Miami Food and Drink Events This Weekend: Craft Beer Fair, Christmas Market, and a Caja China Cook-Off

This weekend’s Miami food and drink events include the third annual Craft Beer Fair at Unbranded Brewing, a very Miami Caja China cook-off at Wynwood Brewing Company, a festive afternoon tea at Balan’s in Brickell, an Asian-inspired Christmas market at South Beach Food Hall, and a Christmas-themed brunch with an appearance by Santa Claus himself at Pinstripes Aventura.

What a great weekend in the Magic City!

Know of any events that aren’t on our list? Email cafe@miaminewtimes.com.

Maverick Town 2023 Craft Beer Fair at Unbranded Brewing Co.

Hoppy Holidays! (Get it?) ‘Tis the season for Unbranded Brewing’s third annual Maverick Town Beer Fair in Hialeah’s Leah Art District. The event features more than 40 breweries from across South Florida and the U.S., local food vendors, a table golf tournament by the Table Golf Association, and live entertainment, including music from DJ Feathers and live wrestling. Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, December 16, at 1395 E. 11th Ave., Hialeah. Admission is free RSVP via eventbrite.com.

Caja China Cook-Off at Wynwood Brewing Co.

In honor of Wynwood Brewing Company’s seasonal coquito beer release, pig roast experts from all over Miami will compete in a Caja China cook-off. Guests get to try the lechón from the competition and vote for their favorite. The top three will receive prizes, and first place will win $500. While the lechón is prepared, Wynwood Brewing Co. will launch three seasonal coquito beers, and a percentage of the beer profits will be donated to the Kiwanis of Little Havana Foundation. Noon to 11:30 p.m. and the lechón tasting starts at 3 p.m. Saturday, December 16, at 565 NW 24th St., Miami. Admission is free with RSVP via eventbrite.com.

Festive Afternoon Tea at Balan’s in Brickell

Teacups up for Balan’s festive tea party. The Mary Brickell Village restaurant is bringing British afternoon tea to Brickell for the holidays with gingerbread macaroons, English scones, cucumber and salmon finger sandwiches, champagne, and a wide selection of teas, including English breakfast, Earl Grey, mint, chamomile, and green tea. Reservations are required for this event. 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, December 16, at 901 S. Miami Ave., Miami. Tickets cost $65 per person via exploretock.com.

South Beach Food Hall’s Asian-Inspired Christmas Artisan Market

The food hall is celebrating the holidays with Asian fusion bites and an Asian artisan market this weekend. Highlights from vendors include Indonesian sauces from Krakatoa Cuisine and frozen dumplings, hallacas, sauces, and sakito (a special take on the classic coquito, but made with sake) from Temple Street Eatery. The event features a special cooking demo by Eleanor Hoh with the Wok Star Kit for mastering Asian cuisine at home. 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, December 17, at 1601 Drexel Ave., South Beach; southbeachfoodhall.com.

Santa Brunch at Pinstripes Aventura

The new Italian-American bistro, bocce, and bowling destination in Aventura is spreading holiday cheer this weekend with a Santa Brunch on Saturday, December 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, December 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On either day, take a photo with the man in the red suit himself (Santa Claus) to enter a raffle and receive a complimentary dessert, starter, or one hour of gaming. You could even win a complimentary dinner at the restaurant for ten people. On Saturdays, indulge in Á  la carte, chef-inspired dishes such as lobster & egg bruschetta with Maine lobster, shrimp, and soft scrambled eggs on a grilled baguette topped with truffle. On Sundays, enjoy a brunch buffet with signature carving, omelet, and waffle stations, chef specialties, breakfast classics, and a dessert table boasting a chocolate fountain. Plus, expect bottomless mimosas, sangria, and Aperol spritzes, and a 24-ounce “Big Baller Bloody Mary” garnished with a cheeseburger slider and strip of bacon. The brunch spread is $35 for adults, $15 for children ages 6 through 12, and is free for children aged 5 and under. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, December 16, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, December 17, at 19505 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 3290, Miami; pinstripes.com.