Things To Do This Weekend: Largo Hosts Octoberfest Parties and Charity Events

Fall is here with a slight crisp to the air and several Octoberfest weekend events. A German-inspired, two-day party starts with downtown Largo's First Friday block party. Largo Community Center continues the party and hosts Sunday's Octoberfest event.

In between beer and bratwurst, you can also learn historical writing at a Heritage Village workshop, learn about native plants and wildflowers by the Native Plant Society or enjoy great, family fun with a charity benefit at Largo Central Park.

Nearby, Clearwater's Bright House Field will be home to a beer tasting, charity event to benefit Suncoast Hospice Foundation.

1.

It's Octoberfest in downtown Largo! Party with your neighbors in the two-day, German-themed block party. You'll enjoy authentic German delicacies and specialty bands, such Deutschmeister Blas Band and Cathy's Lorelei Band. Of course, beer will be at the forefront, with Pinellas County Pub Guild members' homebrews and contests for best stein and beer holding. It's also pet-friendly, so bring your pooch to the party.

• Friday, Oct. 7, from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 8, from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.
• Free admission
• 1st Avenue between Clearwater-Largo Road and Ridge Road on Friday night. 
• On Saturday, the party moves to the parking lot of Oshy's Irish Taphouse, at 80 Clearwater-Largo Rd N, Largo, FL. 33770
• (727) 517-6821

2. Historical Writing Workshop

If you are a would-be author struggling to write authentic historical scenes, this is your workshop. Award-winning author Angela T. Pisaturo will discuss writing techniques and research tips for infusing your novel with history.

• Friday, Oct. 7, at 10 a.m.
• $10 per person
• , 11909 125th St, Largo, FL. 33774
• (727) 582-2233

3. Native Plants and Wildlife Sale

Green thumb gardeners will enjoy the Native Plant Society's sale, including plants, flowers, garden accessories, art, photography and books. Experts will be on hand to answer questions, and you can take seminars on composting, rain barrels, garden wildflowers, aquatic plants and more.

• Saturday, Oct. 8, at 9 a.m.
• Free admission
• , 12501 Indian Rocks Rd, Largo, FL. 33774 
• (727) 595-2073

4. Tampa Bay Buddy Walk

Enjoy this family-friendly, charity event in beautiful . Take a one-mile walk through the park followed by outdoor fun of music, clowns, bounce houses, games, lunch, raffles and a silent auction. The event will benefit the National Down Syndrome Society.

• Saturday, October 8, at 9 a.m.
• , 101 Central Park Dr, Largo, FL. 33771
• (727) 462-2274

5. Largo Community Center Octoberfest and Sunday Matinee Music Program

How does beer, Lederhosen, music, bratwurst, sauerkraut and German chocolate cake sound to you? Head to the community center, and enjoy this German fest with entertainment by Sunsation Show Chorus and the Deutschmeister Blas Band, a 13-piece, Bavarian band dressed in Lederhosen.

Beer available for purchase, and advanced reservations are required for dinner. Dinner starts at 3:30 p.m., musical entertainment at 4 p.m. followed by dancing from 6-10 p.m.

• Sunday, Oct. 9, from 3:30-10 p.m.
• $12 for dinner and show; $18 for dinner, show and dance; $8 dance only
• , 400 Alt Keene Rd, Largo, FL. 33771
• (727) 518-3131

6. Hope for Hospice

Challenge your friends to serious beer tasting and outdoor fun. The annual event features a corn hole tournament, closest-to-the-pin contest and live entertainment, at Frenchy's Tiki Pavilion. The event will benefit the Suncoast Hospice Foundation.

• Saturday, Oct. 8, at 4 p.m. 
• $25, in advance; $30, day of event
• Bright House Field, 601 N Old Coachman Rd, Clearwater, FL. 33765
• (727) 467-4457