• Enjoy the 22nd annual Gruene Music and Wine Fest this weekend to benefit the United Way of Comal County. Events showcasing Texas food and wines, craft-brewed beers, arts and crafts, and great music are scheduled in Gruene’s historic dance hall, in local shops, and under tents in the park. For the musical lineup and a complete schedule of events and to buy tickets, see www.gruenetexas.com, and click on the festival icon. Friday-Sunday, Oct. 10-12.
• If you happen to be headed north from Austin this weekend, you might want to check out the Salado Chocolate & Art Festival, where local restaurants, shops, and galleries will host a variety of shows, seminars, tastings, dinners, and brunches with an artistic flair. For a complete schedule and online ticket sales, go to www.saladochocolatefestival.com. Friday-Sunday, Oct. 10-12.
• Avid fishermen and community activists Mike Frisch (934-5459 or 745-3692) and Marcel Montalvo will host their eighth annual Fish Cook-Off this weekend to benefit Rays of Hope Austin, an organization that helps low-income Austinites make their homes more energy-efficient. In addition to live music, the menu includes everything from redfish to shark, yellowfin tuna to speckled trout, and barbecued brisket. They’ll even provide pizza, appetizers, desserts, and drinks for the $15 ticket price. Kids under 12 are free. For directions to the party and to RSVP online, go to www.1houseatatime.org. Saturday, Oct. 11, 6-10pm.
• Internationally known celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi will be in town to host A Night of Island Wishes for the Make-a-Wish Foundation at Roy’s (340 E. Second, 391-1500). This red-carpet event will feature a fabulous island fusion meal, live music and entertainment, and a live auction stocked with tempting gifts and travel packages. General admission tickets ($150) can be purchased by calling 329-9474 or visiting www.centralandsouthtexas.wish.org/roys08.htm. Tuesday, Oct. 14, 6:30-9:30pm.
This article appears in October 10 • 2008.