Looking for something to do that involves eating, drinking, and being outside? Well, look no further than Taste of D.C.!
A premier annual culinary and cultural festival, Taste of D.C. is the largest event of its kind in the mid-Atlantic. Here's what you need to know.
WHERE: RFK Stadium festival grounds
WHEN: Saturday, October 7 (10 a.m.–7 p.m.) | Sunday, October 8 (11 a.m.–6 p.m.)
How it works: Taste of D.C. will be cashless, utilizing a "TasteBand" wristband currency system. You can buy food and beverage tickets (TasteTokens) to add to your TasteBand either online, or at the festival grounds on the day of. Learn more about how TasteBand works and view the many different ticket packages available here.
Restaurant Row
This is the main event (well, besides the wine and beer, of course!). It's the reason you attend such a festival -- the reason you literally haven’t eaten for 24 hours before. More than 65 of the region’s best restaurants and food trucks will be present, and you’ll be able to stroll from booth to booth and taste a sample of their menus. You’ll also be able to learn about their dining experience, what makes their place unique (you know on top of the yummy food) and why they're worth the visit after the festival. Some musts include Agora, Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar, Texas de Brazil, and for a sweet treat, Sprinkles Cupcakes. More participating restaurants can be found here.
[gallery columns="2" size="large" ids="4394,4400"]
Wine Walk/Beer Garden
Taste of D.C. will feature both an extensive beer and wine selection, many from local wineries and breweries. If you like large beer gardens, you’ll love this one since it’ll be the largest this fall, and you can taste Oktoberfest favorites as well as flights of craft beers. Much of the alcohol will be fall-themed and pair well with the food, and who doesn’t love a good pumpkin beer?
[gallery columns="2" size="large" ids="4396,4393"]
Culinary Entertainment (and also live entertainment)
You’ll be able to view culinary demonstrations from top chefs on the culinary stage. You should also partake in the chili cook-off -- and by "partake" we mean you should stop by the station, eat some chili, and enjoy specialty programming. While you’re eating and drinking, you still want to be entertained, so make your way to the main stage, where both days a lineup of local bands will play live music. Additionally, you can pick up some souvenirs and knick-knacks for your home and closet at the Artistan Market, and let your kids play and have fun in the Kid Zone.
[gallery columns="2" size="large" ids="4399,4395"]
Have you attended Taste of D.C. before? What food and drink was your favorite, and what culinary presentation blew your mind? Let us know in the comments below.
