The much-anticipated Washington Artisan Cheesemakers Festival comes to Seattle on September 27 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Seattle Design Center. A benefit for the Cascade Harvest Coalition, the festival will feature over 20 artisan cheesemakers providing seminars, samples, and education on their techniques and philosophy. Read our preview of some of the cheeses you’ll be tasting at seattleweekly.com/food.

The first annual Belltown Crush Party, benefiting the U District Food Bank, kicks off on September 28 from 1 to 5 p.m. Wines from the Cascade Valley Wine Country coalition will be featured: 15 wineries from Chelan, Leavenworth, and the Wenatchee Valley. Come stomp some grapes, listen to local bands, and sample some vino!

Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery owner Autumn Martin plans to open a second store on Capitol Hill in the former B&O Espresso location in the first quarter of 2015, with seating for 50 inside and year-round patio seating for 25, complete with hibachi grills and s’mores kits. Also on tap will be an expanded menu featuring milkshakes, cocktails, and housemade ice cream.

Speaking of sweets, get ready for Sweet Week this Thursday through Sunday. Seventeen Seattle sweet shops will feature $5 items and samplers never before offered to the public. For more information, check out sweetweekseattle.com. E

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