This Spring’s Best Food and Drink Festivals Around the DMV

March 20 marked the first official day of spring. And what better way to commemorate the occasion than by planning an outing that celebrates the season with food and drinks.

Eater has selected a dozen food, beer and wine festivals taking place over the next several months in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The guide includes the iconic Cherry Blossom Beer & Wine Festival, which offers samples of more than 100 beers and wine. And in Maryland there’s newcomer BrunchCon, celebrating all things brunch, as well as the third annual Light City Festival in Baltimore that highlights food from local restaurants.

D.C.

Capital BrewFest: Blossom Bash Beer & Wine Festival

What: The beer and wine festival offers samples of more than 50 rare and seasonal beers and 50 wines, including several rosé varietals. The day includes live music, tabletop games, and outdoor activities.

When: Satruday, March 31

Where: 1309 Fifth St NE

Cost: $29.95-$79.95

Cherry Blossom Beer & Wine Festival

What: Take in D.C.’s cherry blossoms and sample more than 100 beers and wines and food truck fare during this two-day festival.

When: Saturday, April 7 to Sunday, April 8

Where: 151 T Street SW

Cost: $49.99-$89.99

HopFest 2018

What: The DC Brewers’ Guild is bringing back the festival that celebrates local brews, including rare brews and old favorites. Tickets include a tasting glass and unlimited pours of more than two dozen hoppy beers.

When: Saturday, April 7

Where: 3178 Bladensburg Road NE

Cost: $35

D.C. Wine Fest Spring Edition

What: Enjoy local and international wines, live music and local food at this indoor festival.

When: Saturday, April 14

Where: 1234 Ninth Street NW

Cost: $35-$60

DC Beer Festival

What: Taking place along on the baseball stadium’s concourse, the festival will feature lawn games, DJs, and more than a dozen food trucks. Expect more than 80 craft breweries pouring 200 seasonal beers.

When: Saturday, April 21

Where: 1500 South Capitol Street SE

Cost: $45

Savor, an American Craft Beer & Food Experience

What: Take in the stunning illuminated columns of the National Building Museum while sampling beers from 90 independent breweries from around the country. Each beer complements a small plate at the two-day event.

When: Friday, June 1 and Saturday, June 2

Where: 401 F Street NW

Cost: $135; $200 for limited VIP tickets

Taste of Peru

What: Peruvian chefs will showcase their culinary skills while Latin dance and music will entertain the audience.

When: Sunday, June 3

Where: 4200 Connecticut Avenue NW

Cost: $15-$40, plus cost of food

Maryland

Light City Baltimore

What: Charm City’s free light festival returns for a third year with more opportunities to see dramatic art installations and sample local fare. The Local Fry, Urban Oyster, Ekiben and El Loco Taco will feed visitors while the Brewer’s Art will supply its popular Resurrection beer.

When: Saturday, April 14 to Saturday, April 21

Where: Baltimore Inner Harbor and surrounding neighborhoods

Cost: Free

BrunchCon

What: This inaugural food and drink festival celebrates all things associated with that late-morning- to-mid- afternoon post-hangover meal. The event includes a market with brunch goods and products and games including giant Jenga, corn hole, and mimosa pong.

When: Sunday, April 22

Where: National Harbor

Cost: $45-$85

Baltimore Food & Wine Festival; National Harbor Food & Wine Festival

What: The third annual Baltimore event features a 5K around the Inner Harbor, 150 international and local wine, beers and spirits and samplings from food trucks and restaurants, including Birroteca, The Elephant, and Wayward Southern Bar & Kitchen. The National Harbor festival features food samples from Hollywood Oyster Company, Mezeh Mediterranean Grill Brother, and Jimmy’s BBQ.

When: Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29 at National Harbor; Saturday, May 12 in Baltimore

Where: National Harbor and Rash Field, Baltimore Inner Harbor

Cost: $39-90

Virginia

Mount Vernon’s Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour

What: Sample wines from 20 Virginia wineries while listening to jazz, Latin, or classical music at the stunning estate. Visitors can purchase fruit and cheese boxes in advance and sandwiches and other items from the restaurant.

When: Friday, May 18 through Sunday, May 20

Where: 3200 Mount Vernon Highway, Mt Vernon, Va

Cost: $36-$48

Taste of Reston

What: The two-day festival promises live entertainment on three stages, a Family Fun Zone and plenty of beer and wine. Participating restaurants include Barcelona Wine Bar, Punjabi Junction, and Vinifera Wine Bar & Bistro.

When: Friday, June 15 and Saturday, June 16

Where: Reston Town Center

Cost: Free admission; purchase tickets for food, beer and wine