Spring is officially here and there’s a two-day, floral-themed afternoon tea party with shopping to celebrate. Also get ready for backyard barbecuing with a pitmaster class. Multiple pairing dinners, including wine, whiskey, and tequila, help round out the list. Save room for a soul food festival by Sunday.

Tuesday, March 21

Herman Marshall Whiskey Dinner at Urban Rio
Experience Wylie-based Herman Marshall Whiskey during this four-course pairing dinner at Urban Rio Cantina & Grill in Plano. The $70 ticket includes tax and gratuity. Dinner begins at 6:30 pm.

Thursday, March 23

Taste of Texas at Elm Street Cask & Kitchen
It's an evening of Texas fare including dinner, meet-and-greet with Texas spirit vendors, and a local musician performing tunes from Texas-born artists. Menu by chef Jasmine Copeland includes venison with sweet potato, crab, red ceviche, Texas BBQ oyster, bison short rib, and pecan cheesecake, and is accompanied by Texas wine, beer, and bourbon. Diners get take-home recipes and goodies. It runs from 6:30-9:30 pm and is $130, with attendance limited to 30 guests. Reserve online.

Tequila Dinner at Cantina Laredo
Get a taste of Mexico City during this four-course dinner at Cantina Laredo in Frisco. Each course will be paired with a different cocktail made with Tequila Corazon. Courses include ceviche, fresh asparagus soup, choice of red snapper or New York strip, and mixed berries with tequila cream. Dinner is $79.99, plus tax and gratuity, and begins at 7 pm. Call 214-618-9860 for reservations.

Saturday, March 25

Pitmaster University at OAK’D
Learn how to smoke brisket with the best of them during this Saturday morning barbecue class. OAK’D chef and pitmaster Michael Lane will lead the instruction, sharing his secrets on selecting and trimming meat, controlling temps and timing, and creating rubs and marinades. The hands-on class is $99 and will run from 8-9:30 am.

LoveShackFancy Afternoon High Tea at Hotel Crescent Court
The vintage-inspired feminine lifestyle brand LoveShackFancy Dallas will partner with Hotel Crescent Court to host a whimsical garden tea party and pop-up shop Saturday and Sunday. Wear your fanciest floral dress and visit the hotel for flower-laden tablescapes and a multi-course menu, including caviar, lobster salad on pumpernickel bread, roasted duck with apricot glaze, and strawberry chiffon cake. The $225 ticket, plus a service fee and tax, includes a $100 gift card to the LoveShackFancy pop-up shop and a canvas tote bag. Add endless bubbly for a ticket price of $250. Seating times are 10 am and 12 pm on Saturday and 12 pm and 2 pm on Sunday.

Sunday, March 26

Selena Brunch at Peticolas Brewing Company
The Dallas brewery will commemorate the life and music of the Tejano superstar, who died tragically on March 31, 1995. Visit from 11 am-3 pm to hear her music (there’ll be room to dance) and enjoy food trucks serving tacos, burgers, pizzas, and even Selena-themed cookies. The brewery will also bring back their michelada and beermosa bar for the occasion. The first 50 people to arrive in Selena-themed gear will get a rose.

Doughnut Pairing at Oak Highlands Brewery
Chef Diana Zamora and her Nena Postreria bakery concept are partnering with the brewery for a doughnut pairing, combining four brews with four gourmet doughnuts including a corn cake doughnut with Mexican whiskey caramel, pan dulce, al pastor empanada, and a Bunuelo Mexican fried cinnamon sugar, paired with Raspberry Porter. It starts at 11 am and it's $20. Reserve tickets online.

Dallas Soul Food Festival
There’ll be live music, kids’ activities, and soul food galore during this Sunday afternoon festival to be held at The Lofty Spaces at 816 Montgomery St. Prepare to indulge in pork chops, oxtails, candied yams, greens, fried chicken, fish, barbecue, funnel cake, tacos, and even vegan options. Food will be available for purchase from individual vendors and admission is free with an RSVP. The festival will run from 12-6 pm.

Monday, March 27

Euro Trip Wine Dinner at Urban Seafood
The Plano seafood destination will take diners on a trip around Europe during this four-course wine dinner. Each course will be paired with a different European wine. The $95 ticket includes tax and gratuity. Dinner begins at 6:30 pm.