The community events began last August and are hosted bimonthly. In the past, they have featured organizations such as Miami Waterkeeper, Slow Food Miami, and Surfrider Miami.
Julie Frans, director of Wynwood Yard's culinary and community programs, is one of the organizers of the Pub Crawl Pick Up series.
"We wanted to engage our customers in Wynwood with the idea that no matter where you are, either on the beach or inland, that your actions make a difference," Frans says. "People don't realize inland trash eventually makes its way from city centers to our waterways, and the storm drains are connected to our oceans and bays. We want to make sure people understand that connection and their impact."
Attendees will travel through the Wynwood Arts District, cleaning as they go, and make pit stops to eat, drink, and enjoy music. Included in the $20 ticket price is a reusable Klean Kanteen cup for a complimentary beer at the beginning and end of the cleanup.
Participants will also receive $1 back on every draft beer purchased at the Bar at the Yard. Trash bags, gloves, and pickers will be provided.
Frans says there's always garbage to clean up. Past participants have found junk including tires, bottles, and glass, but they also concentrate on scooping up refuse that typically ends up in the ocean, such as straws, wrappers, and cigarette butts.
"We try to weigh trash and aim to pick up around 250 to 450 pounds each time. It's tedious and a lot of work to pick up the little things, but those are the ones that cause the most damage," she says. "We'll usually fill about 12 trash bags."
Since its inception, the Yard has focused on increasing sustainability efforts and instituted house rules for a greener, more mindful way of operating. The venue's Styrofoam-free policy and
Frans says the event is about incentivizing people to make more-responsible and long-lasting decisions. Funds raised will be invested back into the Yard's partner organizations. The Yard is giving $5 back to Debris Free Oceans and its secondary partners.
"I think it's a neat opportunity for people to do good for the community while having a great time," Frans says. "People come out to have fun and meet like-minded people while making connections. It feels good to do good for others, and you can see people's perspective change after participating, and connect that the urban environment directly affects our oceans and beaches."
Pub Crawl Pick Up. With Debris Free Oceans and the Underline Collective. 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, November 17, at the Wynwood Yard, 56 NW 29th St., Miami; thewynwoodyard.com. Tickets cost $15 to $20 via eventbrite.com.
