Burgers take center stage this week. Two popular burger joints are hosting celebrations – one, a grand opening of a new location, and the other, a new pint night partnership with a off-menu feature. There are also two tequila tastings, two foodie festivals (one vegan, and one with a legendary drum battle), and an opportunity to dine out for a good cause.

Tuesday, September 26

Lori’s Day at Newk’s Eatery
The Mississippi-based sandwich, salad, and soup will celebrate its third annual ovarian cancer fundraiser in honor of Lori Newcomb, wife of Newk’s founder Chris Newcomb, who passed away of the disease in 2019. Through Newk’s Cares, founded by Lori in 2014 after her diagnosis, all locations will donate 20 percent of sales to Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance. Newk’s is located at 3556 Highway 114 in Fort Worth’s Alliance area.

First Responders Appreciation Day at B&B Butchers & Restaurant
The annual event treats all on-duty first responders, including firefighters, police officers, EMTs and paramedics, to a complimentary three-course lunch at the Shops at Clearfork steakhouse. Berg Hospitality Group founder and CEO Benjamin Berg started the event in Houston in 2017 after Hurricane Harvey. Menu highlights include the iceberg wedge with crumbled blue cheese, the Butcher Shop burger with applewood smoked bacon, and New York cheesecake. Guests of first responders may partake in the menu for $25. The menu is available from 11 am-4 pm and reservations are recommended.

Pint Night with Panther Island Brewing at Fred’s Texas Café
The longtime burger joint has launched a new monthly pint partnership with Panther Island Brewing Company. Each month, patrons can order an off-menu specialty burger paired with a Panther Island beer. This month, it’s the Elotes Burger – a half-pound Black Angus patty with grilled pepperjack cheese, elotes, and finished with spicy Cheetos dust, cilantro, and Valentina hot sauce. The burger is paired with Panther Island’s Pantera Loco Mexican Lager and the combo is available at both Fred’s locations (Camp Bowie Boulevard and Western Center Boulevard) for the rest of September. Visit either location for live music on Tuesday and Wednesday this week for Panther Island Pint Night, when patrons can keep the pint glass. On October 1, Fred’s will debut the Oktoberfest burger, to be served on a pretzel bun with caramelized onions and Panther Island Brewnette amber ale beer cheese poured atop tableside.

Wednesday, September 27

Rodeo Goat Grand Opening in Denton
Worth the drive: a new location of Rodeo Goat in Denton, especially this Wednesday. That’s when the funky-fun burger joint will host a fundraiser for the Denton Community Food Center as part of its grand opening celebration. The $25 ticket includes burgers and other menu items and two drink tickets good for beer, wine, and cocktails. Note the restaurant will not be open to the public during the fundraiser celebration, which will run from 5:30-8 pm.

Thursday, September 28

Meet the Maker at Toro Toro
The Worthington Renaissance Hotel restaurant will feature the flavors of Milagro Tequila during this complimentary tasting. Visit anytime between 5-7 pm for tequila sampling and bar bites. Valet parking is complimentary.

Saturday, September 30

Fort Worth Veg-Fest
Hosted by vegan restaurants Belenty’s Love and Vida Café, this vegan food festival and market will feature nearly two dozen vendors offering everything from vegan soul food to skin care. The event will take place from 11 am-4 pm at SouthSide Bar & Party Hall, and admission is free.

Tequila & Margarita Festival at Fort Worth Botanic Garden
As part of its month-long ¡Celebramos! A Celebration of Latin American Culture & Heritage, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden will host a late-night party fueled by tequila and margaritas. The $45 ticket ($30 for Fort Worth Botanic Garden members) will include tequila tastings, margs, and bites from local Latin restaurants along with dance demonstrations and DJ music. The event will take place from 8 pm-12 am.

Sunday, October 1

Fort Worth Eatz Food Fest
It’s a Sunday Funday paired with a legendary drum battle. Visit Trinity Park (near the Fort Worth Dream Park) for a food festival featuring performances by alumni of Grambling State University and Prairie View A&M University drum lines. Food vendors will feature barbecue, fried fish, snow cones, and more. Admission is free with advance tickets or pay $20 and get two mimosas. The event will run from 11 am-6 pm.