From peaches to fresh seafood, get a taste of summer by visiting these food festivals in DC and Northern Virginia. They will serve up not only great eats and drinks, but also live music and fun for the whole family.
Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle
June 24, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. and June 25, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
For the 31st year, the smell of barbecue will waft through the air along Pennsylvania Avenue. Watch cooks face off as they compete for the National BBQ Champion title in various categories, including ribs, chicken, and steak. At this mammoth event, restaurants will serve up BBQ classics, while you take in the music and dance performances. From 2:30–4 p.m. on Saturday, there’s a 90s-themed block party. Pennsylvania Ave. between Third and Seventh streets, Washington, DC, $20–$60
Nomini Bay Oyster Festival
July 1–2, August 5–6, September 2–3, noon–5 p.m.
During the first weekend of each month, enjoy an afternoon of Virginia-grown oysters. The Nomini Bay Oyster Ranch delicacies will be served at Dirt Farm Brewing on the Blue Ridge Mountainside, so you can take in the scenery while eating raw or grilled oysters paired with beer. If you needed more reason to attend this seafood bash, a portion of sales go toward Chesapeake Bay cleanup efforts. 18701 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont
Hanover Tomato Festival
July 14, 5–9 p.m. and July 15, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Sweeten up your summer with a trip to Mechanicsville for the Hanover Tomato Festival. A variety of Virginia farms sell their homegrown produce, including tomatoes (of course), berries, jams, and pickles. Food vendors serve tomato-themed dishes, such as fried green tomatoes, caprese salad, and tomato basil sorbet. Aside from tomatoes, you can visit fine arts vendors and other booths for hands-on activities and crafts. Danny Kensy, who has toured with Rascal Flatts and Brad Paisley, performs on Saturday. 8996 Pole Green Park Ln., Mechanicsville, free
Purcellville Wine & Food Festival
July 22, 2–8 p.m.
Travel to Dillon’s Woods for a day of award-winning spirits and bites. Eight wineries and breweries will be there, along with food vendors serving milkshakes, grilled cheeses, and popcorn. The festival offers live music, eclectic shopping options, face painting, and caricature drawing. You can visit Arts in the Garden to meet artists and watch as they create their work. 250 S. Nursery Ave., Purcellville, $5 in advance, $10 at the gate, free for kids 16 and under, drink tickets are extra
Peach Fuzztival
July 29–30, August 5–6, and August 12–13, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Celebrate peak peach season at Great Country Farms. Start off the day with a pastry breakfast at Knead It Bakery before peach-picking. Other activities include a peach pie-eating contest, peach pit-spitting contest, water balloon toss, and live music. For peachy refreshments enjoy Bluemont Vineyard’s peach wine slushies, peach wine, and peachy food specials, as well asDirt Farm Brewing’s Som’ Peach Golden Ale, brewed with 800 pounds of peaches. 34345 Snickersville Tpk., Bluemont, $14 for adults, $12 for children, free for kids two and under and Fan of the Farm Club Members
TASTE Leesburg
August 12, 5–10 p.m.
Explore the flavors of Leesburg from restaurants and food trucks. In addition to food that you buy from the vendors, you can purchase a wristband online for unlimited sips of fan-favorite beers, wine, cider, and mead. As you dine and drink, shop at retail booths and enjoy an evening of live music and street performances. Market and King streets, Leesburg, free admission, food and drinks extra
Around the World Cultural Food Festival
August 26, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Spend the afternoon on Alexandria’s waterfront and sample plates from around the world. Only one restaurant is selected to participate per country represented, so you can try a wide range of national dishes. In addition to food you can buy, this event features a folk show with international singers and dancers and a fashion show with global styles. Oronoco Bay Park: 100 Madison St., Alexandria, free
Feature image courtesy of Around the World Cultural Food Festival
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