What's hot this week: Twin Cities rum bashes, pork celebrations, food truck fests and more

[Food truck festival; photo credit: Matthew Shamp]

If you're reading this after 9:21 a.m., you're already staring down autumn.

Fall, which officially arrives Thursday, of course means sweaters, football and falling leaves. But the new season also ushers in a hurried finale of outdoor events (while the weather is still comfortable) and instigates a trickle of indoor occasions (now that we're willing to be under a roof for a while). This week, that lineup includes rum bashes and punch parties, food trucks and hammerschlagen, German-style beer, pork and oysters, major feasts and chef-slung drinks, all of those shenanigans being sweater-appropriate and most importantly, free from 'pumpkin spice.'

Here's a rundown of your options this week:

Tonight, Sept. 22:

Betty Danger's Country Club Cotillion – The 80s is the theme, so dig up the old crimper and the leg warmers and head over to the Northeast for this booze-fueled bonanza. Tickets are $55 and include all-you- can-eat appetizers and all-you-can-drink punch, champagne and "inventive" vodka sodas. More info here.

Saturday, Sept. 24:

World Fare – Dixie's on Grand celebrates its 30^th anniversary with a parking lot party featuring for-sale grub from Dixie's, Saji-Ya and Emmett's Public House. The celebration will also include a bevy of free activities including giant beer pong, sumo wrestling, hammerschlagen and a mechanical bull. More info here.

SurlyFest – Party in Surly Brewing Destination Brewery's beer garden all day with cold pints of their seasonal brew, a German-esque menu featuring bratwurst, smoked chicken legs and pork shoulder, and an extensive lineup of live music. Entry is free. More info here.

[Scott Bennett and Ryan Bennett at SurlyFest 2010; photo credit: Kyndell Harkness]

Sunday, Sept. 25:

Ramen Attack – Read all about it here.

Gear for Beer – Bad Weather Brewing Co. is hosting a fundraiser for Boys and Girls Club Twin Cities. Donate a sporting goods item and receive a free beer. More info here.

Monday, Sept. 26:

Tattersall Distilling's Tiki Night/Rum Release – If you can't get enough of the multitude of spirits Tattersall already offers (vodka, gin, aquavit and multiple vermouths, cremas and liqueurs among them), you're in for another treat. The distillery is set to release a whole new lineup of spirits, and you'll get your first glimpse here. The night will focus on the blackstrap rum, but also on the docket are absinthe, blueberry liqueur, cranberry liqueur, lime crema, Freewheeler pommeau (where they distill the Sociable Cider Werks cider of the same name into a classic French spirit), and apple brandy. The Wyn65 Mobile Food Emporium will be there too and is whipping up a special Caribbean menu. More info here.

Heritage Dinner at Saint Dinette – General manager Laurel Elm and chef Adam Eaton are hosting a Middle Eastern feast that will include a cocktail hour (Erik Eastman will be moonlighting), six courses paired with wines, and desserts from local cookbook author and baking instructor Zoe Francois. More info here.

Tuesday, Sept. 27: