Craft beer fans, it is sweet to be sour!
They’ve known it since 2019 at À La Cart, where the summer sour celebration began as a one-day August event just for co-owner April Williams’ birthday. Sours are her absolute favorite, so they threw a lil’ party just for fun.
“Well, it was a HIT,” she says. “We quickly learned I wasn’t the only person in Orlando who enjoyed drinking sour beer. Over the years it grew to be a weekend event, and now it is an all-month affair where we celebrate all things tart and sour.”
There are still two weekends left, and this weekend, the featured brewer is Mortalis Brewing out of Avon, New York.
“They are famous for big, flavorful, heavily fruited sours,” she says. “Their popular Hydra series features a three-headed dragon on the label, and showcases different fruits in the beer. This series is playful and ever-changing.
For example, two of the sips showcased will be Hydra: Peach, Blueberry, Strawberry and Hydra: Sangria.
There will be a can drop planned, as well, and interested parties can stay tuned on their social channels for the deets.
As downtown’s Art² park opens, À La Cart City provides the food and beverage
Fans of fall can dig out their Uggs for Aug. 28-31 as Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales gets the prime spot for the Sour Fest celebration’s final weekend.
“These brewers are out of Michigan and are one of the older sour producers here in the states, known for brewing more true-to-Belgian styles with open fermentation, barrel-aging and bottle conditioning. These beers will be much more punchy, and only lightly fruited.”
Williams says the point is to have fun while offering something for every drinker.
“We have always seen À La Cart as a way to meet people where they are in their craft beer journey and offer them an opportunity to learn more about the different brewing styles out there and explore, if they would like.”
Mah-jongg Mondays is a growing phenomenon at À La Cart’s Milk District locations. While beginners are always welcome, the first Monday of the month is especially for them! (Courtesy Christina Petsos)
The Sour Fest is being celebrated at all three À La Cart locations: Milk District, SoDo and À La Cart City downtown. But the original location has loads of plans on the calendar to share, as well, the newest hit being Mah-jongg Mondays.
“It was actually my manager, Amanda Manning’s, idea, and I let her run with it,” says Williams. “And we started in the spring of this year.”
Since then, the party has grown exponentially.
“Men and women of all ages and abilities play together each week. Our group is so welcoming, and there are always more seasoned players willing to teach and play with beginners, like me. I just learned to play myself a few weeks ago and had such a great time.”
With many customers asking about it, Williams says the craze seems to be spreading.
The food game is always strong at À La Cart in the Milk District, whether or not you get in on the mah-jongg action. (Courtesy Christina Petsos)
“Therefore, not only are beginners welcome at our weekly meetups, but we also strongly encourage first timers to come out on the first Monday of each month as we will have dedicated tutors available to teach them. And it’s always free to play.”
Each week, Mah-jongg Monday begins with Social Hour (and discounted drinks) at 6 p.m.
“[It gives] everyone a chance to settle in, ask questions, and get to know one another before gameplay. We really just want to make it fun and accessible for all.”
For bookworms, À La Cart’s popular Book Swap returns from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 30.
“The last one had such a huge turnout that we are moving it to the parking lot to have more space for book swapping tables. We’re also bringing a DJ, coffee and bookish vendors to really ramp up the fun,” says Williams.
Book Swap is back at À La Cart in the Milk District on Aug. 30 from 11 a.m.-2 pm. The last one had a huge turnout, so this one will be even bigger. (Courtesy Christina Petsos)
And for Pokémon fans (or those of you with a younger fan in the house), the following weekend will see a Pokémon Parking Lot Party from noon to 4 p.m. in the Milk District with vendors, a DJ, trading tables and (not for the wee ones) three tattoo artists offering flash Pokémon tattoos.
Says Williams: “We took my son to a Pokémon meetup a few years ago at the library and had so much fun that we have been wanting to throw our own Pokémon-themed party ever since.”
Best Food Truck: 2026 Orlando Sentinel Foodie Awards
Chi expats will appreciate À La Cart’s 5th Annual ChicagoPalooza at the City District location downtown on Sept. 5. The team’s resident Chicagoan, Zach, will go all-out, as always. Guests can expect unique beers from Chicagoland, food specials like Chicago Dogs and Italian beef from the food vendors, Cubs baseball on the big screen and the Andrew Williams Band playing live Chicago-style blues.
“We love bringing the community together and see À La Cart as your neighborhood gathering space. Our goal is for everyone to feel welcome and comfortable.”
Find me on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com, For more foodie fun, join the Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group.