they’ve spent years being terrified of.
Saturday is for the disco queens, costume enthusiasts, and anyone who believes Halloween should involve a little glitter and a lot of dancing.
Our solution? Both. Obviously.
Halloween only comes around once a year, and The Wharf Fort Lauderdale is making a pretty convincing case for clearing the entire weekend.
So call your friends, start planning those costumes, and prepare for two nights that sound way too fun to stay home for.
Because whether you’re running from Ghostface or dancing with the dead, one thing’s for sure: Fort Lauderdale isn’t going to be boring this Halloween.
The Halloween Weekend Details
Where: The Wharf Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Friday, October 30: Slasher Drive-In, featuring horror movie characters, drive-in theater vibes, and movie-night snacks.
Saturday, October 31: ‘Til Death Do Us Party, featuring a Halloween disco, costume contest, photo ops, and $12 specialty cocktails.
The vibe: A little spooky, a little fabulous, and absolutely worth getting dressed up for.
Vampire vibes, waterfront cocktails, and two nights of Halloween fun on Biscayne Bay? We’re so in.
Okay, Miami, THIS is the kind of Halloween we’re talking about.
Picture this: you’re sipping a cocktail by the water, the sun is setting over Biscayne Bay, there’s a breeze coming off the water, and suddenly your favorite waterfront hangout has entered its vampire era.
Welcome to Fangtasia at Regatta Grove, where Halloween meets Miami’s favorite kind of night out.
Taking over Regatta Grove on Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, Fangtasia is bringing a darker, moodier twist to the waterfront spot we already love. And honestly, vampires and cocktails by the bay? We’re listening.
There’s something about Regatta Grove that makes an ordinary night feel like a mini vacation. The waterfront views, the open air, the tropical atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you show up for a drink and somehow lose track of time.
Now imagine all of that with a spooky Halloween twist.
Fangtasia is bringing the Halloween spirit to Coconut Grove without losing the laid-back coastal charm that makes Regatta Grove so much fun in the first place.
Think mysterious waterfront vibes, wicked cocktails, and the perfect excuse to embrace your dark side for the evening.
And can we talk about how good a vampire-inspired Halloween party sounds against a Miami sunset?
We’re already obsessed with the idea.
Listen, we love a haunted house. We love a good Halloween party. But there’s something especially appealing about celebrating spooky season with a cocktail in hand and Biscayne Bay as your backdrop.
No need to choose between your favorite Miami waterfront hangout and getting into the Halloween spirit. Fangtasia is giving us both.
Whether you’re going all out with your costume or just looking for somewhere fun to spend Halloween weekend, this is the kind of plan that’s easy to get excited about.
And with two nights to choose from, there’s really no excuse not to get a little fang-tastic.
If your Halloween group chat is still full of “What are we doing?” messages, consider this your answer.
Regatta Grove is already one of those places we love finding an excuse to visit, and throwing a vampire-inspired celebration into the mix just makes it better.
Grab your favorite people, embrace the spooky season, and make your way to Coconut Grove for a Halloween weekend with a little bite.
Because really, who wouldn’t want to spend Halloween sipping cocktails by the bay?
Where: Regatta Grove, Coconut Grove, Miami
When: Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, 2026
The Vibe: Moody waterfront Halloween fun, wicked cocktails, and a vampire-inspired twist on a Miami favorite.
Our take? Halloween by the water with a little vampire energy sounds like a pretty perfect night to us.
Fangtasia at Regatta Grove Brought Vampire Vibes and Spooky Cocktails to Miami
South Beach Seafood Festival Brings The Boil
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: CIRQUE DU SOLEIL’S ECHO TO RETURN TO SOUTH FLORIDA
-
Restaurants4 weeks agoCocktails, Caviar and Waterfront Views: Sweetwaters Opens in Fort Lauderdale
-
Entertainment4 weeks ago
Who Killed Joan Crawford? Camp, Cocktails and Carnage
-
Restaurants4 weeks ago
Anthony’s Turns Up the Heat With Coal-Fired Chicken
-
Events3 weeks ago
The Wharf Fort Lauderdale Is Going Full Halloween, and We Want In!
-
Music4 weeks ago
One Dream, Two Musical Worlds
-
Entertainment3 weeks ago
Come From Away Finds Humanity in Heartbreak
-
Restaurants3 weeks ago
JohnMartin’s Halloween Bar Is Back, and We’re Obsessed!
-
Entertainment3 weeks ago
Buena Vista Social Club Refuses to Retire
