Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are five choice dining and nightlife events and promotions going on around the city:
1) Octopus's Garden dinner
Where:Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School
1100 Harvard St NW
When: Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
What: Chefs Jeremiah Langhorne and Thomas Madrecki are teaming up for this charity dinner to benefit City Blossoms. A $20 ticket earns attendees grilled chicken, seafood and more. More info here.
2) Chouffe Fest
Where: Dupont Circle
When: Saturday from 7-11 p.m.
What: Chouffe Fest allows attendees to try Belgian beers in a gnome-inspired setting (yes, that's right) with board games, live music, food and more. Tickets are $10.
3) Alexandria Food & Wine Festival
Where:John Carlyle Square
300 John Carlyle St.
When: Saturday 12-5 p.m.
What: Alexandria's festival is free to attend, though attendees must buy tickets to sample food. The event will bring together restaurants like Rustico and Walker's Grille, wineries and other food vendors. There will be live music and entertainment as well.
4)Grilling with the Chef Dinner Series
Where: Vinifera
11750 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston
When: Friday at 5 p.m.
What: Vinifera is kicking off its new dinner series on the restaurant's outdoor patio. Guests who attend can sample such grilled items as ribs, chicken, BBQ pulled pork, hanger steak and other items while chef John-Michael Hamlet offers grilling tips. The event is $25.
5) Bonk's Smoked Que
Where: The Pig
When: Sunday [and Monday] evenings at 5:30 p.m.
What: Every Sunday and Monday night beginning this weekend, Chef Michael Bonk will hold a barbecue themed pop-up at The Pig. They'll be smoking up Woodland Foraging Pigs from Catoctin Mountain Farm in Maryland. Guests will be able to order different cuts of barbecue, along with cocktails, sides and more. They can sample all of the offerings for $39 or choose from them.
ALSO THIS WEEKEND: Safeway's BBQ Battle (featuring the TGI Friday's food truck)...The Rammy Awards...Goodies debuts at National Harbor...Virginia's Mid-Summer Wine Festival...the Northern Virginia Summer Brewfest at Morven Park...the Fit Foodie 5k.
