Cash In This Weekend at the Brainfood Conference, Celebrate Red Hook, and a Texas Hold ‘Em Party

Spoon University’s Second Annual Brainfood Conference, Villain, 50 North 3rd Street, Brooklyn, Saturday, 10 a.m.

Wake up this weekend by treating your brain to breakfast and conversation with some of the city’s top food entrepreneurs. Guest speakers include food event guru Michael Cirino of A Razor, A Shiny Knife as well as Jack Algiere from Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture; topics include  entrepreneurial women in food, sustainability and food sourcing, and new food start-ups making waves. The event also includes food demos in addition to panel discussions, with lunch provided by The Meatball Shop, Sweetgreen, and Luke’s Lobster, among others. Tickets — $40 — include breakfast, lunch, snacks, and a gift bag to take home; reserve your all-access pass here.

Taste the World Botanical Brewfest, Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main Street, Queens, Saturday, 12 to 7 p.m.

Spend the weekend taking in the World’s Fair Grounds with a cold beer in hand. From 12 to 3 p.m. or 4 to 7 p.m., guests can enjoy a large selection of domestic and international brews while strolling through the fairgrounds, with food and live music also part of the fun. The event will be held rain or shine. Guests can score a $35 ticket in advance here (tickets will also be available at the door for $50).

Celebrating Red Hook, Ikea, 1 Beard Street, Brooklyn, Saturday, 12 to 9 p.m.

Enjoy a view of Lady Liberty and the annual neighborhood fireworks show while sampling some of Red Hook’s local eateries and artisans. Guests can explore local artwork and goods while grabbing food from nearby restaurants including Fort Defiance and Red Hook Lobster Pound, which will be set up behind the massive furniture store at Erie Basin Park. Additional participant restaurants include The Good Fork and Hometown BBQ, with Red Hook Winery and Six Point Brewery providing plenty of liquid relief.

Village Block Party, Newark Avenue and Brunswick Street, Jersey City, Saturday, 12 to 10 p.m.

Supporting the Brunswick Community Garden, among other causes, families can head out to a Jersey City block party and find entertainment for all ages. In addition to wine, craft beer, and mixed drinks made with herbs from the garden available for purchase, there will also be free activities for the kids, including a young chefs cooking station. A selection of local Jersey City food trucks hawking meatballs, Puerto Rican dishes, and Mexican specialties will be on hand.

Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Party, Tanner Smith’s, 204 West 55th Street, Sunday, 8 p.m. until closing

When $5 pints are flowing, everyone is a winner, However, if you’re a gambler, you may as well throw your cards on the table. For $25 per person, guests who wish to play Texas hold ’em receive a stack of chips to play at tables set up throughout this new cocktail bar. Those who leave with more chips than others also receive a fine spirit-related prize, and a swing band and DJ will provide the entertainment while you stretch your good (or not so good) poker face.