From 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., all DOLCEZZA locations (with the exception of the Hirshhorn Museum) will be offering guests a free scoop of its limited-edition Chocotorta gelato. The featured flavor is inspired by Argentina’s beloved no-bake cake, the chocotorta, made with chocolate cookies soaked in coffee, then layered with whipped dulce de leche and cream cheese. DOLCEZZA’s version folds cake pieces right into indulgent dulce de leche gelato for a rich, nostalgic treat.

Celebrate Bastille Day with a taste of France at Bastille Brasserie & Bar in Old Town Alexandria during a special three-night celebration on Saturday, July 11; Sunday, July 12; and Tuesday, July 14, from 4:00–9:00 PM. Guests can enjoy an à la carte menu of French-inspired specialties, including Petite Salade Niçoise, Paella du Languedoc, and Gateau Nantais, alongside curated French white, red, and rosé wines and festive cocktails like the Kir Royal, Guillotine, and Pomme Royale. Diners can also pair the featured dishes with Bastille's signature prix fixe menu for a complete three-course experience. Created by Chefs Christophe and Michelle Poteaux, this extended Bastille Day celebration offers multiple opportunities to enjoy authentic French cuisine, exceptional wines, and the warm hospitality that has made Bastille Brasserie & Bar an Alexandria favorite for nearly two decades. Click HERE to make your reservations HERE.

Summer House North Bethesda invites guests to celebrate the flavors of the season on Friday, July 17, from 6:30 to 9:00 PM with an interactive cocktail experience inspired by smoke, fire, and fresh summer ingredients. Guided by the restaurant's expert bartending team, guests will craft a selection of cocktails that blend smoky complexity with bright, refreshing flavors while learning approachable techniques for working with seasonal ingredients and creating drinks they can recreate at home. Throughout the evening, each cocktail will be paired with BBQ-inspired small plates designed to enhance every sip, offering a thoughtfully curated progression of flavors. More than just a cocktail class, this lively experience combines hands-on learning, exceptional food and drinks, and a fun social atmosphere. Tickets are $118 per person, and seating is limited. The event takes place at Summer House Santa Monica – North Bethesda. Click HERE to reserve your spot.

Chef Amy Brandwein and Chef Angel Barreto will come together for an exclusive one-night-only Chef's Table experience on Wednesday, July 22, from 6:30–9:30 p.m. in Centrolina's intimate Chef's Salon. Guests will enjoy a four-course tasting menu that blends Chef Barreto's contemporary Korean cuisine with Chef Brandwein's ingredient-driven Italian cooking, showcasing seasonal Mid-Atlantic ingredients, refined techniques, and bold flavors. Throughout the evening, diners will have the opportunity to interact with both acclaimed chefs and hear the stories and inspiration behind the collaborative menu. Chef Barreto, Executive Chef and Partner of Anju and recipient of numerous culinary honors—including Food & Wine Best New Chef and the 2024 RAMMY Award for Chef of the Year—joins eight-time James Beard Award nominee Chef Brandwein for this unforgettable culinary experience. Priced at $150 per guest (beverages and gratuity not included), the intimate dinner features limited seating, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Chef Barreto's charity of choice. Click HERE to reserve your spot.

Nycci Nellis invites locals to make the most of summer evenings at Fridays at the Fountain, a free weekly concert series at Water Park in National Landing. Running Fridays from July 17 through August 21, the series features an exciting lineup of live performances spanning alt-pop, indie rock, soul, R&B, jazz fusion, Latin jazz, and cumbia. Guests can grab dinner and drinks from Water Park's collection of local food vendors—including new additions Duke's Grocery and Paradiso Pizzeria Pronto—or enjoy happy hour at Water Bar before settling onto the lawn for an evening of live music. Just steps from the Crystal City Metro, concerts begin at 6:00 p.m. (with festivities starting at 5:30 p.m.), making it the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Reservations are encouraged via Eventbrite HERE.

In celebration of their one year anniversary, guests dining at Tiffany’s will receive a complimentary glass of champagne alongside their meal. Menu highlights include the Spread Sampler served with the restaurant’s house-made pita bread. Additional mezze options such as the vegetarian-friendly Dolmadakia and the Seared Cyprus Halloumi can be enjoyed alongside Tiffany’s 21-day dry-aged Duck Shawarma, and the Seared Scallops. Sweet options include the restaurant’s signature Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake layered with pistachio cream, toasted kadaifi, and mascarpone available alongside a selection of coffee and tea.  In addition to complimentary champagne, Sip and Paint DC will host a guided painting session in the restaurant’s upstairs bar area from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. You are invited to paint a scenic romance portrait with all art supplies and guidance provided by the artist. Tickets are required to participate and can be purchased for $45.50 (including tax and fees) on Eventbrite. For more information, visit sipandpaintdc.com. 

In celebration of America's 250th anniversary, the Inspires Foundation presents “I Dream America”, a traveling storytelling exhibition that invites visitors to reflect on the nation's past, present, and future through the personal experiences and perspectives of 20 storytellers. Through self-portraits, recorded stories, and Story Mandalas™, participants share their personal stories, lived experiences, and dreams for America. Designed to encourage reflection and evoke meaningful conversation, the exhibition welcomes attendees to experience each storyteller’s journey while considering a central question: “What is your dream for America?”

Capital City Cats, the Washington, D.C. metro area’s largest cat show and adoption event, will return at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, Maryland, a new location for the annual event. Capital City Cats will welcome thousands of cat lovers and feature more than 150 cats across 25 different breeds, all competing for the title of Best in Show. Capital City Cats will host a vendor marketplace with unique cat toys, furniture, jewelry and apparel, and specialty products for cats and their owners. This family-friendly event will also feature a Kitten Korner and daily stuffed animal contests for the kids as well as a dedicated Education Ring where attendees can learn more about feline health and the different cat breeds. Capital City Cats is also an adoption event and will feature adoptable cats from the Baltimore Humane Society and Baltimore County Animal Services.

Ready to master the world's most celebrated sparkling wine? Join Capital Wine School for their Champagne Specialist certification course, an immersive two-day deep dive into the history, production methods, terroir, and styles that make Champagne unlike anything else in the wine world. Through guided tastings and expert instruction, you'll build the knowledge and vocabulary to confidently evaluate, discuss, and recommend Champagne. To register, click here.

This Bastille Day, L’Avant-Garde is going bistronomique for one day only with a festive Steak Frites Soirée. You will enjoy a classic French steak frites experience featuring a perfectly cooked 10oz New York steak, unlimited clarified butter fries, and their choice of one of three iconic sauces: Béarnaise, Steak au Poivre, or Blue Cheese. Priced at $45 per person, the Bastille Day special brings the convivial spirit of the French bistro to one of Georgetown’s most elegant dining rooms.