\u201cWell, it was a HIT,\u201d she says. \u201cWe quickly learned I wasn\u2019t 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
There are still two weekends left, and this weekend, the featured brewer is Mortalis Brewing out of Avon, New York.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are famous for big, flavorful, heavily fruited sours,\u201d she says. \u201cTheir 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.<\/p>\n
For example, two of the sips showcased will be Hydra: Peach, Blueberry, Strawberry and Hydra: Sangria.<\/p>\n
There will be a can drop planned, as well, and interested parties can stay tuned on their social channels for the deets.<\/p>\n
As downtown\u2019s Art\u00b2 park opens, \u00c0 La Cart City provides the food and beverage<\/a><\/p>\n 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\u2019s final weekend.<\/p>\n \u201cThese 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Williams says the point is to have fun while offering something for every drinker.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have always seen \u00c0 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.\u201d<\/p>\n The Sour Fest is being celebrated at all three \u00c0 La Cart locations: Milk District, SoDo and \u00c0 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.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was actually my manager, Amanda Manning\u2019s, idea, and I let her run with it,\u201d says Williams. \u201cAnd we started in the spring of this year.\u201d<\/p>\n Since then, the party has grown exponentially.<\/p>\n \u201cMen 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.\u201d<\/p>\n With many customers asking about it, Williams says the craze seems to be spreading.<\/p>\n \u201cTherefore, 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\u2019s always free to play.\u201d<\/p>\n Each week, Mah-jongg Monday begins with Social Hour (and discounted drinks) at 6 p.m.<\/p>\n \u201c[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.\u201d<\/p>\n For bookworms, \u00c0 La Cart\u2019s popular Book Swap returns from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 30.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 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\u2019re also bringing a DJ, coffee and bookish vendors to really ramp up the fun,\u201d says Williams.<\/p>\n And for Pok\u00e9mon fans (or those of you with a younger fan in the house), the following weekend will see a Pok\u00e9mon 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 Pok\u00e9mon tattoos.<\/p>\n Says Williams: \u201cWe took my son to a Pok\u00e9mon meetup a few years ago at the library and had so much fun that we have been wanting to throw our own Pok\u00e9mon-themed party ever since.\u201d<\/p>\n Best Food Truck: 2026 Orlando Sentinel Foodie Awards<\/a><\/p>\n Chi expats will appreciate \u00c0 La Cart\u2019s 5th Annual ChicagoPalooza at the City District location downtown on Sept. 5. The team\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe love bringing the community together and see \u00c0 La Cart as your neighborhood gathering space. Our goal is for everyone to feel welcome and comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n Find me on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter or Instagram\u00a0@amydroo<\/a>\u00a0or on the OSFoodie Instagram account\u00a0@orlando.foodie<\/a>. Email:\u00a0amthompson@orlandosentinel.com<\/a>, For more foodie fun, join the\u00a0Let\u2019s Eat, Orlando Facebook group<\/a>.<\/p>\n \t\t\t![\"Mah](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/TOS-L-a-la-cart-sour-fest-and-more-03.jpg\")
Mah-jongg Mondays is a growing phenomenon at \u00c0 La Cart’s Milk District locations. While beginners are always welcome, the first Monday of the month is especially for them! (Courtesy Christina Petsos)<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/TOS-L-a-la-cart-sour-fest-and-more-04.jpg\")
The food game is always strong at \u00c0 La Cart in the Milk District, whether or not you get in on the mah-jongg action. (Courtesy Christina Petsos)<\/p>\n![\"Book](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/TOS-L-a-la-cart-sour-fest-and-more-02.jpg\")
Book Swap is back at \u00c0 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)<\/p>\n