In changing up its approach in this unpredictable year, the Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival has added a number of interactive online events designed to engage its core audience of foodies while promoting local agricultural and restaurant industries.

The events also earn a little cash for programs that support employees and businesses hurting in the pandemic. Another plus: They offer a taste of the festival to those who can’t afford the pricier dinners.

The schedule has included cook-along sessions with local chefs, talk-story panels on restaurant issues, even a cupcake decorating session for kids on Halloween.

Next up: “Hawai‘i’s Best Mocktails,” at 6 p.m. Nov. 5, a partnership with DTRIC Insurance Co., which has hosted a live mocktail mix-off in past years.

Four mixologists will demonstrate their favorite alcohol-free drinks, taking questions live. Adding a little solid sustenance, chef Jon Matsubara of Feast will walk through the making of his lobster roll and birria quesadilla.

Cost of the Zoom session is $25. A kit with both Mastubara’s dishes, plus ingredients to make the four featured mocktails, recipes cards and a souvenir glass, is $75, which includes the session fee. The kits must be picked up at Feast in Manoa on the day of the session. Proceeds benefit the Kokua Ag & Culinary Fund.

Sign up at 808ne.ws/mocktails.