Mark These Summer Food Festivals on the Calendar

Sampling food truck fare, foods from around the world, and local beer and wines are just some of the delights that await during the many food and drink festivals taking place in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia this summer.

There are festivals that don’t charge any admission, such as D.C.’s Food Festival of the Americas and Alexandria’s Vine on the Waterfront. Others provide a bevy of food and drink tickets for the price of admission, with more available for an additional cost. Many even offer a significant discount for designated driver tickets.

As for entertainment, expect bands or a DJ, kids' activities, games, and performances. Some, like the Around the World Cultural Food Festival, also throw culture into the mix with folk dances from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

D.C.

Around the World Cultural Food Festival
What: Sample foods from around the world while listening to music and watching cultural performances.
When: June 18
Where: National Mall
Cost: Free

Red White ‘n Brew
What: A DJ and live bands, food trucks, plus unlimited tastings of more than 100 beers and wines will be at this pre-July 4 festival.
When: June 25
Where: The Yards parking lot
Cost: $35-$45

Food Festival of the Americas
What: Taste the flavors of Latin America and the Caribbean and explore local crafts, music and dance. Proceeds benefit women and children of the Americas.
When: July 17
Where: 17th and Constitution Ave.
Cost: Free

Brew at the Zoo
What: Drink beer and save the animals at this zoo fundraiser, which features food truck fare and live music from 80’s tribute band The Reagan Years.
When: July 21
Where: National Zoo
Cost: $30 to $100

Maryland

2nd Annual Baltimore Wine Fest
What: More than 140 wines from all over the world, food from area restaurants, cooking demos and live music will be featured.
When: June 18
Where: Canton Waterfront Park
Cost: $12 to $85

Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival
What: Crack the crustaceans while sipping on beer and listening to live music.
When: June 25 and Aug. 27
Where: Inner Harbor (in June) and National Harbor
Cost: $29-$89

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
What: Imbibe 60 beers and 40 types of bourbon while eating ribs, brisket, chicken, and sausage.
When: June 17 and June 18; in Leesburg, Va. Sept. 17
Where: National Harbor
Cost: $29-$89

Maryland Wine Festival
What: More than 30 Maryland wineries will be pouring reds and whites while food vendors serve crab cakes, oysters, and cheese.
When: Sept.17-18
Where: Carroll County Farm Museum in Westminster
Cost: $30 to $50; discounts for designated driver

Baltimore Seafood Festival
What: Celebrate Chesapeake crabs, oysters, and all things seafood at the waterfront, along with live music, cooking demos and family friendly events like face painting.
When: Sept. 17
Where: Canton Waterfront Park
Cost: $12-$99

Virginia

Northern Virginia Summer Brewfest
What: Regional craft breweries serve seasonal brews while the food options include subs, sausages, and sandwiches.
When: June 18-19
Where: Special events center at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville
Cost: $20-$30

Vine on the Waterfront Food and Wine Festival
What: Alexandria restaurants and Virginia wineries serve food and drink at the waterfront park.
When: June 25
Where: Oronco Bay Park, Alexandria
Cost: Free

Herndon Labor Day Festival
What: Downtown Herndon uncorks Virginia wines and serves up craft beer, food and live music.
When: Sept. 5
Where: Herndon Town Green, Herndon
Cost: $5-$20

Great Grapes Wine Festival
What: A dozen wineries pour more than 120 wines at the festival, which also features arts and crafts, live music and a kids’ area.
When: Aug. 13
Where: Village at Leesburg, Leesburg
Cost: $25