Upcoming Events Around DC

Photo by Emily Clack

The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America®: “Local Flavor from Coast To Coast,” a national traveling food festival prepares to visit Washington, D.C., on Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28…local culinary superstars, including James Beard Award winner RJ Cooper (Rogue 24), Scott Drewno (The Source by Wolfgang Puck), Todd Gray (Equinox), Haidar Karoum (Proof), Enzo Fargione (Osteria Elisir), Vikram Sunderam (Rasika), Tony Conte (Oval Room), Mike Isabella (Graffiato), and Alison Reed (Ripple). Tickets for the public are available at jbftasteamerica.org/events/Washington-dc.

Hoppy Oktoberfest at Mad Fox Brewing: Celebrate Oktoberfest at Mad Fox Brewing’s Biergarten this Saturday, September 28 from 12-6pm. Mad Fox will transform Falls Church’s Market Square into an outdoor festival with small beer tents showcasing more than 30 craft beer selections and outdoor tables much like the Munich festival grounds. The biergarten will feature the unveiling of Mad Fox’sHitzi Frau Oktoberfest Lagerbier and other Mad Fox beers including Cask Altbier, Cask Defender APA, Two Hemispheres IPA, Atlas Belgo Imperial Ale and Leonidas Batch 300, as well as IPAs from other breweries such as Port City and Lost Rhino. Chef Dixon will be preparing German-inspired menu items including Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches, Grilled Wings, Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Pretzels and Root Beer. There is no admission fee for the event, and food/drink tickets will be $2 each, with beer served in four-ounce pours for one ticket. There will also be a $20 package that includes a commemorative Mad Fox tasting glass and six tickets. The festival is a family-friendly event and will include live music from The Justin Trawick Group , Corn Hole, Kam-Jam and a Moon Bounce for the kids. Prost!

This Saturday and Sunday, the Crafty Bastards  Arts and Crafts Fair, presented by Washington City Paper, returns for its tenth year. More than 140 artisans from around the region will sell their handmade goods at Union Market, located on 1309 5th St. NE. As you search for the best in handmade goods, enjoy food from local food trucks and a selection of crafts brews at the New Belgium Beer Garden. The event is from 10:00 AM - 5:00 pm both Saturday and Sunday, and day passes can be purcashed in advance for $5, or $10 at the door. To purchase tickets and see a full list of vendors, visit http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/craftybastards/

Celebrate the start of fall at 2941's Fall Harvest Festival. On Sunday, September 29th from 11:00am to 2:30pm, Executive Chef Bertrand Chemel, Pastry Chef Caitlin Dysart, and Sommelier Jonathan Schuyler invite attendees to enjoy nearly two dozen sweet and savory fall comfort foods (including oysters, lobster and shrimp thermidor, curried mussels, prime rib and smoked duck choucroute) while sipping on a selection of seasonal wines and craft beers that incorporate French, German, and local accents. 2941’s picturesque dining room and beautiful patio surrounded by lush landscaping, multi-tiered koi ponds, trickling waterfalls, Chef’s on-site garden, and a lakeside view, make this the perfect location to celebrate the first official week of fall. For the full menu and to purchase tickets, (priced at $65 per person, all inclusive, children 10 and under are free) visit http://www.2941.com/menus/2013/harvest-festival/

To mark the end of summer, Addie's Restaurant in Rockville will host one of their popular Crab Feasts on Sunday, September 29th. The event, held on the restaurant's picturesque patio, will feature live acoustic music from local musician Sean Chyun, all you can eat Maryland blue crab, spit-roasted pig and sides prepared by Chef Rick Cook, and beer from Dogfish Head. There will be two seatings – the first from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. and the second from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the restaurant or online at www.addiesrestaurant.com/crab-feast.