7-Course Pairing, Free Jazz & Bourbon Tasting + Poll Results

Friends and neighbors,

This week, several local breweries are doing more than pouring pints. Hopsized is hosting a seven-course pairing dinner, Riptide has a stand-up comedy show, and Chubby Mermaid is hosting a tasting event with local bites and a Scotch ale made with coffee beans.

Beyond the breweries, there’s free Dixieland jazz at the Norris Center, a floral workshop, mahjong on the patio at LoLa 41, and a bourbon tasting straight from the barrel at Warren.

I hope you find inspiration and make some plans!

Warmly,

📅 Friday, July 24 | 6:00–8:00 PM
📍Hopsized Brewing Company, 9201 Cockleshell Ct., Unit 13, Bonita Springs

Hopsized Brewing is hosting an intimate seven-course tasting dinner with Chef Greg Shapiro, pairing each dish with one of the brewery's beers (or house-made sangria). Highlights include butter-poached shrimp over corn pudding, yuzu-cured hamachi crudo with avocado mousse and puffed black rice, a Hmong-style corn dog with coconut-lime curry ketchup, salmon pastrami, orange-braised pork raviolo, and a dark chocolate crémeux for dessert. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Event info.

📅 Friday, July 24 | 8:00–9:30 PM
📍Riptide Brewing Company, 28120 Hunters Ridge Blvd., Bonita Springs

Trade the comedy club for a brewery. Next Stop Comedy brings another rotating lineup of touring stand-up comedians to Riptide Brewing for a 90-minute show featuring performers who have appeared on television and popular podcasts. Every show features a different lineup, making this a fun option even if you've been before. Grab a beer, settle in, and expect a laid-back Friday night. Event info.

📅 Saturday, July 25 | 1:00–3:00 PM
📍The Norris Community Center, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples

The Naples Jazz Society's Jazzmasters band returns to the Norris Center for another free afternoon of traditional Dixieland jazz. The group performs throughout the summer on staggered Saturdays, making this one of the easier ways to enjoy live music without buying a ticket or staying out late. Event info.

📅 Saturday, July 25 | 3:00–7:00 PM
📍Chubby Mermaid Brewing, 28292 Industrial Rd., Unit 1, Bonita Springs

The Wandering Goat series heads to Chubby Mermaid Brewing for the relaunch of the Chubby Goat, a Scotch ale with Grumpy Goat's Vietnamese coffee beans. Alongside the collaboration beer, you'll find local food and specialty vendors including Pansardo Italian Food Specialties, Olde Naples Chocolate, Kristi's Key Lime Cookies, Bombshell Hot Sauce, Bailey's Beer Biscuits, and more. The afternoon is free, family-friendly, and pet-friendly! Event info.

📅 Saturday, July 25 | 6:00–7:30 PM
📍The Butterfly Florist, 11534 Tamiami Trail E., Naples

Spend the evening learning the basics of floral arranging with guidance from the team at The Butterfly Florist. Each guest receives fresh seasonal flowers, professional tools, a decorative container to take home, and step-by-step instruction while creating their own arrangement. Light bites and refreshments are included. Event info.

📅 Wednesday, July 29 | 4:00–6:00 PM
📍LoLa 41, 560 9th St. S., Naples

Whether you've never touched a mahjong tile or already know the game, this afternoon on the patio includes a beginner lesson followed by guided open play. Instructors will be available throughout the event, making it approachable for first-timers while still giving experienced players time to sharpen their skills. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from LoLa 41. Event info.

📅 Wednesday, July 29 | 5:00–7:00 PM
📍Warren Naples, 111 10th St. S., Suite 104, Naples

Warren is celebrating the release of its Blue Note Uncut Bourbon barrel selection with an evening of bourbon tastings, live music, and cocktails. Guests will have the opportunity to sample the exclusive barrel release while enjoying the restaurant's signature whiskey-focused atmosphere. Event info.

Last week we asked: You're grabbing a drink with friends. Where are you heading?

Here’s where you landed: 

Anywhere with a waterfront view took the lead with 30.25% of the vote! A wine bar followed with 24% of votes. This is great intel. It seems most readers are looking for a good atmosphere to match the good company. 

I love a good hypothetical because they're a fun way to learn more about our readers.

A good week in Naples does not always need a big plan. Sometimes it starts with live jazz, a table on the patio, a new local pour, or an event you almost skipped.

Choose one thing that sounds different, invite someone along, and see where the evening takes you.

Elizabeth Bellotti
Editor-In-Chief
Naples, Florida
The Naples Florida Review

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