PubKey will open at 11:00 a.m. to screen the pre-race show with special food and drink offerings available through the race, including beer buckets, cocktail specials, a brunch-y Bacon, Egg & Cheese featuring Nueske's bacon, fried egg, and American cheese on an English muffin; and a Pulled Pork Sandwich with slow-braised pork belly with PubKey’s house BBQ sauce on a brioche bun.

At 6:30 p.m., Crimson Lane Vineyards invites you to Sip, Smoke & Savor the Sunset, an evening celebrating the classic pairing of fine wine and cigars. Wine Ambassador Chris Jenkins will lead a guided tasting of three wines chosen for their compatibility with cigars, followed by an open evening of sipping, savoring, and relaxing. You can enjoy charcuterie and light bites while taking in sunset views over Virginia wine country. The event welcomes both seasoned cigar enthusiasts and curious first timers. $45 per person, maximum party size of 6. Reserve HERE.

On Saturday, August 22, Whitlow's on U Street is bringing the laughs and high-octane energy of Talladega Nights to life with a Ricky Bobby-themed party celebrating the night of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. Guests are encouraged to pull out their cut-off flannels and jorts for a night of themed fun featuring specialty cocktails like the "Shake and Bake Spicy Margarita" and the "Pit Stop Paloma." The restaurant will be decked out in Talladega Nights décor, while staff will embrace the theme in NASCAR jumpsuits, cut-off flannels, jorts, and trucker hats. Jose Cuervo representatives will be on site handing out swag and temporary tattoos, and DJs Killabeats24 and Davy Jones will keep the party going with music all night long.

Wine lovers can explore the world of skin contact wines at 50 Shades of Grapes on Sunday, August 16, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at The Eastern. This guided tasting will feature four wines with varying levels of skin contact, offering guests the opportunity to discover the unique flavors, textures, and techniques behind this distinctive style. The class will be led by The Eastern's Wine Director, Eric Morris, alongside D.C.-based sommelier and Massanois wine representative Alexa Jaenicke, who will share insights from the importer’s curated portfolio of family-owned wineries. Click HERE to purchase your ticket.

At 6:00 p.m., Immigrant Food is hosting its 6th annual live Immigrant Comedy Night! The event is in collaboration with KAMA DC, showcasing a lineup of local, immigrant comedians while guests enjoy Immigrant Food's signature internationally inspired menu and drinks. Highlighted talent includes Kevin Chen, Latif Idris, Adaobi Ugochukwu, and Cynthia Via. Tickets here.

Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland is serving up special prix fixe menus during its Summer Restaurant Week, taking place August 16 –27. Available Sunday through Thursday, guests can enjoy seasonal three-course dinners at five of the resort's dining destinations: Sports & Social Maryland ($35), Truong Tien Restaurant ($35), Luk Fu ($39), David's Restaurant & Bar ($45), and The Prime Rib at Live! ($75). Executive Chef Phillip Stephenson shared that this year's event highlights the creativity of the culinary team, with a special focus on the resort's newest restaurant, Truong Tien, where guests can experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Whether visiting for the first time or returning for another meal, Restaurant Week offers the perfect opportunity to discover a new favorite dish to enjoy with family and friends. Click HERE for more information.

Following the success of Bolivian Fest DC, Casa Kantuta is launching the inaugural Bolivian Cultural Weekend on August 15 through 16 to celebrate Bolivia's Independence Day. The 2-day event includes the Seis de Agosto Party at Metrobar with Bolivian dance performances, cocktails, and live music, followed by El Mercadito Boliviano at Portrait Social in Georgetown, featuring local artists, authentic food, coffee, artisan vendors, and Bolivian-owned small businesses; casakantuta.com

Join The Roost for a walk-around tasting and bottle sale of 30 of their favorite wines made in South Africa! They are gathering some of the best DC wine distributors to share some of their favorite wines made in the historical yet innovative wine regions of South Africa! Join them for a walk-around tasting featuring a 30 ultra-fine wines crafted sustainably in South Africa. The price is $45 per person to taste through all of our favorite sparkling, white, rosé, and red wines, and gain access to our fabulous bottle sale! Purchase a ticket here!

Eat the City is back! Aslin Beer Company is teaming up with Rooster & Owl for a one-night-only dinner collaboration! Grab your ticket and get ready to eat the city! Purchase a ticket here.

Join Bold Fork Books for an evening of conversation about Omi Hopper's debut cookbook, COOKING CON OMI: A Love Letter to Puerto Rican Home Cooking.