This Weekend’s Best Dallas Food Events: Cheese, Tamales and Holiday Cheer

Celebrate cheesemonger Rich Rogers’ birthday by tasting his favorite cheeses paired with his favorite wines. Tickets are $40.

What: Cheesemonger’s Birthday Surprise

When: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7

Where: Scardello Artisan Cheese, 3511 Oak Lawn Ave. (Oak Lawn)

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This is the 10th year for the Good Local Markets Holiday Market. You’ll find locally grown produce, fresh baked goods, handcrafted holiday gifts, a photo booth and live music. There are 70 specialty food and artisan vendors in this one-stop shopping for the holidays fest. Admission is free.

What: Good Local Markets Holiday Extravaganza

When: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8

Where: White Rock Farmers Market, 9150 Garland Road

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The second annual Merry Market and Festival returns to Richardson with an outdoor artisan market including 25 of the area’s top vendors. Free snacks (think hot cocoa and fresh cookies) will be available, plus nearly 30 eateries on State Street will have discounts and special offers for attendees.

What: Merry Market and Festival

When: Noon-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8

Where: CityLine Plaza, 1251 State St., Richardson

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Shakespeare Dallas hosts a winter market this weekend for a “winter wonderland of yore.” Samuell-Grand Amphitheater will be transformed into an olde English market where you can shop local artisans, drink and feast like royalty and experience the bustling merriment of the season with Elizabethan entertainment, festive games, holiday music and more.

What: Winter Faire and Market

When: Noon-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8

Where: Samuell-Grand Amphitheater, 1500 Tenison Pkwy. (East Dallas)

Tickets: $5-$25

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Black Swan Saloon and Collectif 1806 host Union Tamale for a pop-up evening of tamales and cocktails. They will accept unwrapped toys for donation.

What: Tamales for Toys

When: 7-11 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9

Where: Black Swan Saloon, 2708 Elm St. (Deep Ellum)