Bluejacket’s annual Oktoberfest returns this Saturday with seasonal beers, contests, and plenty of Lederhosen. Starting at noon, the lineup of events kicks off with an alphorn performance, followed by pretzel toss competition, boot beer chugging contest, yodel-off and more. Transport from the District to Bavaria with seasonal brews from Bluejacket, like the Always Wonder (Schankbier), Dreaming (Smoked Doppelbock) and For the Company (Helles Lager). Admission is free.

The Popal family and Chefs Matt Conroy & Isabel Coss are welcoming several of DC’s top chefs, from James Beard award-winners to MICHELIN-starred chefs, into their kitchen for one-night-only to create a creative signature taco inspired by their cuisine of choice. Reserve via RESY on date of collab (open 30 days out).

Celebrate Oktoberfest at ChurchKey with a bevy of Bavarian-style beers! ChurchKey is pouring 10 German-style festbiers. Enjoy a stein-holding competition (2:00 p.m.) with special prizes and a slew of German-style food from Chef Hamilton Johnson will have. Festivities are from 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. and free to attend, with all beer and food priced a la carte.

As summer gives way to fall, Sly, the rooftop bar atop The Morrow Hotel, invites you to celebrate the changing season with Sunset Sips: A Fall Equinox Celebration with James Beard Award-winning Chef Marcus Samuelsson. The celebrated chef, restaurateur, author, and television personality will join Sly for a special evening celebrating the arrival of fall, bringing his acclaimed culinary perspective and unmistakable energy to the rooftop. The evening brings together seasonal cocktails, signature bites, live music, and golden-hour views for a festive farewell to summer. Dinner Reservations: Available via OpenTable. Outdoor Party Tickets: Available via Eventbrite; $46 per person. Ticket includes: open bar for wine and beer, unlimited stationed appetizers and desserts, music all night, and outdoor seating with panoramic views of the D.C. skyline

Get ready to salsa along the waterfront this fall! From September 10 - October 8, The Wharf is hosting Dancing on the Waterfront at The Wharf, a free salsa series at M Street Landing every Thursday from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Each Thursday will feature a salsa lesson led by expert instructors from Dancing on the Waterfront, followed by open dancing with a DJ. Guests of all skill levels can join in, grab a Heineken and enjoy a night of dancing along The Wharf.

Afternoon Tea returns this Fall to the cozy atmosphere of the Mansion at Strathmore. As the soothing sounds of local musicians fill the room, guests can enjoy light savories and Strathmore’s signature blend crafted by Master Tea Blender John Harney. Set within a working art gallery, each tea event invites patrons to explore by touring the current exhibition and browsing local and handmade goods at the Shop at Strathmore. Sessions begin at 1:00 p.m., and tickets are $45. Click Here for Afternoon Tea Guide.

The 34th annual Taste of Bethesda from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and will feature Bethesda’s best restaurants, four stages of live entertainment, activities for kids and more! Admission to the Taste of Bethesda is free. Taste tickets are sold on-site in bundles of five tickets for $10. Food servings cost one to four tickets. For more information, click here.

Join Mallard at 2:00 p.m. as they celebrate the release of Neighborhood Restaurant Group's first ever Willett Single Barrel pick - a complex 6-year old bourbon called “Red Card.” For $79, you will enjoy a specially curated six pour tasting of Willett offerings includingtwo exclusive single barrels, Willett Black bottle wheated bourbon, and pours of Willett Small Batch "Purple Top" bourbon, "Green Top" Rye, and our Willett Single Barrel Bourbon, "Red Card". Ticket holders will experience an old fashioned made with our new single barrel and the Willett six pour flight, all the while learning about the history of Willett. You will also have the opportunity to purchase a bottle of our exclusive single barrel at a discounted price. Reservations here! 

Join the Center for Food as Medicine & Longevity for a virtual fireside conversation with Michael Moss, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist and author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Salt Sugar Fat and Hooked: Food, Free Will, and How the Food Giants Exploit Our Addictions.

Hard Rock’s global music competition continues with three nights of live music and some strong DMV-area talent. Round 2 on September 9 features West Virginia’s 2025 Best Artist Grace Campbell, an Americana singer-songwriter known for heartfelt storytelling, and Alexandria rapper and Double Wammie Award winner Mallno Crawford. Round 3 on September 16 brings Tito Starr, Liah Perez and Emma G to the stage, followed by the September 23 final, when winners from the earlier rounds compete for the regional title and the opportunity to advance to the global voting round.