Grapes, growlers, Polish and Greek foods appear in fests
Festivals
Braddock Farms Harvest Festival: Farm tours, farm Olympics, pumpkin-painting, corn husk dollmaking, face-painting, grilled farm-fresh veggies, hot dogs, veggie burgers, cider and more. 2 to 5 p.m. Sept. 29 at Braddock Farms. Free admission. growpittsburgh.org/events.
Allgreen Eggfest: Big Green Egg grill-off with samples for the crowd and prizes for the winners, plus vendors and live entertainment. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 29 at Allgreen, Valencia. $30; advance tickets only. Ticket sales end Sept. 27. A portion of proceeds benefits South Butler Community Meals on Wheels. eventbrite.com (search for Allgreen Eggfest).
Grapes & Growlers: Craft beer and wine samples from local wineries and breweries, food truck and live music. 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 29 at Pine Hill Golf Course, Greenville, Mercer County. $25. greenvillechamberpa.com/events.
Polish Day: Polish food, live Polish music and dancing, wine tastings, vendors. Noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 30 at Cascade Park Pavilion, New Castle. $13; free for ages 16 and under. Benefits the Polish Americans of Lawrence County’s scholarship fund. facebook.com (search for 28th Annual Lawrence County Polish Day).
Holy Cross Autumn Food Fair: Moussaka, pastitsio, spanakopita, tiropita, baklava, rice pudding, other Greek desserts, flea market, Greek dancing (6:30 p.m. Oct. 4-5) and more. 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 3-5 at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, Mt. Lebanon. Benefits Ladies Philoptochos Society’s charitable efforts. holycrosspgh.org/events/festival.
For charity
Savor Pittsburgh: Appetizers, entrees, desserts, signature cocktails, raffles, dancing. 6:30 to 10 p.m. Sept. 27 at Petersen Events Center, Oakland. $75; $150 for VIPs (includes early admission, special cocktails and more). Benefits MageeWomens Research Institute & Foundation. savorpgh.com.
Hunger Awareness Experience: Food pantry open house that allows participants to take on the identity of a person in poverty, “shop” in the pantry and learn about the needs and challenges of local people facing hunger. Refreshments will include vegetables from NHCO’s garden. 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 28 at North Hills Community Outreach, Hampton. Free. 412-408-3830, ext. 3213.
Alleys, Axles & Ales: Self-guided walking tour with cool cars, local brew samples, food truck and more. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 29 in Allegheny West. $25 in advance; $10 for ages 20 and under; $30 at the door. showclix.com/event/alleys-axlesales-2018.
In the Huddle With Charlie Batch Wine Wall Collection Party: Wine tastings, food, live music, wine auction. 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at Treesdale Community Center, Adams. Bring a bottle of wine valued at $20 or more per couple. Benefits Best of the Batch Foundation. batchfoundation.org/in-the-huddle-2018.
Classes
Plant-Based Diets — A Jewish Imperative for Our Time: Jeffrey Cohan, executive director of Jewish Veg, demonstrates the connection between animal-free diets and Judaism. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at JCC Pittsburgh — South Hills in Scott. Free. Register: southhillsjewishpittsburgh.org/ jewishveg.
Bakers-in-Training: Kids ages 8 to 16 can learn basic baking skills and nutritional knowledge in this muffin-decorating class. 1 p.m. Sept. 29 for ages 8-11 and 3 p.m. for ages 12-16. The Bakery Society Pittsburgh, Mt. Oliver. Free, but register ahead by e-mailing info@tbspgh.com.
Food — Etna EcoDistrict Education Series: Learn about food access, healthy food options, growing and making food, and Etna’s food-related projects and initiatives. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 3 at Fugh Hall, Etna. Free admission. facebook.com (search for Food — Etna EcoDistrict Education Series).
Other events
A Taste of Blues: Top restaurants provide food, desserts and drinks for this kickoff party for the Blues and Heritage Festival. 8 to 11 p.m. Sept. 28, at August Wilson Center, Cultural District. $35; ages 21 and up only. awc.culturaldistrict.org/production/60340.
Chicken BBQ: The Rotary Club of Upper St. Clair-Bethel Park will serve half barbecue chickens, baked beans, coleslaw, rolls and dessert. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 29 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Upper St. Clair. facebook.com (search for 30th Annual Chicken BBQ).
Farm to Table Connections Brunch & Learn: Consumers, farmers, food producers and other food industry professionals meet for brunch and networking. 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 3 at East End Food Co-op, Point Breeze. Free, but register ahead. facebook.com (search for Farm to Table Connections Brunch & Learn).