Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings:
Friday, 11 a.m.
420 East 20th

Ahead of launching a new menu item at its Briargrove and West University locations, Craft Pita is previewing its new Mediterranean-meets-American creation at Third Place this Friday. Hit it up to get a first taste of the Toum Chicken Caesar Wrap: shredded shawarma rotisserie chicken, romaine, za’atar-baked pita chips and toum Caesar dressing wrapped in Lebanese pita and served with za’atar fries and hummus.

Japanese Festival Houston at Hermann Park
Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
6001 Fannin

Hit Hermann Park to celebrate Japanese culture via music, dance, martial arts, crafts, and of course, tasty food and drink. Local food vendors will serve up favorites like takoyaki, yakitori and mochi, alongside performances and cultural demos includinging a tea ceremony, ikebana, origami and bonsai. The event is free and open to the public with vendor pricing varying.

In a Pickle Festival at Town Center Park
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
8 North Main

Pickle enthusiasts will want to head to Kingwood for this annual pickle fiesta, with samples of everything from pickle pizza and pickle beer to pickle cotton candy. Enjoy tastings from 20+ canning vendors, shop 175+ pickle-themed booths and catch contests like pickle eating, pickle juice drinking and a pickled pet parade. Entry is free.

Saturday–Sunday, opens at 11 a.m.

It’s NFL opening weekend, with the Texans facing off against the Rams on Sunday afternoon.
Christian’s Tailgate will have the Texans game on at all locations, with sound on at each except Midtown. Game Day specials include $20 buckets of domestic beer, with $5 Bloody Marys and $2 Mimosas on Saturdays and Sundays. Each location also has dedicated watch parties featuring college and NFL teams, plus a special drink menu—Highway 6 features UT Austin and NY Jets; the Heights has the University of Houston and Baltimore Ravens; Kirby West U foots for Ohio State Buckeyes and Washington Commanders; and Midtown cheers on the Buffalo Bills.

 All month long
1540 West Alabama, 1835 North Shepherd, 10615 Fry

The weekend begs for waffles, and The Waffle Bus is ready to sweeten your plans with its new September specials. Try the Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Waffle ($8.88) or Fruity Pebble Waffle ($7.77) at any of its three Houston locations, including the new Cypress spot, available daily through the end of the month.