The dog days of summer are in full swing as August arrives this week, bringing with it seasonal favorites like watermelon, spritz cocktails, and the almighty Hatch chile. August also means school starts soon, and there’s a school supply drive that comes with free beer. End the week with a happy hour book club that will take guests on an adventurous vacation without leaving the A/C.

Tuesday, August 1

Spritz Showcase at Clay Pigeon Food & Drink
It’s National Spritz Day and Clay Pigeon is here for it. The upscale dining destination will showcase the best of those slightly fizzy, always refreshing spritz cocktails with an interactive and educational tasting. Discover the origin of six different versions while exploring important ingredients like sparkling wine, bitters, liqueurs, and aromatics. The event is $50, which includes small bites, and will take place from 5:30-7 pm.

Wednesday, August 2

An Evening with Mondavi COO Jeff Richardson at 3 Vino
The Roanoke wine bar and bottle shop will host the chief operating officer of C. Mondavi & Family, which produces the prestigious Charles Krug label. Richardson, who’s only making three stops on this particular tour, will share behind-the-scenes stories of Napa’s very first tasting room, which opened in 1882. The tasting will feature five Charles Krug wines. Tickets are $39 and the tasting begins at 6 pm.

Friday, August 4

A Hatch Enchilada Dinner at Central Market Fort Worth
August means Hatch chile season is here and no one celebrates the piquant New Mexican pepper like Central Market. Harken the heat of Hatch during this hands-on cooking class that will demonstrate how to make chicken enchiladas, cheese enchiladas, two sauces, and sides. A glass of wine will be paired with the meal. Class is $70 and will begin at 6:30 pm.

Sunday, August 6

Funky Gets Wild: Book Club at Funky Picnic
The Fort Worth brewery and café will host another edition of its summer book club, which currently features outdoor and adventure-themed books. This month will feature Journeys North: The Pacific Crest Trail by Barney Scout Mann. Book clubbers can enjoy happy hour pricing on beer, wine, signature cocktails, and appetizers along with the brunch and regular menu. The book club will run from 3-4:30 pm.

Watermelon Eating Contest at El Chingon
It’s another wild eating competition at the West 7th district Mexican restaurant and bar, which doubles as a dance club after dark. This time the featured food is a giant slice of watermelon, and no hands are allowed to be used during the contest. Whoever finishes first gets a $100 El Chingon gift card plus choice of drink tower, including mimosa, paleta, green tea, or white tea. Registration is free and the competition starts at 3 pm.

Back to School Bash at Hao’s Grocery & Café
Hao Tran, the namesake behind Hao’s Grocery & Café just south of downtown, moonlights as a chef outside of her full-time teaching gig. She’s hosting a school supply drive in partnership with The Welman Project, which will be on-site with their festive bus. Make a donation to the project and get a free beer. Hao will also serve banh mi hot dogs for the occasion. Visit from 4-6 pm.