On October 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at The Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, hospitality experts Julia Coney, Andrew Elder, and Tom Sietsema will join founder and moderator Janet Cam for an interactive exploration of wine, food, service, and the guest experience. The first session in the Psychology of Hospitality series combines expert conversation and practical learning with a three-course lunch and guided wine pairing, examining how communication, service, food, and wine shape the dining experience. Participants will also receive a Front of House Certificate of Completion for Session I; https://www.eventbrite.com/e/points-of-view-with-julia-coney-andrew-elder-and-tom-sietsema-tickets-2001001006877

Calico will host its 6th Annual Fall Festival from 1:00 - 9:00 p.m. This free to attend festival will feature pumpkin painting, live music, seasonal cocktails, cider tastings, and more. 

U.S. Nepal Gastronomy and Bombay Street Food National Harbor will host a 5-course Nepal Flood Relief Fundraising Master Class Dinner at 6:00 p.m., highlighting cuisine inspired by Bhotekoshi and other flood-impacted regions of Nepal. The $150.00 dinner will bring together chefs from Kathmandu Bar & Tapas, Himalayan Wild Yak, Tapori & Daru, Bombay Street Food, Masti Reston Town Center, and Mad Mac, with wine and reception canapés also included. 100% of proceeds will benefit Nepal’s PM Disaster Relief Fund to support communities impacted by the flooding; https://www.chautary.com/events/nepal-flood-relief-fundraising-masterclass-dinner-o8mk1d

Taco Bamba’s 9th Annual Bambathon returns, challenging all 16 locations to race to sell 1,000 tacos while supporting Smile on the World. Taco Bamba will donate $1 from every taco sold, up to $1,000 per location, to the nonprofit co-founded by Chef Victor Albisu, which provides aid and medical care to underserved communities. Bambanation members who purchase a taco that day will also receive a reward for a free taco, redeemable within the following week; tacobamba.com

Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House will host **Countdown to the Holidays** in partnership with Arcadia and Nelly’s Needlers. This festive community celebration will kick off the holiday season with activities for all ages, including open house tours of historic Woodlawn and the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Pope-Leighey House, a whimsical Fairy House Festival, a family scavenger hunt, seasonal food, games, and more. You can explore the historic grounds, enjoy delicious bites, and take part in hands-on activities during a fun-filled day for the whole family. Click HERE for more information.

Washington, D.C. will celebrate World Sake Day with the fifth annual **Kanpai! to Sake Day in DC** from noon to 4 p.m. at **Love, Makoto**. Led by Reiko Hirai of DC Sake cō, the event will feature tastings of more than 100 sakes alongside sushi, izakaya-inspired dishes, and Japanese specialties from Chef Makoto Okuwa’s culinary team. Tickets start at $108, with VIP experiences featuring seated lunches and guided sake pairings also available. You will also receive 10% off sake orders placed through DC Sake cō that day. Tickets are available HERE.

Opal is introducing its new Wine Dinner Series, an intimate collection of evenings celebrating exceptional food, wine, and the people behind them. Each evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with welcome bites and Prosecco, followed by time to mingle, meet the chef, and hear the stories behind the featured dishes and wines. You will then take their seats for a thoughtfully curated five-course menu paired with five wines for $129 per person. More than just a dinner, the series is designed to bring people together around the table for beautiful food, great wine, conversation, laughter, and a little fun along the way. Reservations are required. Click HERE to make your reservation.

Join Colada Shop at their Dupont Circle location for an industry-only complimentary tasting of their new and improved Cuban Sandwich and martinis. Presented by Culinary Director Claudio Foschi and Beverage Director Josh Murski. The event is from 9:00 - 11:00 p.m. To RSVP, text 347.785.0798 with your name and restaurant/company name.

In recognition of Food Waste Prevention Week, composting expert Elana Goldstein will lead “The Compost Doctor is In!” on Saturday, September 26 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Newark Street Community Garden’s DC Community Compost Cooperative Site in Washington, D.C. The free workshop will explore how composting works, local composting options, what can go in curbside compost bins, backyard composting tips, and more, with plenty of time for questions. Attendees are also invited to participate in an optional “scrappy baking” potluck featuring baked goods made with unused, shelf-stable ingredients. The event is open to the public, will take place rain or shine, and requires advance registration. Admission is free, with optional donations benefiting the Les Dames d’Escoffier Washington, D.C. Regional Chapter’s scholarships, grants, and programs supporting women and organizations in the food, beverage, and hospitality community. Register HERE.

Crimson Lane Vineyards are welcoming one of the world's most influential winemakers for an intimate masterclass and wine dinner at Crimson Lane Vineyards. This October, join them and Sebastián Zuccardi, third-generation owner and winemaker at Zuccardi Valle de Uco, for a one-night-only event. The evening will begin with a guided seminar of rarely poured Valle de Uco wines, introduced by Sebastián himself. Following the seminar tasting, a seasonal three-course menu from Chef Jan Van Haute of Maison Epicure, will be served overlooking the vibrant fall foliage in the Blue Ridge.