Ten Best Food Events This Weekend: July 22-24

Image via

​The world is your oyster...or mussel, shrimp or scallop, if you prefer. This weekend offers up many ways to enjoy food and booze in the Lou, including various seafood fests, Jello shots to help out an RFT staffer in need and a chance to meet zombies at The Heavy Anchor. So go ahead -- dive right in.

Friday (July 22):

Belgian Beer and Mussel Mania @ Schlafly Tap Room
Mussels are flown in all the way from Penn Cove for this annual event, featuring Washington- and Belgian-style ales brewed by Schlafly and live music from Brown Bottle Fever and Lucky Dog Band. No cover. Friday and Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m.

Shrimp and Scallop Festival @ Broadway Oyster Bar
Chef Brad Hagen features ten different shrimp and scallop specialties available to order, including coconut shrimp, bacon-wrapped shrimp or scallops, and Caribbean jerk shrimp. There's plenty of live music all weekend from Butch Moore, the Revivalists and others. $10 cover. Friday from 6 to 11 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 11 p.m.

Bears Under The Arch - Benefit for Mark Madonna @ Bad Dog Bar & Grill
Help out long-time RFT employee Mark Madonna, who lost his home in a fire early last week, by attending this benefit featuring a bare chest and best beard and mustache contest, Jello shots, a raffle and more. No cover. 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Saturday (July 23):

Everything's Peachy Fest @ O'Fallon Farmers' Market
Celebrate the O'Fallon Farmers' Market's high season with local peachy produce and products, an original oil artwork exhibit, yoga with Jane's House of Yoga from 9 to 10 a.m. and more. Free admission. 8 a.m. to noon.

Tour D'onut @ Independent St. Louis doughnut shops
Cyclists will depart from John Donut (1618 South Broadway) at 9 a.m. to explore independent St. Louis donut shops on bicycle. Stops include Donut Drive-In, World's Fair Donuts and more. The bike ride ends in a reception in a grassy lot next to 4209 Blaine in the Botanical Heights/McRee Town neighborhood with whiffle-ball, doughnut -themed awards and music and a chance to hydrate. Riders are encouraged to wear doughnut-inspired costumes. Free. 8 a.m.

Zombie Squad vs. Hunger: The Day the Music Un-Died @ The Heavy Anchor
The Zombie Squad, an international disaster prevention and awareness organization based out of St. Louis, hosts a special canned food drive to benefit Operation Food Search. The History Channel will be on-hand to film the event, which features live music from four un-dead bands, raffles, photo-ops and a visit from a haunted house's hearse. Cover is $5 or 10 canned food items. 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Sweet Spot Cabaret @ Regional Arts Commission
Charis, the St. Louis Women's Chorus, presents classic cabaret numbers and show tunes. Admission includes coffee, wine and desserts. $20. 8 p.m.

Sunday (July 24):

City-Wide Open Studios / SLOUP @ Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
SLOUP is a monthly soup dinner in St. Louis that supports projects, primarily artistic or communicative, that need a little funding and belief. During the meal, submitted artist proposals will be distributed and guests are encouraged to read, discuss and vote on a winning proposal. Your $10 donation directly funds the winning artist's project. $10. 2 to 4 p.m.

Sunday Night BBQ @ Scape American Bistro
Every Sunday night from now through September, Scape offers a special barbecue plate featuring baby back ribs, boneless half chicken, burgers, coleslaw, potato salad and cornbread. Call 314-361-7227 to make reservations. 5 to 9 p.m.

National Tequila Day @ Anywhere you want, really
It's National Tequila Day! Celebrate by visiting an area eatery such as Tequila Mexican Restaurant, Las Palmas or El Agave Mexican Restaurant to get your tequila kicks. Or simply try to mix up your own at home with this list of cocktail recipes by Don Lunas Tequila.