Event Menu

• The Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest is one of the most fun and relaxed tasting events of the entire year. Spend a weekend in this jewel of the Hill Country, strolling around the scenic Marktplatz tasting fine Texas wines, sampling delicious artisan food products, observing informative chef demonstrations, and enjoying lively musical entertainment. For a complete schedule and/or to purchase tickets to individual events, call 830/997-8515 or go to www.fbgfoodandwinefest.com. Friday, Oct. 26, through Sunday, Oct. 28.

• Waterloo Uncorked is the annual fundraiser for the Waterloo Counseling Center at the Dell Jewish Community Center (7300 Hart). The event will feature appetizers and dinner provided by Eastside Cafe and Whole Foods Market. Silent-auction items will include two VIP tickets to The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Gina Chavez will perform, and then there will be dancing with DJs Lynne & Lisa to finish out the evening. Tickets are $40 in advance (www.waterloocounseling.org) and $50 at the door. Saturday, Oct. 27, 7-11pm.

• Experience a delicious medieval feast accompanied by frightening melodic torture and the fiery danse macabre of the Undead Gypsy Pirates at Hot Mama's Espresso Bar (2401 E. Sixth, www.myspace.com/hotmamasespresso). The folks from Ararat will prepare the buffet (7:30-9:30pm), and the spook show starts at 8pm; $20 cash per person. Seating is limited, and reservations are required. Costumes are encouraged but not mandatory. Call 552-7365 or e-mail [email protected] to make reservations. Saturday, Oct. 27, 7-10pm.

• The Austin Filipino-American Association invites you to the fifth annual Philippine Festival taking place at Fiesta Gardens. The family-friendly event offers food booths, island arts and crafts, Philippine cultural exhibits, live music, folk dancing and costume demonstrations, and plenty of fun. Admission is free. Sunday, Oct. 28, 11am-6pm.

• If your pooch is eager to show off his/her Halloween costume, consider having Dinner With Your Dog on the patio at the new McCormick & Schmick's (11600 Century Oaks Terrace #100, 836-0500) at the Domain. A portion of the dining proceeds will benefit the nonprofit emergency pet relief organization Pets America. There will be a doggie costume contest at 8pm, and all pets will receive "doggie bags" with treats from Groovy Dog Bakery. Call to make reservations. Tuesday, Oct. 30, 7-10pm.

• The Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival and Tribeza magazine have joined forces with three new restaurants to present Sip & Stroll at the Domain. Guests will stroll from NoRTH to Joe DiMaggio's Italian Chophouse to Jasper's, sampling carefully selected wine flights and noshing on inspired tapas while learning from entertaining wine experts. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by calling 249-6300. Tuesday, Oct. 30, 5:50-8:30pm.

• Mansion at Judges' Hill (1900 Rio Grande) and WineBat.com are hosting the Halloween Texas Wine Gala. Local wine educator Jane Nickles will emcee the event, which will feature wines from 10 to 15 Texas wineries and a sumptuous repast set up at stations around the facility. Live music will be provided by Hale/McRae Texas Swing, and tickets are $49.50 per person. Make necessary reservations by calling 961-6151, 444-5400, or going to www.winebat.com. Wednesday, Oct. 31, 7-10pm.

• Austin's Creative Opportunity Orchestra celebrates Día de los Muertos with a fundraiser at the Barr Mansion (10463 Sprinkle Rd.). The event will include food, wine, and margaritas provided by the Barr Mansion and Manuel's, live music from vocalist Tina Marsh with pianist Eddy Hobizal, and a colorful altar with ofrendas placed to commemorate and celebrate the spirits of the departed. To purchase tickets, go to www.creop.org. Thursday, Nov. 1, 6:30-9pm.

• Tesoros Trading Company and Central Market Cooking School (4001 N. Lamar, 206-1014) invite you to celebrate Día de los Muertos at a cocktail party on the upstairs outdoor deck. The folks from Tesoros will create the altar, and Cienfuegos will provide the music. Enjoy Mexican beers and tasty nibbles under the stars; $50, reservation required. Thursday, Nov. 1, 6:30-9pm.