You can eat, drink, be merry, and not even have to walk in Downtown Cape Coral, when the International Beer and Food Tasting returns for a third year of pairing imported brews with select foods from around the globe.

This unique event will invade downtown Cape starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, when a number of bars and restaurants open their doors to curious imbibers from both sides of the bridge.

Just like the “Red, White, and Brew” event in July, the International Tasting will put a trolley system in action to shuttle people around the eleven different locations, though many of those locations are accessible by foot.

“We’ll have five trolleys going in a continuous route, and people can travel at their leisure,” said Helen Ramey, marketing director for the Community Redevelopment Agency.

The International Tasting, along with “Red, White, and Brew” are both organized by the CRA, which is charged with developing and revitalizing downtown Cape Coral.

RW&B showcased the downtown area prior to the Fourth of July. And the International Tasting will bring some much-needed attention to the area in September, a normally “slow” time prior to the season.

“Traditionally, September is one of the slowest months. This event will be a good kick off to the season and all the other good things coming up,” Ramey said.

Roughly 550 tickets have been sold, according to Ramey. Pre-sale tickets are still available at several Cape locations including Leapin Lizard and True Value hardware store, but tickets will also be available for those who walk up to the check in booth at Big John’s Plaza.

Participating locations were gearing up for the big event as of Friday afternoon, prepping for upwards of 800 to 1,000 people.

Leapin’ Lizard’s Mary Ann Evans said there is a tremendous amount of prep work that goes into the event, from food to parking to decorating.

“We’ve done this for three years now, so we’re set for it,” Evans said. “We got the game plan and the players. We’re ready to go.”

Leapin’ Lizard will be serving Warsteiner beer, paired with kraut and brats.

“It’s a way cool beer,” Evans said. “The Germans put in a federal law in 1516 to govern what’s put in their beer, so they only use the freshest and purest ingredients. Warsteiner has been making beer since 1793.”

Most participants agreed the event is not only good for downtown for the Cape in general, bringing people over the bridge to discover something they never knew existed. Then there’s those who live in the Cape, who don’t make it downtown very often.

“We get a lot of people, even from the Cape, who say, ‘Wow, I didn’t know you were here,” Said Joanne Stevens, of Ralph’s Place. “We’re expecting at least 700 – 800 people.”

As one of the newer businesses in downtown, Mardi Gras owner Renee Dobko said the International Tasting is crucial to getting their name out there.

“We love it,” Dobko said of the tasting. “We love doing stuff with the CRA. It’s fun, not so expensive… its good for everybody.”

Some of the featured appetizers include pierogis, bruschetta, conch fritters, kielbasa, and empenadas.

Check in booths, which open at 6:30 p.m., are located at Big John’s Plaza, Club Square, and Leapin Lizard. Parking will also be available at all three locations.

Ramey warned that only cash and checks will be accepted for tickets at the check-in booth locations.