Tampa Theatre’s 14th annual WineFest kicks off this year on Thursday, Sept. 10 and runs through Thursday, Sept. 17. The annual WineFest is the biggest fundraising event of the year for the Tampa Theatre. The funds raised are used for artistic and educational programs as well as the preservation and restoration of the historic movie palace.

The event, presented by Dex Imaging, features a wide range of activities, including wine tastings, an evening of rare, top-rated wines, a “Movie Under the Stars” screening, and snacks and samples from local independent restaurants. The theme of this year’s WineFest is Napoleon Wineamite. Patrons are encouraged to dress as their favorite character or come in a Dynamite-inspired costume.

On Thursday, Sept. 10 at 7:30pm, the Tampa Theatre will be showing Napoleon Dynamite under their “Movie Under the Stars” program. Guests can sit in the balcony area or bring blankets and lawn chairs to spread out on the stage deck for the viewing. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $8 for Tampa Theatre Members.

On Friday, Sept. 11, the festival will have wine tastings of dozens of wines and food offerings from some of Tampa’s most famous independent restaurants. Confirmed participants include Anise Global Gastrobar, Ava, Bavaro’s, Catrinas South Tampa, Cru Cellars, Culinary Creations, Datz Dough, Ella’s Folk Art Café, Noi, Pane Rustica, The Refinery and Yeoman’s Cask & Lion.

Tickets to the Premium Tasting, held from 7-8 p.m., are $85 and include admission to the Grand Tasting. Tickets for the Grand Tasting, held from 8-10 p.m., and are $50. During the event, guests can bid on premium silent auction items.

On Saturday, Sept. 12, the Theatre is holding an elegant Wine Pairing at 6:30 p.m. with a multi-course menu created and catered by Mise En Place chef Marty Blitz. While the stage will be expanded to seat more than 200 people, seating for the event will be limited. The tickets for the Wine Pairing are $250 per person.

Additional events are scheduled for the last days of the festival, including a Wine Brunch and a high quality Wine Experience. Tickets for the events can be purchased from the Tampa Theatre box office at 711 N. Franklin Street or at www.TampaTheatre.org/WineFest. Tampa Theatre Members will enjoy discounted prices on some of the events.