Monday, October 19, six venues, and the capital region's top chefs, pastry chefs, and mixologists all pulling in the same direction ... it is time for Chefs For Equality, and this year's theme is United Plates of America.Now in its 15th year and one of the nation's most anticipated culinary fundraisers since 2012, Chefs For Equality is spreading across the city with four collaborative dinners, a Drag Brunch for Dinner, and a cocktail party at Silver Lyan, every seat supporting the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and the fight for full LGBTQ+ equality. It's the only chef-led event in the city raising funds for LGBTQIA+ equality, so come dine deliciously, raise a glass, and make a tangible impact and maybe take the day off on the 20th.Four Dinners, Four Dream Lineups ($400 per person)Multi-course, wine-paired, and chef-driven, and the hard part is picking just one. Each dinner starts with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m., then a six-course dinner with wine pairings at 7 p.m., and every guest goes home with a pretty hefty swag bag. Across the four you'll find Michelin-starred talent, James Beard Award winners, and chefs representing two of North America's 50 Best Restaurants.Rosewood (CUT DC by Wolfgang Puck): Andrew Ho of CUT DC, Jeremy Barragan of Osteria Mozza, Ruben Garcia of Casa Teresa, Mike Friedman of All-Purpose Hospitality Group, Ligia Barros of Rosewood, and Ana Sofia Pino of Lutèce.Centrolina: Amy Brandwein and Pichet Ong of Centrolina, Tatiana Mora of MITA, Seng Luangrath of Thip Khao/Padaek, Manuela Carbone of Brasero Atlantico, Jamie Leeds of Hank's Oyster Bar, Kat Petinito of The Duck & The Peach, Johanna Hellrigl of Ama, Claire King of Caviar Concierge, and Julie Cortes of Kayu.Marcus DC: Anthony Jones of Marcus DC, Paolo Dungca of Kayu, Patrick Benton of Primrose, Ria Montes of Fish Shop, Matt Adler of Caruso's Grocery/Cucina Morini, Rob Rubba of Oyster Oyster, and Kareem Queeman of Mr. Bakes.Moon Rabbit: Kevin Tien and Susan Bae of Moon Rabbit, joined by Jeremiah Langhorne of The Dabney, Harley Peet of Bas Rouge, Martel Stone of Dōgōn, Lekki Limtavana of Six Ways to Sunday, and Rachel Jennings of Boogy + Peel.Brunch for Dinner and a Cocktail Party ($250 per person each)Drag Brunch for Dinner at Perry's: a buffet by James Beard Award-winning chef Masako Morishita and pastry chef Jill Nguyen, performances by several of DC's fiercest queens, and sweets from Yuri Oberbillig of Saku Saku Flakerie and Audrey Angeles of Frost & Flourish.Cocktail party at Silver Lyan: head downstairs to the acclaimed subterranean cocktail bar in the Riggs Washington D.C. hotel, where some of the city's best chefs and bartenders share the room, the chefs passing bites while the bartenders shake and pour. David Guas of Neutral Ground Bar and Kitchen, Scott Drewno and Danny Lee of The Fried Rice Collective, and Victor Albisu of Taco Bamba/Electric Bull are cooking, and new this year, Silver Lyan is hosting a dedicated cocktail omakase experience.Ready to Go VIP?Private VIP Martini Lounge at The Dishonesty Bar, $3,000: while the cocktail party is going on, slip away to the swanky bar next door to Silver Lyan for a private one-hour seating, where Silver Lyan bartenders shake up martinis for your table, caviar bumps from Merolin Caviar alongside, and bento boxes prepared by Chef Peter Kannasute of Kyojin are waiting for you and seven of your best friends.Why Your Seat MattersChefs For Equality raises vital funds for the HRC Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization. Through public education, workplace training, and model policy development, the HRC Foundation works to reshape the institutions that govern the everyday lives of LGBTQ+ people across the country. Every ticket purchased, every dish savored, every glass raised moves that mission forward.Pick your venue, bring friends (TELL YOUR FRIENDS), and let's fill these rooms with delish food and joy. I'll be stopping by every single one of them, with my last stop at Silver Lyan, so wherever you are that night, I will see you!Individual tickets, group tables, and sponsorships are on sale now at chefsforequality.org.See you Monday, October 19.

Pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, costume contests for people and pups, haunted nights out , you know it is Halloween in the DMV . Fill your calendar with everything that is on our calendar. Head to The List’s calendar of events to find a spooky happening near you, pick your costume, grab the dog, and let’s go!For Those Who Can’t Wait to Celebrate: Halloween Events before October 31st (Listed Chronologically):(10/16-10/18) Boo at The Zoo: From Friday, October 16th - Sunday, October 18th, celebrate Halloween at The National Zoo! Enjoy a family-friendly evening with trick-or-treating, after-hours animal viewing, and spooky fun. For more information, click here.(10/18) Trick-Or-Treat at The Square Rockville: It’s time to get your spook on and join for the annual Trick or Treat at The Square on Sunday, October 18th from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Enjoy free face painting, a live DJ, and the opening of the ice skating rink! Costumes and furry friends are encouraged. Guests will receive a FREE Trick or Treat at The Square bag to hold all your treats from participating businesses and vendors while supplies last. For more information, click here.(10/22) Spooking Speakeasy at Matt & Tony’s: On Thursday, October 22nd, Matt & Tony’s transforms into a one-night-only Spooking Speakeasy, inviting guests to unlock an evening of Halloween cocktails, costumes, giveaways and plenty of mischief. Beginning at 5:00 p.m., guests who arrive with the secret password, or book using the exclusive reservation code, will gain access to the Halloween pop-up, with the bar staying open an extra hour until 10:00 p.m. for the occasion. Guests who arrive in costume will receive a complimentary spooky Jell-O shot, while the bar gets a wicked makeover with Halloween-inspired cocktails and theatrical presentations, including the Type-O-Negative Blood Bag Cocktail. The evening will also feature haunting bar snacks, a special three-course Halloween tasting menu and a selection of Matt & Tony’s favorites for those looking to stick with the classics. To make a reservation, click here.(10/23) Night of The Living Zoo: On Friday, October 23rd, grab your friends and enjoy this adults only Zoo after dark Halloween Party! You can get excited for unlimited drinks from pop-up bars, flash tattoos and piercings, live music, tarot card readings, and much more. Each ticket covers admission, unlimited drinks and live entertainment. Food trucks are located throughout the Zoo. Proceeds from the event support the Zoo’s animal care and conservation programs. For more information, click here.(10/24) 3rd Annual Halloween at The Boo-ro: The Boro is welcoming little ghosts and grown-up ghouls to Boro Park for the third annual Halloween at the Boo-ro on Saturday, October 24th at 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. Spooky tunes, hands-on activities and plenty of treats will keep the Halloween spirit going all afternoon. Come dressed to impress for a frightfully festive celebration. The event is free. To register, click here.NEW! (10/24) Charity Halloween Party at Inca Social Vienna: Inca Social is hosting a charity Halloween party at its Vienna location on October 24th hosted by The Lending Hand, featuring dinner, a DJ, drink specials, raffles and a costume contest, with a portion of proceeds supporting Thanksgiving food for families. For more information, click here.NEW! (10/24) Strega Nonna Night at Not for Long:  Not for Long is honoring Strega Nonna, the storybook “Grandma Witch” who kept her village thriving with potions and secret cures, all night on October 24th. The costume brief is the easiest of the season: raid your grandparents’ closet and come as  your most magical elder. The DJ will handle the rest. For more information, click here.(10/24) Annual Monster Mash at Village of Leesburg: Village at Leesburg will host its annual Monster Mash on Saturday, October 24th from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m., bringing a spooky afternoon of Halloween fun to the plaza. This free, family-friendly event will feature professional pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, cookie decorating, face painting, kids and pet costume contests, and more. Loudoun County Safety Day will also take place during the event, with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office sharing trick-or-treating safety tips, public safety displays, and important child safety information. For more information, click here.(10/25) Harbor Halloween at National Harbor: Harbor Halloween returns to Waterfront Plaza on Sunday, October 25th from 12:30 - 3:00 p.m. National Harbor restaurant chefs and artists will compete in a pumpkin-carving contest at 2:30 p.m., with guests invited to watch the creative transformations and vote for their favorites. Costumed pets can join the fun during the Pet Pawrade, with prizes for best costume, most creative costume and more. Kids in costume and dogs may ride The Capital Wheel free with a paying adult, with up to two dogs permitted per ticket. The Spirit Park Carousel will also host trick-or-treating from noon to 2:00 p.m., with candy and free rides for children in costume. For more information, click here.(10/28) NoMa’s Annual PumpkinPalooza at Alethia Tanner Park: PumpkinPalooza returns to Alethia Tanner Park on Wednesday, October 28th at 4:00 p.m. Join for NoMa’s annual Halloween celebration featuring a pick-your-own pumpkin patch and costume contests for both humans and pets. Meet Minion & Gru characters, enjoy a pop-up beer by Red Bear Brewing, and end the night with a screening of Minions & Monsters. And don’t miss the petting zoo with alpacas. For more information, click here.NEW! (10/29) Pre-Halloween Celebration at Anju: Anju will be offering a pre-Halloween celebration on October 29th, from 9:00 p.m. - midnight. Guests can drop in for a special menu of Korean comfort food, including spicy tteokbokki, pork and kimchi mandu, and Korean fried chikin, alongside festive cocktails like the Red Moon and a Black Sesame Espresso Martini. No reservations needed. For more information, click here.NEW! (10/29) 5th Thursday Absinthe - A Spooktober Celebration at Apéro: Join Chantal Tseng and Apéro for a hauntingly good evening as they summon the Green Fairy for a Spooktober Celebration. Guests can get excited for absinthe fountain pours, bewitching absinthe cocktails, eerie autumn vibes and more. For more information, click here.NEW! (10/29) Deadly Delicious - A Halloween Cocktail Experience with Gina Chersevani at Buffalo & Bergen: Join mixologist Gina Chersevani at Buffalo & Bergen on October 29th at 6:30 p.m. for a wickedly delicious cocktail experience. Gina will take guests behind the bar to shake, stir, and sip their way through a spirited celebration. Tickets cost $65 per person. To purchase  ticket, click here.(10/29): All Hallows Eve Wine Dinner at Cordelia Fishbar: Cordelia presents the second installment of its Fall Wine Dinner Series: All Hallows' Eve. On Thursday, October 29th, Beverage Director Miles Hunter and Cordelia’s wine team will raid the cellar for their favorite ghastly and ghoulish bottles, from inky, brooding reds to labels that go bump in the night. Each wine will be paired with a five-course tasting menu by Chef Josh Hunt, celebrating the flavors of fall and the art of charcoal cooking. The 5-course menu, including wine pairings, is $130 per person. To purchase a ticket, click here.(10/29) 15th Annual Howl-O-Ween at Fairmont DC: Fairmont Washington, D.C., invites guests to stop by with their canine companions for their 15th annual Howl-O-Ween on Thursday, October 29 in the Courtyard Bar from 6:00-  7:30pm. Prizes, awarded for best-costumed doggies with their people, including overnight stays, dinners and more. Local celebrity judges will award prizes for most creative, most adorable, funniest and honorable mentions. All dogs are treated to pawsome peanut butter doggie biscuits created by Fairmont’s pastry team; canine coolers are placed throughout the courtyard too. Humans can purchase spooky Halloween-themed cocktails and Puptails for four-legged guests. There is no charge to attend Fairmont’s 15th Annual Howl-O-Ween.  To sign up, click here.(10/30) Halloween Cookies & Cocktails at Unconventional Diner: Join Unconventional Diner at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, October 30th and sip spooky drinks while decorating pumpkin, witch and bat-shaped sugar cookies. They will supply a hot apple cider (spiked or non-spiked), four cookies, colorful icings and fun sprinkles for this spirited event. Wear your spookiest fit—the best costume among them wins a prize. To make a reservation, click here.For Those Looking to Celebrate on Halloween: Events on October 31st (Listed Alphabetically):Nightmare on King Street Halloween Party at Alexandria Bier Garden: Celebrate Halloween at Alexandria Bier Garden with live music, DJs, drink specials, and a $300 costume contest. DJ Mike Rodriguez starts at 4:00 p.m., Small Town 7 performs live at 9:00 p.m., and DJ Rubin’s keeps the Hofbräu Room going all night. Costume contest entry starts at 10:00 p.m., For more information, click here.Bottomless Brunch Party at Barrel: Barrel is throwing a bottomless brunch party on October 31st, with two seatings: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person and include a choice of brunch entrée along with sides served to each table. Bottomless drink options include select beer, bubbles, bloody marys, and espresso martinis, as well as spooky cocktails and mocktails created just for Halloween. Guests can come in costume, and a prize will be awarded for the best costume at each seating. To purchase a ticket, click here. Costume Contest at Cucina Morini: Stop by Cucina Morini on Halloween between 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. in costume, enjoy one of Cucina Morini's cocktails and enter for the chance to win a $500 Cucina Morini gift card.  Each participant will be photographed, and the Best Costume winner will be announced on Instagram the following day. For more information, click here.Spanish-Inspired Halloween at Del Mar: Halloween gets a Spanish-inspired twist at Del Mar by award-winning chef Fabio Trabocchi! Enjoy a three-course menu, cocktail or mocktail, DJ and an 8:00 p.m. costume contest. Menu highlights include Yellowfin Tuna Tartare and Paella Fideuà Negra, plus plenty of spooky-season fun on the Wharf. Tickets cost $70 per person. To make a reservation, click here.Halloween Wine Class & Costume Contest at The Eastern: The Eastern, is hosting a Halloween Wine Class and costume contest on October 31st from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Wine director Eric Morris will lead guests through a tasting of three of his favorite fall wines, each paired with Halloween candy. Guests are encouraged to come in costume, and the winner of the costume contest will take home a free bottle of wine.To purchase a ticket, click here. Exorcist Stairs Light Show: Georgetown’s most infamous staircase is getting a Halloween…glow up. Come in costume to The Exorcist steps for a free haunted light show on October 31st from 7:00 - 11:00 p.m., presented by EventLightsUSA and The Exorcist movie enthusiast Andrew Huff. For more information, click here.NEW! Fiola in Maschera - A Venetian Halloween at Fiola DC: This Halloween, Fiola invites guests to a Masquerade. Join them for an evening inspired by the elegance, extravagance, and playful spirit of Venetian Carnevale. Fiola will transform into a lavish celebration featuring Italian food stations, specialty cocktails, live piano, and a few unexpected surprises while surrounded by flickering candlelight, rich florals, and Venetian masks. To purchase a ticket, click here.Fall from Grace Halloween Party at The Grace: Join The Grace for a late-night Halloween celebration featuring a live DJ, themed cocktails, and an alcoholic beverage included with every ticket. Come dressed in costume and they will make it two; costumed guests receive an additional complimentary beverage. Tickets start at $25 per person. To purchase a ticket, click here.Whiskey & History - Ghosts at Hard Rock Cafe: Halloween night gets a historical twist with the latest installment of Hard Rock DC’s Whiskey & History series. Whiskey & History: Ghosts will explore haunted history through an immersive evening of storytelling paired with food and beverage—a fitting way to spend Halloween in downtown DC. To purchase a ticket, click here. NEW! Dinner Before The Afterlife at Inca Social: On Halloween, both Inca Social locations will host Dinner Before the Afterlife, a Halloween dinner experience with DJs, seasonal food and drink specials, and group packages for parties of six and eight. Inca Social Vienna will also celebrate Noche Criolla with live Peruvian music, blending the restaurant’s cultural heritage with Halloween festivities. For more information, click here.NEW! Into the Grimm Woods Dinner at La Boheme: On Halloween night, enjoy a four-course dinner that will take an extra mystical turn when guests are encouraged to wear costumes from their favorite Grimm’s Fairy Tale. Tickets cost $99 per person. To purchase a ticket, click here.NEW! Alley Sessions Part Two - Tacos & Treats at Last Call Bar: On Halloween from 8:30 - 11:30 p.m., Last Call Bar is hosting their second installment of its Alley Sessions. Taqueria Habanero brings the authentic tacos. The bar brings scary-good custom cocktails. A DJ drops monster-mash beats, with prize giveaways all night. Tickets cost $28.52 per person and include two tacos, a Jell-O Shot, and a trick-or-treat bucket. To purchase a ticket, click here.Halloween Spooktacular at the Mosaic District: On Halloween from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., grab your costumes and join the Mosaic District for their Spooktacular Halloween. Stop by participating retailers and restaurants for trick-or-treating, then head to Strawberry Park for a screening of Hocus Pocus at 6:00 p.m. For more information, click here.Dog Costume Contest at Osteria Morini: Osteria Morini is inviting DC’s best-dressed dogs to its Navy Yard waterfront patio from 11:00 a.m.– 3:00 p.m.  Each participating pup will be photographed, and the Best Costume winner will receive a $500 Osteria Morini gift card. The winner will be announced on Instagram later that day. For more information, click here.NEW! NAJA Nights - Halloween Edition at NAJA Mediterranean: NAJA Mediterranean is putting a Halloween spin on its popular NAJA Nights series. The Halloween edition of NAJA Nights kicks off on October 31st at 9:00 p.m. and goes late into the night. Guests can expect music from DJs Temsa and Samra spinning Arabic and Afro house, a live drummer, and complimentary passed hors d’oeuvres. A special Halloween cocktail, the Yallaween, will be available all night alongside NAJA’s new cocktail menu. A costume contest will take place at 11:00 p.m., with winners receiving $250 worth of prizes. To purchase a ticket, click here.After Dark - Halloween Party at SLY: From 7:00 - 11:30 p.m. on Halloween, party under the stars with spooky vibes and vinyl beats at SLY's Halloween party. At The Morrow's rooftop, enjoy an open bar, unlimited snacking and dessert stations and a $500 cash prize for the best costume. Tickets cost $100 per person and includes open bar, stationed bites, and live DJ. Purchase tickets here.NEW! Dress Like a Taco at Taco Bamba: Taco Bamba will be celebrating Halloween in style, taco style. Guests who dress up as a taco on Halloween receive a free taco of their choice. For more information, click here.Trick-Or-Treating at Tudor Place: Tudor Place is hosting its own trick-or-treat costume event (this one for humans) on October 31 from 10am – 12pm. Explore the gardens with a coffee while kids gather treats, get their faces painted, enjoy cider and goodies, play games, and do crafts. For more information, click here.Drag Bingo Halloween Party at Unconventional Diner: Unconventional Diner hosts its second annual Drag Bingo Halloween Party, complete with spooky decorations, a tarot card reader and a costume contest with prizes. Each ticket also includes an abundant buffet dinner with dessert, performances from some of the city’s most exciting drag performers—including India Larelle Houston from Perry’s iconic drag brunch!—and five bingo cards, with more available for purchase for $2 each. Cocktails, mocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks available à la carte. $60 per ticket plus tax, including service charge. To make a reservation, click here.Halloween Spooktacular Trick-Or-Treat at Union Market: Trick-or-Treat with Union Market District style. Join on October 31st from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. for a night of family-friendly trick-or-treating around Union Market District. Visit participating retailers for spooky shopping and treats. Free and open to kids 12 and under. For more information, click here.NEW! Halloween Party at Whitlow’s: Whitlow’s on U Street will be the home of scary drinks and even scarier costumes on Halloween night. There will be two Halloween costume contests. At 9:00 p.m., the best costume contest winner will receive two Washington Capitals tickets. At midnight, the grand prize costumed customer will receive $250 and two free shots of any liquor at the bar. Drink specials will be scary, as well including the JD Negative (served in an IV bag) and the Freak Show. Whitlow’s famous Jell-o shots will have eyeballs floating in them. For more information, click here.Wisconsin Avenue Woof Walk: Bring your best-dressed pup to Georgetown on Saturday, October 31 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and trick-or-treat along Wisconsin Avenue, stopping at participating businesses for treats and water. Don’t miss the doggy costume contest at 1pm, with prizes for Best Overall, Best Duo (human and dog combo), and Most Creative. For more information, click here.For Those Who Want To Celebrate All Month Long: Halloween Activations Throughout October (Listed Alphabetically):The Exorcist Cocktail at 1789 Restaurant: For Halloween season, 1789 Restaurant is pouring The Exorcist, a cocktail inspired by the iconic Exorcist Stairs just down the street from the restaurant. The spirit-forward cocktail combines Tanqueray London Dry Gin, Hayman’s Old Tom, Luxardo Maraschino, Green Chartreuse and Braulio. Available now through the season for $18. For more information, click here.NEW! Halloween Mini Box at Astro Fried Chicken & Doughnuts: In celebration of Halloween, Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken will bring back its signature Halloween Mini Box. From October 15th - October 31st, guests can preorder a dozen festively decorated mini-Candy Apple, Pumpkin Pie, Honey Bun and Vanilla Glaze doughnuts for $35. Halloween doughnuts feature celebratory toppings such as edible ghosts, pumpkins, witch hats, and spiders. To place an order, click here.Halloween Movie Nights at The Bit: The Bit is dedicating its Saturday Movie Nights series to scary movies throughout October. Starting at 4:00 p.m. each Saturday, Halloween movies will play on a loop on the bar’s projector. The Bit will have popcorn available, along with a special cocktail for the night and its full food and cocktail menus. To make a reservation, click here.NEW! Halloween Cocktails at Euonia: This October, Eunoia will celebrate Halloween with seasonally inspired cocktails available through the end of the month. The restaurant is serving two new cocktails inspired by the staff’s favorite Halloween movies and traditions, blending Eunoia's Mediterranean spirit with American traditions. Cocktails include the Bewitched and the I.C.U. For more information, click here.NEW! Halloween Cocktail at The Fountain Inn: The Fountain Inn is getting into the Halloween spirit with its Dirty PSL with a Jack-O-Lantern face, a seasonal cocktail inspired by the classic pumpkin spice latte. For more information, click here.Halloween Pairings at Little Blackbird: From October 15th – October 31st, Little Blackbird will feature five unexpected pairings that put a grown-up spin on Halloween treats. The pairings include Candy Corn + Chardonnay, Peanut Butter Cups + Lambrusco, Snickers + 10-Year Tawny Port, Skittles + Dry Rosé, and Sweet Tarts + Blanc de Blanc. Each pairing is $11–$17 and includes a piece of candy with a wine pour.  It’s a fun and unexpected way to celebrate Halloween, and a chance to see how classic candies pair with different wines. For more information, click here.Candlelight Experience at National City Christian Church: Set against a mesmerizing backdrop of thousands of candles, the Candlelight® experience comes to Washington D.C, this Halloween with a live musical program built around mystery and the supernatural. It's the perfect Halloween experience for friends, families, and coworkers looking for something different from the usual haunted house or bar crawl. Tickets cost $47 per person. Purchase tickets here.Frankenstein’s Mad Scientist Cocktail Lab Pop-Up at Puttery DC: Puttery DC will have their Frankenstein’s Mad Scientist Cocktail Lab Halloween Pop-Up all month long. Guests can enjoy themed cocktails while enjoying 2-hours of unlimited gameplay. Optional add-ons are also available. Tickets start at $20 per person. To purchase a ticket, click here.Royally Spooked Halloween Pop-Up at Royal Restaurant: This October, Royal Restaurant is transforming its patio into a Royally Spooked Halloween Pop-Up daily from 3:00 - close the entire month, featuring themed cocktails, spirited zero-proof drinks and limited-time bites. Guests can pair their drinks with a variety of playful food specials. For more information, click here.For Those Looking For Día de los Muertos Events, Check Them Out Here!

We don't need an excuse to eat pizza, but October gives us one anyway, and we're calling it research. DC has become a legit pizza town, not just a place where you settle for a slice between meetings ... in the last few years there's been a real explosion of offerings, from old-school Italian trattorias to weekend pop-ups slinging pies out of a fryer stand.Whether you like yours by the slice or super soupy, wood-oven fired or peeled into a deck, there's so many ways to get it and get it good in the DC area. Here's where we're getting our 'za fix during National Pizza Month:2 Amys — 3715 Macomb Street NW; Chef-owner Peter Pastan has been running this Cleveland Park mainstay for over two decades, and it's still one of the most beloved Neapolitan-style pizzerias in the DMV, the kind of place regulars have been loyal to since before "Neapolitan" was a buzzword.Alfreda — 2016 P St NW; Chef Russell Blue Smith traded fine dining (he worked his way up to executive chef at The Source by Wolfgang Puck) for New York-style pizza, landing on a sourdough starter crust that gives it a little sweetness and complexity before it hits the brick oven. The restaurant's named for his late grandmother, and even the gluten-free pizza has a personal story — his daughter was diagnosed with celiac. Happy Hour is buy-one-pie-get-one-free with $8 spritzes.All Purpose — Locations vary; Chef Michael Friedman (also behind Red Hen and Aventino) built All Purpose around pizza-focused Italian-American cooking. Worth noting: the Capitol Riverfront location has closed, so Shaw and Bethesda are your spots now.Bar Del Monte — 3054 Mt Pleasant St NW; From the same owners as 2 Amys, headed up by Oliver Pastan, this Mt. Pleasant spot was recently added to the Michelin Guide and serves Neapolitan pizza made with freshly milled flour alongside simple, seasonal Italian plates. AND, no tipping. Boogy & Peel — 1 Dupont Circle NW; Chef Rachael Jennings is behind the "guilty pleasure" pizzas here, the kind that take nostalgic, junk-food-adjacent flavor combos and zhuzh them up into something you'd actually order at a sit-down restaurant.Frank Pepe's Pizzeria Napoletana — Alexandria, Bethesda; The New Haven original, dating back to 1925. Known for coal-fired "apizza" and the legendary white clam pie, now with outposts close enough that you don't need a trip up I-95 to get it.Frankly…Pizza! — 10417 Armory Avenue, Kensington, MD; Chef Frank Linn started this as a mobile wood-fired pizza stand before it grew into a real restaurant, and the wood-fired pies still carry that same chef-driven, one-guy-obsessed-with-getting-it-right energy.Fryer's Roadside — (Friday–Sunday pop-up) 12830 New Hampshire Avenue; Owners Ed Reavis and Jennifer Meltzer (also of Money Muscle BBQ) run this fried chicken spot, and their wood-fired pizza leans hard into their barbecue roots, think smoked meats and a house-made sausage topping instead of standard toppings.Inferno Pizzeria Napoletana — 12207 Darnestown Rd; Chef Tony Conte walked away from fine dining to make Neapolitan pizza in Darnestown, and it paid off, he's been a James Beard Award finalist for his work here. Get there early, when they run out of dough the doors close. Il Canale — 1065 31st Street NW; Chef-owner Giuseppe "Joe" Farruggio, a Sicily native, has made this Georgetown spot one of the few in the country accredited by Italy's top pizza-making authority.J&J Pizza — 550 Morse Street NE; Co-founders Julian Addison (pizza) and Jake Endres (wings) split duties, and it shows: 48-hour cold-fermented NYC-style dough with Grande mozzarella and Ezzo pepperoni, plus jumbo wings, inside Crooked Run Fermentation's Union Market taproom.L'Ardente — 200 Massachusetts Avenue NW; Chef David Deshaies, a James Beard semifinalist, cooks glam wood-fired Italian here, and yes, the pizza oven is genuinely gold-plated.La Merna — 2153 P Street NW; Co-founders G. Bradley Shorten (a Chicago native) and Meg Schmitt brought real Chicago tavern-style pizza to Dupont. This is not deep-dish. Ready for a cracker-thin crust, cut into squares, in a wood-paneled, red-vinyl-booth room built to feel like a supper club.Lucy Bar — 1350 Florida Avenue NW; Giulio Adriani, the same 5-time World Champion pizzaiolo behind Slice & Pie, mans the oven here too, turning out authentic Neapolitan pizzas (the Hawaiian's a surprise standout) alongside daily homemade pasta, in the old Pizzeria Vetri space at 14th and Florida.Martha Dear — 3110 Mt Pleasant Street NW; Chef-owner Demetri Mechelis, a Tail Up Goat alum, brings Greek influences to sourdough-crusted pizza that's become one of Mt. Pleasant's hardest reservations to snag.Nick's Riverside Grill — 3050 K Street NW; Less chef-story, more vibe-story,  a casual Georgetown waterfront bar and grill where pizza is just one more reason to stay for the water views and the happy hour crowd.Nighthawk Pizza — 1201 S Joyce Street, Arlington, VA; Launched by Michelin-starred chef Johnny Spero, who's since decamped for a new project out west, but the pizza he set in motion is still going strong, now leaning into hand-tossed pies and thick Detroit-style squares alongside Nighthawk's own house-brewed beer. Piccolina — 963 Palmer Alley NW; Chef Amy Brandwein (of Centrolina) brings her wood-fired, all-day Italian café concept to CityCenterDC and it’s delicious.Pizzeria Paradiso — Dupont, Georgetown, Hyattsville, Spring Valley; Founder Ruth Gresser opened the original Dupont location over 30 years ago and basically helped put gourmet pizza on DC's map before selling the business in 2024 to a longtime employee who worked her way up from dishwasher to co-owner.Pupatella — 1801 18th Street NW; Founder Enzo started this as a food cart in Arlington and grew it into a regional group without cutting a single corner. Pupatella holds actual Verace Pizza Napoletana certification, with dough hand-stretched using the traditional slap technique and cooked in a wood-fired oven built from Vesuvius volcanic brick. $5 Happy Hour at every location except North Arlington.Slice & Pie —Multiple locations, Founder Giulio Adriani, a master pizzaiolo, has built this into a NY-and-Detroit-style slice shop good enough to be ranked the country's #2 slice shop by Italian pizza authority 50 Top Pizza.Slice Joint — 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue SE; Chef-owner Rachael Marie earned her "Pizza Regina" stripes during four years at Roberta's in Brooklyn, and now she's slinging NY and square slices at The Roost food hall on Barracks Row.Stellina Pizzeria — Multiple locations, Chef and co-owner Matteo Venini, alongside partner Antonio Matarazzo, developed a signature "Neo-Neapolitan" dough — lighter and crispier than the classic — inspired by southern Italy's street food culture.Timber Pizza Co. — 809 Upshur Street NW; Started out of a pickup truck back in 2014; today owner Luke Watson and head chef Dani Moreira keep the wood-fired pies going strong in Petworth, plus mobile ovens that show up at farmers markets and breweries around the DMV.But Wait There’s More:Coming Soon: Bizzeria — Georgetown; opening this fall; Albi chef Michael Rafidi is spinning off Yellow's cult-favorite "(not) pizza" into its own restaurant. A 48-hour fermented sourdough crust and housemade cheese from pastry chef Alicia Wang, topped with Levantine flavors like spiced lamb and peppers or burnt eggplant with urfa chili crisp.That's the whole spread — from a $5 happy hour slice to a gold-plated oven, DC's not lacking for ways to celebrate Pizza Month. Want me to turn this into a doc so it's easy to edit and hand off?

Fall drinking season in the DMV has begun and no matter what the calendar says, we're all in (well. some of us, comeback summer!). Wine lists swing toward reds and bigger, bolder whites, spiced and barrel-aged cocktails start showing up on every menu in town, hot toddies and warm ciders make their comeback, and bartenders start leaning into fall ingredients like apple, pear, cinnamon and squash from local farms. Even beer gardens and breweries shift into cool-weather mode with Oktoberfest pours and fire-pit on the patios.Here at TheListAreYouOnIt.com, we've rounded up all the can't-miss fall sipping finds and happenings around the DMV right now.Make a night of it with a show + a great pre or post-theatre cocktail or dinner with our theatre + dining guide (here)This week's list of The List's favorite food finds is right hereFrom cocktail pop-ups and wine tastings to brewery events + fall beverage happenings around the region, we've got those covered hereLooking for cozy sipping season? Check out our Patio Pleasures + Up On The Roof roundups featuring patios, rooftops, courtyards & outdoor cocktail spots all across the DMV — now with fire pits and blankets.So much more glass-raising goodness below:MARK YOUR CALENDAR Glass in Session: BoozeBruvas is bringing back Glass in Session, a series of hands-on cocktail classes featuring seasonal drinks, special guests, creative activities, and bites. Upcoming classes include Punkin! (October 18), Conjuring Spirits (October 29), Autumn Spice featuring Brotha Whiskey (November 8), and Friendssipping (November 19); eatonworkshop.comCalm for a Cure: Even Keel Spa will host its 5th annual Calm for a Cure Free Day of Care on Sunday, October 18, offering complimentary massages, facials, and other treatments to individuals living with cancer. This year, the event expands to 4 locations, including Crofton and Columbia. Through the Harmony Foundation, the initiative now provides free treatments year-round to cancer patients and their caregivers. Local restaurants Preserve in Annapolis and Garten in Severna Park are also supporting the cause with special pink drink offerings; evenkeelspa.com/calm-for-a-cureChefs for Equality: One of DC's premier culinary fundraisers returns October 19 with this year's "United Plates of America" theme, bringing together top local chefs, mixologists, and restaurateurs for collaborative dinners benefiting the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Hosted across six venues, the event features chef-driven dinners, cocktail pairings, and a new dedicated cocktail experience at Silver Lyan. Tickets are on sale now; chefsforequality.orgRustico 20th Anniversary: Rustico and Buzz are celebrating 20 years on Slaters Lane in Alexandria with a family-friendly fall festival on Saturday, October 24, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Festivities include a patio cookout with hot dogs, brats, and giant pretzels, live music, craft beers, wine, cocktails, kids’ activities, and complimentary popcorn and spiced apple cider. Guests can also enjoy a dog adoption event with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, Halloween treats for costumed kids and dogs, and a costume donation drive benefiting Carpenter’s Shelter; rusticorestaurant.comStart Your Engines, DMV! Grand Prix Race Day Takes Over City Ridge: DC Motorsport Community is bringing race-day excitement to City Ridge on Sunday, October 25, with closed-street car and motorcycle displays, free outdoor viewing of the United States Grand Prix from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., and a sunset DJ after-party. Guests can upgrade to a $160.00 rooftop VIP experience featuring pool access, complimentary Tito’s cocktails, premium bites including oysters, caviar, and Wagyu, and exclusive race viewing. The event also features specialty cocktails and tastings, with 10% of VIP ticket proceeds benefiting Becky’s Fund; dcmotorsportcommunity.com20 Years of Central Michel Richard: Central is celebrating its 20th anniversary on Saturday, November 7, at 7 p.m. with a special evening honoring the legacy of Chef Michel Richard. Chefs David Deshaies and Cedric Maupillier will reimagine Richard’s signature dishes as passed bites, alongside an open bar and silent auction. Tickets are $150.00 per person, with proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; opentable.comNEW & NOTEWORTHY: New in the Navy Yard Neighborhood: Restaurateur Daniella Senior’s 5C Hospitality, the team behind Colada Shop and Elegancia, is opening Bar Nuestro on October 28 at Urby in Navy Yard. The Latin-rooted, European-inspired bistrot features a menu from Culinary Director Claudio Foschi and Executive Chef Harper McClure, with creative cocktails like the Fluffy Mango Margarita and brown-butter Negroni. The menu is entirely peanut- and tree nut-free and prepared without seed oils; barnuestro.comBoo Alert…Bewitching Cocktails: NoMa’s Mediterranean restaurant Eunoia is celebrating Halloween with 2 limited-time cocktails inspired by the staff’s favorite spooky movies and traditions. The Bewitched combines vodka, lime, pineapple, charcoal, and pomegranate, while the I.C.U. features whiskey, black cherry, ginger liqueur, jalapeño, bitters, and an edible eyeball. Both are available through October 31; eunoiadc.comBourbon x Bone Marrow = Delicious: Blue Duck Tavern Lounge is introducing a new bourbon and bone marrow pairing, available nightly through December 31. Guests can enjoy Chef Andrew Cleverdon’s Wood Oven-Roasted Bone Marrow with onion bordelaise, pink peppercorn, and rye crumble, alongside their choice of Four Roses Single Barrel, Woodford Reserve, or Angel’s Envy bourbon.; blueducktavern.comA Bit o’ Movies: The Bit is hosting weekly Saturday Movie Nights, screening a different film on repeat beginning at 4:00 p.m. Guests can enjoy popcorn, rotating drink specials, and the bar’s full food and cocktail menus. The series kicks off with Beetlejuice, followed by more Halloween favorites throughout October and holiday films in December. Select screenings will be chosen by guest vote, with upcoming titles announced on Instagram. Reservations are available on Resy, with walk-ins welcome; bitdc.comIs Chardonnay and Candy Corn a Good Pairing?: Little Blackbird is getting into the Halloween spirit with 5 candy and wine pairings available October 15th through 31st. Guests can enjoy combinations like Chardonnay & Candy Corn, Lambrusco & Peanut Butter Cups, Snickers & 10-Year Tawny Port, Skittles & Dry Rosé, and Sweet Tarts & Blanc de Blanc; littleblackbirddc.comSpice is Nice: The Fountain Inn is embracing the season with a fall cocktail menu inspired by classic recipes and D.C. history. Highlights include the Rebellious Old Fashioned with baking spices and a choice of whiskey, the Vanilla Beane Highball with vodka cream soda and strawberry coconut foam, and the Sam “The Man” Burns Grasshopper Ramos with crème de cacao, crème de menthe, cream, and egg white; fountaininndc.comAutumn-Inspired Cocktails at Nue: NUE is welcoming fall with 4 new cocktails blending seasonal ingredients and Southeast Asian-inspired flavors. Highlights include Verdant Lake with jasmine, bergamot, rum, soursop, and pandan foam; Luck of Autumn with rum, persimmon, and warm spices; Bitter Purity with plum, gin, and tea; and The Forbidden Fruit with apple, Japanese whisky, yuzu, and pine honey. Guests can pair their drinks with comforting dishes like Bò Kho Pappardelle, Chili Oil Wontons, and Coconut Curry Risotto, also available on NUE’s new Unlimited menu; nuevietnamese.comBreast Cancer Awareness Month: Pink-rita?: Throughout October, Inca Social is serving pink margaritas in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Proceeds from each margarita sold will benefit The IIIB’s Foundation, which provides Bosom Buddy Baskets filled with resources and recovery items to women recovering from breast cancer mastectomy surgery; incasocial.com$6 Craft Pours: After more than 15 years in Logan Circle, ChurchKey is launching a new weekday happy hour, Monday through Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Specials include craft beer pours, martinis, Old Fashioneds and daiquiris, and beer flights, plus a burger and fries combo from Chef Hamilton and a mix-and-match deal featuring 3 snacks; churchkeydc.comSlater Run Wines Win: Upperville’s Slater Run Vineyards is celebrating Virginia Wine Month following a string of recent accolades, including being named a finalist for VinePair’s Next Wave Winery of the Year. The vineyard recently completed a 4-array solar system that powers its winery, tasting room, and barns at 100% net zero impact. October events include Early Mountain’s Virginia Wine Month celebration on October 4 and a locally sourced 3-course wine dinner with Provender Kitchen later in the month. Slater Run’s wines have also recently earned honors across several competitions, including a Diamond and Best of Class for its Pétillant Naturel Sparkling Rosé; slaterrun.comTeas’n You: Vietnamese café Teas’n You has opened its 2nd location and first in Maryland in Rockville, serving creative coffee and tea alongside Vietnamese-inspired café fare. The extensive drink menu features Vietnamese-sourced oolong matcha, Vietnamese Egg Coffee, Ube Cream Cold Brew, Strawberry Matcha Dalgona, and seasonal sips like Pumpkin Chai Milk Tea. Food offerings include Basil Popcorn Chicken, a Taiwanese Chicken Sandwich, and house-baked pastries, with an emphasis on options for a range of dietary needs; teasnyou.comWinetoberfest: Lulu’s Winegarden is welcoming fall with the return of Winetoberfest from September 18 through November 8, transforming its indoor and outdoor spaces with grape vines, gourds, harvest baskets, and amber-hued foliage. The seasonal pop-up pairs the décor with German, Austrian, and Alsatian wines, cowboy boots filled with Festbier, and fall cocktails like pumpkin pie Negronis, apple cider margaritas, and Concord grape spritzes. The festivities also include a CRUSH walkaround tasting on September 20, featuring unlimited tastes of 25+ fall wines, all-you-can-eat breakfast tacos, and discounted take-home bottles for $55.00 per person, with sessions at 12:00 and 2:00 p.m.; luluswinegarden.com NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY: Drinks with Umami: The Naisho Room at Watermark Hotel is shaking things up with 3 new cocktails. Kira Kira combines Japanese whisky, ginger beer, and citrus for a refreshing sip, while Pearl of the Orient features Roku Gin, Nigori sake, lychee, and a delicate foam. For something more tropical, Placebo blends white rum, amaretto, pineapple, coconut, and honey; thenaishoroom.comMake It Spicy: Cordelia Fishbar is welcoming fall with a new lineup of seasonal cocktails, including the Spiced Apple Sangria, featuring bourbon, Cabernet Sauvignon, apple cider, orange, cinnamon, and clove, and the Persimmon Sour, made with Barr Hill Gin, spiced persimmon, and lemon; cordeliadc.comWatermark Shakes Up the Season: Watermark Hotel has debuted its fall cocktail menu, featuring the Hibiki No Takara Old Fashioned with bonito fish scale bitters, the pineapple-forward Kurosuri, Earl Grey Fizz, and the award-winning Silent Garden; thewatermarkhotel.comTeas’n You: Vietnamese café Teas’n You has opened its 2nd location and first in Maryland in Rockville, serving creative coffee and tea alongside Vietnamese-inspired café fare. The extensive drink menu features Vietnamese-sourced oolong matcha, Vietnamese Egg Coffee, Ube Cream Cold Brew, Strawberry Matcha Dalgona, and seasonal sips like Pumpkin Chai Milk Tea. Food offerings include Basil Popcorn Chicken, a Taiwanese Chicken Sandwich, and house-baked pastries, with an emphasis on options for a range of dietary needs; teasnyou.comYes, We Like Coladas: Fall Edition: Colada Shop is welcoming fall with a limited-time menu blending Cuban flavors with seasonal favorites. New sips include the Plantain Spiced Latte, Churro Café con Leche, Banana Espresso Martini, and playful Cuban Sandwich Martini, while the food lineup features Mushroom Croquetas, Plantain Soup, Pastelón “Cuban Lasagna,” Calabaza Muffin, and Flan de Coco. The fall menu is available now at all Colada Shop locations while supplies last; coladashop.comPenn State Class on Wine: Penn State Extension is offering “Winemaking Basics: The Art and Science Behind Quality Production,” a new self-paced online course for beginning winemakers, grape growers, and winery staff. The approximately 8-hour course covers fermentation, wine chemistry, red and white wine processing, filtration, sanitation, bottling, sensory evaluation, and preventing common wine faults, with a certificate available upon successful completion. Registration is $314.25, with a 25% discount for those who register before January 2027, and the course can also count toward Penn State’s Food Science Certificate Program; extension.psu.edu2026 Is Going To Be An Exceptional Year for Champagne: Following the earliest harvest ever recorded in Champagne, the Comité Champagne is reporting an encouraging outlook for the 2026 vintage. Despite historic spring frosts, drought, and 5 summer heatwaves, grapes arrived healthy, ripe, and well-balanced, with notable freshness, concentration, fruit intensity, and finesse. While it is still too early to assess the finished wines, the organization says the harvest has the potential to produce great, and potentially very great, Champagnes, with the raw material’s balance recalling historic vintages including 1921, 1947, and 1959; champagne.frBarrel of Fun: Capitol Hill’s longtime whiskey bar has refreshed its cocktail and food menus, putting a new spin on classics while staying rooted in its whiskey and bourbon expertise. New drinks include the Brown Butter Old Fashioned, Black Manhattan, Freezer Martini, and tiki-inspired Port Light, alongside updated food offerings like Biscuits and Charcuterie, a Fried Cod Sandwich, and new bar snacks. Happy hour runs Monday through Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Friday beginning at 2:00 p.m., with discounted Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, whiskey, beer, wine, and bites. The weeknight lineup also brings $10.00 Mystery Happy Meals every Monday, featuring a surprise beer, shot, and toy, plus rotating cocktail specials throughout the week; barreldc.com

The DMV has officially turned the corner into fall. Farmers' markets are swapping tomatoes for squash, chefs are loading menus with apples and root vegetables, and suddenly every meal feels like the start of soup season. This is the season for braises that make the whole kitchen smell like Sunday. This is one of the best times of year to eat around the region.Here at TheListAreYouOnIt.com, we've rounded up the can't-miss bites, menu changes and dining experiences to help you eat your way through fall.Make a night of it with a show + a great pre or post-theatre meal with our theatre + dining guide hereThis week's list of The List's favorite beverages is right hereFrom festivals and pop-ups to patio parties, restaurant events, and fall food happenings around the region, we've got those covered hereLooking for cozy dining? Check out our Patio Pleasures + Up On The Roof roundups featuring patios, rooftops, courtyards & outdoor dining spots all across the DMV — now with fire pits and blankets.So much more fall deliciousness below:MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Arlington Restaurant Week: The 2026 Arlington Restaurant Week runs October 12 through 19, inviting diners to explore restaurants across Arlington with special menus and pricing. Unlike traditional restaurant weeks, the event is open to the full range of local dining spots, from fast-casual restaurants to fine dining, giving guests a chance to discover new favorites while supporting Arlington’s restaurant community; arlingtonchamber.org/arlington-restaurant-week Capital Area Food Bank - At the Table: The Capital Area Food Bank is launching At the Table, a 3-part dinner series bringing together acclaimed restaurants and local culinary talent to raise funds and awareness around food insecurity in the DMV. The series kicked off October 14 at Karravaan, followed by The Ruxton on February 16 and Joon on May 10, with each evening featuring special food, cocktails, desserts, and collaborations. Tickets are $350.00 per dinner, with proceeds supporting the Food Bank’s work to address hunger across the region; capitalareafoodbank.org Mariachi, Tacos, & Margaritas at Apapacho: Apapacho is teaming up with Mariachi Imperio for Mal de Amores, a monthly night of live mariachi, tacos, margaritas, and heartbreak anthems. Guests can sing along to 2 hours of live music while enjoying food and drinks, with one rule: don't call your ex! Upcoming dates include October 16, November 13, and December 11 at Apapacho’s Union Market location; apapachotaqueria.com SHUCK IT! Oyster Festival: The 13th Annual Georgetown Shuck It! Oyster & Beer Festival returns on Saturday, October 17, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Tony & Joe's Seafood Place in Georgetown. Guests 21+ can enjoy all the local oysters and local beer they can handle, plus live music from Johnny Spanninato & The Value Leaders and The Yachtsmen, all while supporting the Oyster Recovery Partnership and its efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay's native oyster population; georgetowndc.com/event/shuck-it-beer-and-oyster-festival Calm for a Cure: Even Keel Spa will host its 5th annual Calm for a Cure Free Day of Care on Sunday, October 18, offering complimentary massages, facials, and other treatments to individuals living with cancer. This year, the event expands to 4 locations, including Crofton and Columbia. Through the Harmony Foundation, the initiative now provides free treatments year-round to cancer patients and their caregivers. Local restaurants Preserve in Annapolis and Garten in Severna Park are also supporting the cause with special pink drink offerings; evenkeelspa.com/calm-for-a-cureChefs for Equality: One of DC's premier culinary fundraisers returns October 19 with this year's "United Plates of America" theme, bringing together top local chefs, mixologists, and restaurateurs for collaborative dinners benefiting the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Hosted across six venues, the event features chef-driven dinners, cocktail pairings, and a new dedicated cocktail experience at Silver Lyan. Tickets are on sale now; chefsforequality.org Rustico 20th Anniversary: Rustico and Buzz are celebrating 20 years on Slaters Lane in Alexandria with a family-friendly fall festival on Saturday, October 24, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Festivities include a patio cookout with hot dogs, brats, and giant pretzels, live music, craft beers, wine, cocktails, kids’ activities, and complimentary popcorn and spiced apple cider. Guests can also enjoy a dog adoption event with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, Halloween treats for costumed kids and dogs, and a costume donation drive benefiting Carpenter’s Shelter; rusticorestaurant.comStart Your Engines, DMV! Grand Prix Race Day Takes Over City Ridge: DC Motorsport Community is bringing race-day excitement to City Ridge on Sunday, October 25, with closed-street car and motorcycle displays, free outdoor viewing of the United States Grand Prix from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., and a sunset DJ after-party. Guests can upgrade to a $160.00 rooftop VIP experience featuring pool access, complimentary Tito’s cocktails, premium bites including oysters, caviar, and Wagyu, and exclusive race viewing. The event also features specialty cocktails and tastings, with 10% of VIP ticket proceeds benefiting Becky’s Fund; dcmotorsportcommunity.com 20 Years of Central Michel Richard: Central is celebrating its 20th anniversary on Saturday, November 7, at 7 p.m. with a special evening honoring the legacy of Chef Michel Richard. Chefs David Deshaies and Cedric Maupillier will reimagine Richard’s signature dishes as passed bites, alongside an open bar and silent auction. Tickets are $150.00 per person, with proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; opentable.com Capital Food Fight: DC Central Kitchen’s annual Capital Food Fight returns November 12, bringing together top chefs, local restaurants, and celebrity guests for a night of food and friendly competition. This year’s battling chefs include Scheyla Acosta, Anthony Jones, Brian Lacayo, and Robbie Reyes, with appearances by Eric Adjepong, Tiffany Derry, Andrew Zimmern, and more. Guests can enjoy bites from participating restaurants while supporting a great cause, with 100% of event proceeds benefiting DC Central Kitchen’s hunger relief and culinary job training programs; capitalfoodfight.org Shelia’s Table at Salamander Middleburg: Salamander Middleburg is launching Sheila’s Table, an intimate culinary series hosted by resort owner Sheila Johnson, with its inaugural experience November 15 through 17 featuring Chicago chef and entrepreneur Cliff Rome. The 3-day gathering will include hands-on cooking experiences, chef-led dinners at Harrimans, tastings, cocktails, and fireside conversations exploring the stories behind the food. Attendance is limited, and overnight packages are available. Each gathering will also support a charitable cause selected by the featured chef; salamanderresort.com DC Capital Feast: On Monday, November 16 at 6:00 p.m., DC Capital Feast returns to The Square for an evening celebrating DC’s culinary community. Guests can enjoy dishes from Rose Previte (Maydan), Susan Bae (Moon Rabbit), Anthony Jones (Marcus DC), and Kareem “Mr. Bake” Queeman, with special recognition of C•CAP alumna Chef Nadia Montague. All proceeds benefit C•CAP, supporting more than 1,400 D.C. public school students through culinary training, scholarships, and career opportunities; my.onecause.com Holiday Cookie Exchange: The annual Holiday Cookie Swap will be at La Collina on Monday, December 7, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., alongside a special Cookie Kindness Project fundraiser benefiting Sasha Bruce Youthwork, which supports young people experiencing homelessness in the DC area. Participants can join the cookie swap, contribute baked goods to the fundraiser, or take part in both. Registration closes October 24 for the fundraiser and November 28 for the cookie swap; sign up here NEW & NOTEWORTHY: Southern Coastal Indian for Brunch? Yes, Please: Restaurateur Ashok Bajaj’s Forest Hills restaurant Malabar is launching Sunday brunch on October 25, served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. The buffet, created by James Beard Award-winning Chef Vikram Sunderam, features a rotating selection of modern Indian dishes, including Kerala Fish Fry, Mangalorean Chicken Curry, Lamb Roganjosh, vegetarian specialties, and traditional desserts. Guests can also enjoy mimosas, Bloody Marys, and sparkling wine, or unlimited brunch drinks for 90 minutes; malabar-dc.comAnniversary Sushi: Sushi Hachi is celebrating its anniversary with a limited-time $99.00 sushi set for 2-3 guests, available October 15 through 31. The special includes 9 pieces each of nigiri and sashimi, 3 sushi rolls, miso soup, edamame, and shishito peppers. Guests can also enjoy house wine and sake specials; sushihachidc.comFalling for CHĪKO: From chefs Danny Lee and Scott Drewno and the team behind Fried Rice Collective, CHĪKO brings together Chinese and Korean flavors with a modern, casual approach. This fall, the menu highlights seasonal ingredients with dishes like Acorn Jelly “Scallop” Crudo, featuring soy dressing, trout roe, crispy shallots, and nori, and Butternut Squash Soup finished with chili oil and milk bread croutons; mychiko.comTweet, Tweet PSL: Chef/Owner Eric Brannon is giving the classic pumpkin spice latte a savory twist with his new Latte Spiced Pumpkin dish. Japanese kabocha squash is roasted with espresso and warm spices, paired with soy-whiskey caramel, and finished with an airy peppercorn-and-chili milk foam, bringing familiar fall flavors from the coffee cup to the plate; littlebirdieva.comSweet Openings: Pitango Gelato is opening its newest location at South Riding Market Square in Chantilly on Wednesday, October 28, with a grand opening celebration beginning at 4:45 p.m. The festivities include a ribbon cutting, family-friendly activities, complimentary samples of Italian-style sipping chocolate, and giveaways for early customers. Guests can enjoy handcrafted gelato, sorbet, espresso drinks, and baked goods, with $1.00 from every gelato purchased on opening day benefiting Dulles South Food Pantry; pitangogelato.comNew in the Navy Yard Neighborhood: Restaurateur Daniella Senior’s 5C Hospitality, the team behind Colada Shop and Elegancia, is opening Bar Nuestro on October 28 at Urby in Navy Yard. The Latin-rooted, European-inspired bistrot features a menu from Culinary Director Claudio Foschi and Executive Chef Harper McClure, with dishes like Yuca Beignets, Oxtail Mafalde, Pork Chop Milanesa, and Flan de Mamá Lucy. The menu is entirely peanut- and tree nut-free and prepared without seed oils; barnuestro.comBoo Alert…Ghostly Doughnuts: Astro’s Village at Shirlington location is embracing fall with a seasonal beverage menu featuring pumpkin, apple, and butter pecan flavors. Highlights include the Butter Pecan Crème Brûlée Latte, Pumpkin Crème Brûlée Latte, Apple Pie Latte, and Caramel Apple Cold Brew, alongside seasonal chai, matcha, and cold brew options made with house-made syrups. The menu is available exclusively at the Shirlington location through the end of fall; astrodoughnuts.comBoo Alert…Treats on the Street: Fredericksburg’s historic Goolrick’s soda fountain, which reopened this summer following a 4-year restoration, is celebrating Halloween with seasonal Pumpkin Snap ice cream and milkshakes made with South Mountain Creamery pumpkin ice cream and ginger snap cookies. The treats are available throughout fall, and on October 31, costumed staff will hand out candy during downtown Fredericksburg’s Treats on the Streets celebration; fxbg.com/calendar-item/treats-on-the-streetsTwosome Lands in the US: South Korean café brand Twosome Place is making its US debut in Alexandria, Virginia, bringing its signature coffeehouse experience and Korean-inspired desserts to the DMV. Known for its specialty coffee, handcrafted cakes, and café treats, the new location marks the brand’s first step into the American market; twosomeplace.comThis Place is Always Hopping: Pisco y Nazca’s DMV locations are welcoming fall with a refreshed Peruvian menu featuring Aguadito de Pollo, Tacos de Camarones, Ceviche Trío de Conchas, slow-roasted Asado Peruano, and Alfajor Pavlova for dessert. New seasonal cocktails include the Autumn in Cusco and Dulce de Leche Espresso Martini. Throughout October, $1.00 from every Lazo Rosado cocktail sold will support breast cancer awareness efforts; piscoynazca.com(Chef Update) Ten Ten: Newly opened inside One Washington Circle, Ten Ten West End showcases contemporary American cuisine from Executive Chef Nicholas Fulginiti, whose cooking draws on his Italian heritage, French techniques, Southern influences, and seasonal Mid-Atlantic ingredients. The menu puts a refined spin on familiar comfort foods, including Spicy Pork Sausage Ragù with lumache, whipped ricotta, basil, and Aleppo pepper. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, happy hour, and dinner; tentendc.comGive a Pie, Get a Pie: Chef Jenn Crovato is bringing back the 6th annual Chicken Pot Pie-athon through October 31st, donating 30% of proceeds to Georgetown Main Street to support local small businesses. This year, the fundraiser expands beyond her signature Chicken Pot Pie to include the full Jenn’s Homemade lineup of freezer-to-oven meals, featuring Vegetable Pot Pie, Short Rib Mac & Cheese, Chicken Enchiladas, and more; 1310kitchendc.comMeyhane…Sit and Stay a While: Tiffany’s has introduced a new Meyhane-style menu inspired by Executive Chef Mehmet Sukutli’s Turkish upbringing and the tradition of sharing leisurely meals over mezze, wine, and raki. The centerpiece is the Meyhane Experience for Two, featuring dips, salads, and grilled meats and seafood. New à la carte dishes include Duck Mutancana and Atom Mezze, alongside Turkish-inspired cocktails like the Pickled Bazaar and Reis, plus desserts including Turkish Wet Cake and Red Pepper Sorbet; tiffanysbistrobar.comPink Moon Oysters - Breast Cancer Awareness Alert: Throughout October, Cordelia Fishbar, Old Ebbitt Grill, Clyde’s, and Rye Street Tavern are partnering with Pangea Shellfish to serve Pink Moon oysters in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A portion of proceeds from every Pink Moon oyster sold will benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, supporting breast cancer research; clydes.comA Taste of Autumn: Fairfax’s intimate 30-seat culinary speakeasy is celebrating fall with a new 5-course tasting menu from Chef Jon, available through mid-October. Seasonal highlights include squash with saffron, yakitori yak with figs, venison with pumpernickel and sea buckthorn, and a grape-inspired dessert with chocolate. Guests can customize select courses and enhance their experience with a wine pairing or Nude Pairing featuring selections from international boutique producers.; elyse.lila.llcRegan-Approved: Just steps from Georgetown’s famous Exorcist Stairs, 1789 Restaurant is getting into the Halloween spirit with The Exorcist, a seasonal cocktail inspired by the iconic landmark. The spirit-forward sip combines Tanqueray London Dry Gin, Hayman’s Old Tom Gin, Luxardo Maraschino, Green Chartreuse, and Braulio, available now throughout the Halloween season; 1789restaurant.com71 Years & Counting: Rodman's is celebrating 71 years in business with a special proclamation from Mayor Muriel Bowser recognizing its longstanding contributions to the community. Founded in 1955, Rodman’s has been a Friendship Heights staple since 1964, known for its specialty groceries, international foods, wine, spirits, and pharmacy services. Now led by third-generation owner Nolan Rodman, the independent business continues to serve generations of Washingtonians across DC and Maryland; rodmans.comYala! Your Greek Summer Continues Into Fall: Yala is welcoming fall with a lineup of seasonal flavors, starting with Chai on October 8 and Pumpkin Spice on October 10. Later this month, guests can look forward to Dark Chocolate (dairy-free), Apple Pie, and Cinnamon Apple Baklava. Founded by Chrys Kefalas, Yala specializes in Greek yogurt ice cream made with locally sourced A2 dairy from Maryland’s South Mountain Creamery. The brand’s popular pop-up at Conrad Washington, DC has also been extended through the fall; yalagreekicecream.comPrivate Dining, Yes Chef!: Chef Amy Brandwein, the restaurateur behind Centrolina, has launched Casalina, a new private dining and catering company serving the DC area. Inspired by seasonal Italian cooking and locally sourced ingredients, Casalina offers customized experiences ranging from intimate dinner parties and celebrations to corporate breakfasts, lunches, and meetings. Menus feature dishes like Pear & Ricotta Tortelli, Chestnut Pappardelle, Beef Tenderloin, and Maple Budino, alongside house-made pastries, grazing boards, and aperitivo selections; casalinadc.comNOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY:Major Yum x Little Engine: To celebrate Major Yum’s upcoming opening this fall, Little Engine in Eastern Market is serving a limited-time wing flavor combining General Tso’s and Korean Fried Chicken. The collaborative wings are available daily at Little Engine for a limited time; littleenginechicken.comUnlimited at Nue: Executive Chef Daniel Lê and Tuyet Nhi Le have introduced a new unlimited dining experience inspired by Vietnam’s family-style dining traditions. Available Sunday through Thursday for $88.00 per guest and Friday throguh Saturday for $95.00, the menu features unlimited selections from NUE’s main menu, including Chili Wontons, Seafood Chả Giò, Black Pepper Bún, Crispy Xôi Gà, and desserts. Guests can also add an Imperial upgrade for $f39, featuring premium dishes like Wagyu Surf n’ Turf, Lobster Garlic Noodles, and Lemongrass Crusted Lamb. Kids under 4 feet receive half-off pricing, while those under 3 feet dine free; nuevietnamese.comPho-Real: Hawkers is introducing a new lineup of Asian-inspired dishes and drinks, available for a limited time at all locations. Highlights include Nasi Lemak, Malaysia’s national dish featuring coconut rice, sambal, anchovies, and peanuts; Lamb Rendang, Spiced Lamb Udon, and Bò Tái Chanh. New beverages include Pho Two, Please, a savory pho-inspired cocktail for two, Put a Wing on It, a bourbon cocktail garnished with a Korean fried wing, and spirit-free sips like Coco Kopi and Orange Sunburst; eathawkers.comLive Fire at Casa Teresa: Casa Teresa is welcoming fall with a new dinner menu celebrating Spanish traditions and locally sourced ingredients. Highlights include Chuletón de Buey, a 45–60-day dry-aged rib-eye from Maryland’s Roseda Farm; Cabecero de Cerdo, grilled pork collar from Autumn Olive Farms; Paletilla de Cordero Lechal, slow-roasted lamb shoulder carved tableside; and Arrós Negre a la Llauna, squid ink rice with saffron allioli. New cocktails include the Carajillo with local rum, coffee liqueur, and bay leaf foam, and the Aguagilda, a savory martini garnished with a Gilda pintxo; teresadc.comCapital One Fall Edit: Capital One Center is welcoming autumn with The Fall Edit, running now through November 15, featuring seasonal food, drinks, and experiences across Tysons. Highlights include fall cocktails at Sisters Tysons, Fusilli Alla Nerano and a Cherry Spritze at Stellina Pizzeria, seasonal nail art at Nothing in Between, and new cocktails at Wren including the Earl Grey Fizz and tropical Kurogroni. Wren will also host a Fall Cocktail Tasting on October 20 with seasonal cocktails, chef-curated bites, and live entertainment; capitalonecenter.comDoughnuts x Fried Chicken & Now, Burritos: Astro’s downtown DC location has launched a new lineup of hand-rolled, griddled-to-order burritos inspired by Chef Gerardo Castillo’s hometown of Guerrero, Mexico, and his family. Breakfast options include the Breakfast Burrito and Sunrise Burrito, while lunch and dinner bring the Super Burrito and Taco Salad, with burritos also available as bowls. The Shirlington location is set to add the offerings later this month; astrodoughnuts.comBrunch, Italian Style (Brunch Alert): Saturday brunch is back at Sfoglina Rosslyn, the neighborhood pasta house rooted in Italian tradition and dedicated to the art and soul of handmade pasta. From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., guests can enjoy bottomless Bellinis or Roman Mary cocktails alongside a 3-course menu featuring Sfoglina Deviled Eggs, Cacio e Pepe Omelet, and Neapolitan Shakshuka. The day continues with happy hour starting at 3:00 p.m., featuring wine, spritzes, and martinis; In addition, the downtown location of the pasta house has reopened following a brief summer closure for extensive renovations; sfoglinapasta.com Late-Night Burger Crave: Chefs Matt Conroy and Jason Chavenson have added a new late-night burger, inspired by a BLT and made with 2 dry-aged Roseda beef patties, smoked bacon, jalapeño relish, heirloom tomato, and a Manifest Bakery bun. Only 10 burgers are available each night, served Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 10:00 to 11:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 p.m. to midnight; maisondc.comWalter Reed Gets a Slice: Pizza master Giulio Adriani has opened Slice & Pie’s 4th and largest location at The Parks at Walter Reed, serving the shop’s full menu of New York and Detroit-style pizzas alongside meatballs, garlic knots, and specialty sandwiches. The new location officially celebrates its grand opening September 8 at 3:00 p.m., when the first 100 guests will receive a free cheese or pepperoni slice. Slice & Pie has been ranked the #2 slice shop in the U.S. by 50 Top Pizza for 3 consecutive years, with favorites including the Burrata Pie and Classic Detroit-Style Pie; sliceandpie.comPower Lunch (Lunch Alert): Restaurateur Ashok Bajaj and Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Cardona have introduced weekday lunch at Rosselli, bringing a refined Italian midday menu to downtown DC. Served Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the new offering features house-made pastas, antipasti, panini, and seasonal entrées, with highlights including the Tenderloin & Caramelized Onion Panino, Linguine alle Vongole, Rigatoni al Forno, and Burrata Pugliese. Paired with Italian wines by the glass, the new lunch service is designed for everything from business meetings to leisurely afternoons; rossellidc.com

Catch Nycci Nellis on FOX 5 chatting National Pizza Month eats at Westfield Montgomery, where you can discover a whole variety of pizza styles without leaving Maryland ... New Haven, Maryland-style, New York, and California, all under one roof.We mean, October gives us an excuse to eat more pizza, and we're calling it research.Press play for Frank Pepe's coal-fired apizza, Ledo's square Maryland-style pies, Andy's Pizza with its 72-hour dough, and California Pizza Kitchen's Original BBQ Chicken Pizza. There's no single definition of a great pie, so tell us which one you'd pick. Find the segment on our Mirepoix page.

TheListAreYouOnIt's Theatre Guide rounds up what's on stage across the region, from  Broadway favorites, touring productions, bold originals, and everything in between. We love black box gems and the big-house blockbusters. The talent here is the real deal, and you know we're not sending you to a show without a plan for what to eat first. Below, every venue paired with the restaurants worth building your evening around, whether you want a proper sit-down before curtain or a plate waiting for you after. Pro tip: chasing post-show bites? Old Ebbitt Grill's kitchen serves until 1 AM. Curtain down, forks up, people! Arena StageThe Fruits of Our Labor - through November 1Are You Now, Or Have You Ever Been - October 17 through December 6 Where to EatDel Mar by Fabio Trabocchi — Chef Fabio Trabocchi's Spanish seafood room sits right on the Wharf waterfront. Go for the whole roasted branzino or a platter of hand-carved Jamón Ibérico, and you're steps from your seat at Arena Stage.Limani — Chef Lonnie Zoeller skips the deep fryer entirely and char-grills whole fish to order. The "Limani chips," fried zucchini and eggplant under a blanket of Greek cheese, are worth ordering twice.Moonraker at the Pendry — The Pendry's rooftop sushi spot trades white tablecloths for skyline views over the Potomac. The Tokyo Fried Chicken during happy hour is a smart pre-show bite, and the bar stays open past most curtain calls.Philippe Chow — Arena Stage's own official dining partner is steps from the door. Chef-owner Philippe Chow's tableside Peking duck is the move, just budget the 45 minutes carving time and order the second you sit down. Capital One HallShows & concerts change regularly. Where to EatModan — Chef Chico Dator, a Nobu alum, dry-ages his own beef and fish for a modern Japanese menu that runs from an omakase counter to easy à la carte. Order accordingly, depending on how much time you've got before curtain.Ometeo — Chefs Gabe Erables and Kyle Bailey put a steakhouse spin on Tex-Mex, and the stuffie tamale — a quahog clam tucked into masa — isn't something you'll find anywhere else in Tysons.Starr Hill Biergarten — No frills, just good German-style pub food and the brewery's own beer on tap. Exactly what you want when you're in and out before a show.Stellina Pizzeria — Founders Matteo Venini and Antonio Matarazzo run their upscale pizza counter right inside Capital One Center, which makes it one of the easiest pre-show stops on this list.Wren — Executive chef Yo Matsuzaki's izakaya menu goes from sashimi to tableside hot-stone A5 Miyazaki wagyu, and the kitchen can run late, a rare post-show option in Tysons. Dupont UndergroundWoody Sez: the Life & Music of Woody Guthrie - October 8 through 25 Where to EatCasamara — Coastal Mediterranean cooking inside the SIXTY Hotel, a five-minute walk from Dupont Circle. Go for the housemade pasta, then take the party up to the rooftop bar, open till midnight on weekends.Chiko — Chef-owners Scott Drewno and Danny Lee's Chinese-Korean mashup is fast, loud, and built for a pre-show counter meal. The double-fried wings and bulgogi rice cakes are the ones to order.Irongate — Chef Anthony Chittum's Mediterranean menu (Greek, Sicilian, Southern Italian) comes with one of DC's most romantic patios, wisteria vines and all. Save it for a night when you want dinner to be part of the show.The Pembroke — Inside the Dupont Circle Hotel, the lobster bucatini and swordfish have earned it a Michelin mention, a step up from a quick bite without derailing your night. Folger TheatreMeasure for Measure — September 22–November 1, 2026Hamlet — March 2–April 11, 2027The Comedy of Errors — May 18–June 27, 2027 Where to EatChiko — The original CHIKO location, blocks from the Folger. Same Drewno/Lee Chinese-Korean menu, same order-at-the-counter speed.The Duck and the Peach —Executive chef Katarina Petonito's elegant, rustic New American menu turns from café by day to elevated dinner by night. The sumac-rubbed roasted chicken is the kind of dish that makes you linger, so time it right. And do not miss Rochelle Cooper’s desserts.Paraiso — Chef-owner Geovany Beltran, who grew up in a mezcalero family in Guerrero, Mexico, runs a taqueria worth detouring for. The al pastor tacos on house tortillas are the standard-bearer.Quill and Crumb — The Folger's own café stays open through intermission, which makes it the most literal pre-or-post-show option on this entire list, soups, sandwiches, and baked goods without ever leaving the building. Plus - the place is beautiful. Ford's TheatreCome from Away - through October 18A Christmas Carol - November 19 through December 31The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - March 13 through May 15, 2027 Where to EatJaleo — José Andrés's Spanish tapas pioneer is a few steps from Ford's. Order a round of small plates and a paella to share, and you'll never miss curtain.Moon Rabbit — Chef Kevin Tien's reimagined Vietnamese menu earned a spot on the Washington Post's essential dishes list and Pastry Chef Susan Bae is a James Beard Award Winner. Just note the kitchen's closed Sundays, so plan around a matinee accordingly.Succotash Prime — Chef Edward Lee's Southern-inflected steakhouse brings a little Kentucky swagger to Penn Quarter, hearty enough for a proper pre-show dinner.The Riggs Hotel — Chef Wolfgang Birk now runs the kitchen at Café Riggs — go big with the 28-gram Golden Kaluga Caviar service (brioche, crème fraîche, chives), or keep it lighter with the Tagliatelle, Crab, Sweet Tomato, and Basil. National TheatreDirty Dancing - September 29 through October 4Maybe Happy Ending - October 6 through 11Mama Mia - October 27 through November 15The Hip Hop Nutcracker - November 17 through 22Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen - November 24 through December 6Waitress - December 8 through 13Hamilton - December 16, 2026 through February 7, 2027 Where to EatCafé du Parc — Chef Gyo Santa's French bistro at the Willard is built for exactly this: French onion soup and steak frites within walking distance of National, Ford's, and Warner.Old Ebbitt Grill — The raw bar and jumbo lump crab cakes have made this DC's classic pre-theatre standby for generations. The kitchen runs until 1 AM, so post-show works just as well.The Occidental — Chef Neil O'Connell revived this historic power-dining room with a menu that swings from crab-stuffed avocado to tableside Bananas Foster. Reserve ahead.Vue Rooftop at Hotel Washington — Skyline views near the White House, crab cakes and truffle fries on the menu, and a bar that runs late Thursday through Saturday, good for capping the night after the show. Olney TheatreSome Like It Hot — September 18 through November 8, 2026. Kimberly Akimbo — March 18 through April 25, 2027. Doubt: A Parable — June 2 through July 11, 2027. Where to EatBrew Belly — A craft-beer gastropub with a Philly cheesesteak the Washington Post called worth the drive to Olney on its own, casual and quick before a show.Olney Station — Burgers, pub fare, and cocktails, no fuss required. A reliable stop when you just need dinner on the table before curtain.Salt and Vine — Chef Thomas Zippelli's chef-driven Italian trattoria turns out handmade pastas (squid ink included) and flame-grilled market cuts, worth arriving early for.Scratch Kitchen — Owner Bernie Rousseau's women-led Latin bistro blends European technique with New World flavor. The pupusas and Peruvian fried rice are a genuinely different pre-show option out here. Round House TheatreMa Rainey’s Black Bottom - through October 18Cult of Love - November 18 through December 27 Where to EatAventino — Chef-owner Michael Friedman, brings seasonal Roman cooking to Bethesda with delicious housemade pastas and market-fresh fish, built for sharing before a show.Cubano's — Classic Cuban comfort food like tostones, ropa vieja, a properly made flan. Very easy and satisfying before curtain.Mon Ami Gabi — Chef Andrew Fleischauer's classic French bistro just reopened on Bethesda Row, steak frites, onion soup au gratin, escargots de Bourgogne. Make reservations for this one,The Salt Line — Chef Kyle Bailey's New England-inspired seafood spot does a serious raw bar. The Dancing Molly oysters are a Harris Creek collaboration you won't find elsewhere in Bethesda. Signature TheatreMerrily We Roll Along - through November 1All The World’s a Stage - October 20 to December 20 Where to EatCarlyle — An art-deco New American bistro with bread baked in-house via Best Buns next door. The buttermilk fried chicken sandwich is a Shirlington staple for good reason.Our Mom Eugenia — Eugenia Markesini Hobson cooks the Greek recipes she learned from her grandmother on Zakynthos. Plan on scratch-made, unfussy, and exactly what a neighborhood taverna should be.Stellina Pizzeria Shirlington — Same Venini-Matarazzo pizza program as their other locations, upscale-casual and reliably good, an easy, quick option in Shirlington's restaurant row. Studio TheatreHandle with Care - October 14 through 20Wish You Were Here - through November 1Wilderness Generation - November 18, 2027 through January 3, 2027 Where to EatCork Wine Bar & Market — One of 14th Street's original wine bars, built around small plates and a serious list. A low-key, unhurried way to start the evening.Jane Jane — An intimate cocktail bar with well-crafted classics, savory bites, and — famously — Cheez-Its instead of bar nuts. A fun, low-key pre-show hang rather than a full sit-down.Le Diplomate — Stephen Starr's Parisian brasserie has anchored 14th Street for over a decade. The steak frites and raw bar are the reasons it's still packed a decade in.Mallard — Chef Hamilton Johnson's refined Southern menu (sweetbreads and waffles, anyone?) took over the old Birch & Barley space in 2024 and made it worth a special trip. Beer lover, Churchkey is right upstairs, ready to satiate your toughest beer fiend. Shakespeare Theatre Co.The Score — September 11 through October 18, 2026Frida…A Self Portrait — October 8 through November 8, 2026A Midsummer Night's Dream — December 4, 2026 through January 10, 2027A Raisin in the Sun — January 23 through February 28, 2027Romeo and Juliet — April 23 through May 16, 2027 Follies — Spring 2027 Where to EatLucky Danger — Chef-owner Tim Ma's Chinese-American flagship comes with crab lo mein and a mahjong lounge attached, good for a livelier pre-show crowd.Oyamel — José Andrés's modern Mexican small plates and a serious mezcal program make this an easy Penn Quarter go-to before a show.Rosselli — Restaurateur Ashok Bajaj and chef Carlos Cardona's new Italian spot, open since spring 2026 in the old Modena space, does a Vitello Milanese worth planning your night around.Zaytinya — José Andrés's Turkish-Greek-Lebanese mezze menu is built for sharing,  order a spread across the table and you'll still make curtain. Synetic TheaterSleepy Hollow - November 14 through 22 Where to EatBar Colline — The Hilton brothers' French bistro in National Landing features shareable plates, good wine, an easy pre-show stop close to Synetic.Beauty Champagne and Sugar Boutique — Owner Zena Polin curates the Champagne list and bakes the desserts herself,  a sweet, sparkling detour before or after the show.Ni Hao — Chef Peter Chang's tapas-style Chinese menu brings his signature heat to National Landing, order a few plates to share and pace yourselves before curtain.Water Bar — Part of the National Landing waterpark complex, with a solid raw bar and a crispy shrimp po'boy this place is casual, fast, and easy on the way to Synetic. Theatre JThe Flying Lovers of Vitebsk - October 7 through November 1 Where to EatEtto — A no-reservations, no-celebrity-chef wood-fired pizzeria on 14th Street. Quick and exactly what you want when you're squeezed for time before a show.Iron Gate — Chef Anthony Chittum's wisteria-covered patio is one of DC's most romantic settings for Mediterranean cooking, worth the extra time if your evening isn't rushed.Hank's Oyster Bar — Chef-owner Jamie Leeds' "urban beach food" like oysters, a proper lobster roll is a fast, satisfying stop near Theatre J. Warner TheatreWashington Ballet's Go-Go 50 - October 30 through November 1 Where to EatCentral Michel Richard — The late Michel Richard's bistro classics live on under the current kitchen, and there's a dedicated pre-theatre menu Monday through Saturday from 4:30 to 6:30, about as convenient as it gets for a Warner Theatre show.The Hamilton — A sprawling American menu (the Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice is the one people remember) paired with live music of its own — good for a group that can't agree on one thing.The Henri —A French-Belgian bistro built around a rotisserie and a seasonal, farmer-driven menu, carrying on the vision of the late Chef Frederik De Pue — spacious enough for a pre-show group. Woolly MammothDead Inside by Riki Lindhome - October 13 through 18 Hanukkah Spectacular — November 14 through December 13 Ten Grand — February 1 through 28, 2027Bobby Robotowitz — March 29 through April 25, 2027Love I Awethu Further — June 1 through 27, 2027 Where to EatCentrolina — Chef Amy Brandwein's seasonal Italian kitchen, tucked inside CityCenterDC's Palmer Alley, is a short walk from Woolly Mammoth and worth the James Beard buzz it keeps collecting.Lucky Danger — Chef Tim Ma's elevated Chinese-American classics come with DC's only public mahjong bar attached — a fun way to open a night at Woolly Mammoth.Rasika — Chef Vikram Sunderam's James Beard-winning Indian menu is practically next door to the theater. The Palak Chaat and Black Cod are the dishes everyone orders, for a reason. 

Photo: Lyndon LiAs summer does the slow fade, the trees begin to turn and autumn makes its grand entrance. The DC Area’s summer activations are, too, packing it up and now preparing for the seasonal shift. So. Much. To. See. And. Do:Let's All Go To The Movies:The Drive-In at Union Market: The Drive-In at Union Market is back for the 14th season. It’s the perfect blend of movies and munchies with amazing concessions. From street food to Michelin-starred fine dining, experience it all at Union Market District. Get tickets to watch from the comfort of your car or bring chairs and blankets for a cozy picnic-style setup in front of The Market. No tickets are needed to watch on Neal Place. Once a month through October. See full schedule and purchase tickets here.Met Park Movie Nights: Grab some friends, a blanket and popcorn as Met Park’s central green comes alive with a family-friendly movie series every other Friday. Settle in from 6 to 8 p.m. as favorites like Back to the Future, The Princess Diaries, Encanto and Coco play on the big screen. Every Other Friday, September 4 – October 16 from 6 to 8 p.m.; 1330 S Fair St, Arlington, VA; This event is free and open to the public. No registration necessary. More information here.Under the Stars: West Falls is welcoming fall with a full lineup of free outdoor events throughout October, inviting the Falls Church community to gather at Commons Park for live music, movie nights, football watch parties and fitness classes. From listening to live music under the stars and settling in for a movie to cheering on your favorite team, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season outdoors with friends, family and neighbors. Hocus Pocus will air October 22 at 7:00 p.m., featuring free popcorn. Enjoy live music in the heart of West Falls with Friday evening performances from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Commons Park. Upcoming shows include James Stevens on October 16, Matt Davis on October 23, and James Stevens on October 30. 201 West Falls Station Boulevard, Falls Church, VA.Snooze you lose: Family Movie Night at Tysons Corner Center: On September 18, families are invited to PenFed Plaza for a free outdoor screening of Disney’s Encanto, the animated favorite inspired by the culture, music and landscapes of Colombia. Bring a folding chair or blanket, grab dinner to-go from nearby favorites including Barrel & Bushel, Shake Shack or Earls, and settle in for the movie on PenFed Plaza’s big screen beginning at 5:30 p.m. The season concludes with The Nightmare Before Christmas on October 16. Free and open to the public.Snooze, You Lose:  Island Cinema at The Yards: Enjoy three tropical-inspired movie nights on The Yards Sundeck featuring big-screen favorites, island-themed décor, activations and food and beverage specials from participating restaurants. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, grab dinner or drinks and settle in for a movie under the stars. “Soul Surfer” on September 11, “50 First Dates” on September 9 and “Blue Crush” on September 17. 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Movies begin at sundown. 355 Water Street SE; The event is free to attend, but registration is encouraged. Register here.What A Show!:Theatre of Magic at The Fairmont: This fall, Fever and the Fairmont DC have teamed up to bring you an intimate up-close-magic show. Master magicians and performers blend sleight of hand, storytelling and theatrical flair for an evening unlike any other. With performers appearing just feet away, every trick feels immediate and every reveal becomes part of the shared experience in the room. The series showcases a curated lineup of America’s most talented magicians, each bringing their own signature blend of charisma, humor and mind-bending illusion to DC. The show is running on the following  Saturdays: October 10, 24 and 31, November 14 and 28, December 5 and 26.  Additional dates include Friday, October 30, Wednesday, December 23, Thursday, December 24, and Sunday December 27.  Two seatings per night, the first at 4:30pm and the second at 7:30pm. Ticket holders will enjoy 20% off at the hotel’s dining outlets on the night of the show when presenting their ticket. Tickets are now available on the Fever app and Theatre of Magic starting at $79.Folger Fall Lineup: From plays to concerts to exhibits, and everything in between, the Folger has what you need for the cooler weather. The Folger's fall programming also includes Folger Salons, Folger Book Club, Family Workshops, Printing Press Demonstrations, and so much more. Highlights include Folger Consort's Monteverdi's Legacy (Sept. 11-13); Folger Theatre's Measure For Measure (Sept. 22-Nov. 1); Exhibition: To Hear Her Speak: Black women and Shakespeare (Oct. 16-May 2); Folger Poetry's O.B. Hardison Reading with Cornelius Eady (Oct. 20, 7:30pm). See all details here. NaLa Noches: Spice up your Thursday evenings with NaLa Noches, a celebration of Latin music and culture at Metropolitan Park in the heart of National Landing. New this year, get on your feet for a short, beginner-friendly dance lesson hosted by Inspira Dance during the set break. Enjoy food onsite from favorite Peruvian Brothers and participate in art activities lead by the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington. Every Thursday, September 17 – October 15 from 5 to 7 p.m.; 1330 S Fair St, Arlington; This event is free and open to the public. Register via Eventbrite. Snooze You Lose: Fall Back Concert Series at The Yards: The Yards waterfront transforms into an outdoor music destination for a three-part concert series featuring local bands and sing-along favorites. Grab dinner from neighborhood restaurants, enjoy food and beverage offerings to accompany live music overlooking the river. Thursdays, September 24, October 1 and 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. 355 Water Street SE; The event is free to attend, but registration is encouraged. Registration details coming soon.See all the shows coming to town in our Theater Roundup, here. Museum Visits:National Gallery Nights: The East Building comes to life in this popular after-hours program. Join the National Gallery of Art for themed evenings with music, live performances, artmaking, pop-up talks, and more. Registration available via lottery system, opening the Monday prior to the event date. For more information and to register, click here. Through November 12.Ford’s Theatre Public Programs: This year’s programs bring together conversations, tours, workshops and community events that examine pivotal moments in American history and the people who shaped them. This season’s programs explore leadership and resilience following 9/11, Abraham Lincoln’s life and legacy, the Civil War and its memory, the process of turning history into art and the voices carrying these stories forward. A full list of public programs is available at fords.org and will be updated on a rolling basis.Hillwood Museum - Interwoven: A Tradition of Textiles: Richly woven, meticulously stitched, and deeply symbolic, textiles have shaped societies for centuries, serving as both functional objects and extraordinary works of art. Hillwood founder Marjorie Merriweather Post maintained a reverence for textiles throughout her life, preserving antique lace samples, apparel from her girlhood, and examples of textile work created by the women in her family. Interwoven: A Tradition of Textiles is the first exhibition at Hillwood to focus on this essential yet unexplored aspect of the collection, showcasing the remarkable artistry, technical mastery, and cultural importance of textiles across centuries. 4155 Linnean Avenue NW; Click here for more information. Through January 2027. National Museum of Women in the Arts: Routed West: Twentieth-Century African American Quilts in California through January 17, 2027 - More than 80 quilted objects trace how Black women leaving the Jim Crow South stitched a legacy of survival, connection and resilience across generations. National Museum of Asian Art: From the Louvre: Masterpieces of Islamic Art through January 18, 2027 - On view for the first time in the U.S., the exhibit presents artworks from the Musée du Louvre that represent the depth and global reach of the arts of the Islamic world. Hirshhorn: Light is a Plastic Medium: The Photography of Carlotta Corpron through March 14, 2027 - A survey of work by the American abstract photographer. The Phillips Collection: Avery, Gottlieb & Rothko: By the Sea October 24 through January 24, 2027 - The story of the lifelong friendship between three towering figures in American art: Milton Avery, Adolph Gottlieb and Mark Rothko. Many works have never been on public view. National Gallery of Art: Remember Me: Picturing African Americans in Early Photography November 7 through March 14, 2027 - The exhibition illuminates how photography became an essential means for expressing community, aspiration and personal identity. Where Else You'll Find Us:Coming Soon! Bluey x CAMP: Bluey’s House: Every toddler in the DMV is currently obsessed with Bluey, and this fall you can walk straight into her world. Opening September 4 at CAMP in Tysons Corner Center, this life-sized, immersive walk-through of Bluey’s house lets families explore every room, play games from the show, dance in the playroom, climb a two-story pillow fort and cardboard castle, hunt for hidden details, and catch exclusive animations, before finishing with a meet-and-greet and photo op with Bluey and Bingo. Bluey-themed merch is available for purchase, and timed entry tickets go every 15 minutes.Snooze you lose: Don't miss the FREE Play the Bluey Way activation at Tysons Corner Center, on September 18, 19 and 20, with a program designed for families as part of the Play the Bluey Way global campaign, inspired by the beloved animated series Bluey. Launching this month by BBC Studios, the campaign is inviting families everywhere to embrace more play, connection and fun in their everyday lives. At the heart of the campaign is a series of murals designed by Ludo Studio artists and inspired by iconic Bluey moments of play.MoCA on the Move, Fall Fun Family Series: The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington will host a fall family series each Sunday in Met Park with live music, lawn games, bubbles and hands-on art-making activities guided by local artists. Sundays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 1330 S Fair Street, Arlington. Free; register via Eventbrite. Art-making activities change each week and include Abstract Painting, Fall Charm Bar, Stained Glass Dreamcatchers, and Calavera Masks. Through October 25. Ghost Tours: For families with kids old enough to enjoy a good spooky story, Ghost City Tours — the world’s largest ghost tour company, runs haunted history walks, paranormal storytelling, and haunted pub crawls across DC and surrounding cities, led by local guides who know the city’s legends best. A different way to learn DC history, with a chill down your spine.Old Post Office Clock Tower: The historic Clocktower at Waldorf Astoria DC once again welcomes the public, reopening one of the city's most unique—and free—observation experiences. Get the chance to take in panoramic views of the nation's capital from atop the landmark Old Post Office building, a hidden gem that has long been a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The Clocktower offers sweeping views of Washington, DC from more than 300 feet above the city, along with exhibits that explore the history of one of the capital's most recognizable buildings. Open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Storytime Studio at the Hirshhorn: Kids ages 0–6 and their caregivers are welcome for an hourlong blend of educator-led read-alouds, play, and art exploration at the Hirshhorn’s Storytime Studio. Sessions run Wednesdays at 10 and 11 AM on an ongoing basis. It’s free, no registration required, though capacity is limited and entry is first-come, first-served, so arrive early. It’s a genuinely lovely way to introduce the youngest kids to art and storytelling right on the National Mall. For more information, click here.Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience: This virtual reality experience places you in Outer Space. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, the experience takes you on a seamless journey through the cosmos, from dazzling galaxies to the edge of a black hole. Climb aboard powerful telescopes and uncover the universe’s greatest mysteries in immersive 3D. Ages 10+; ticket prices start at $29; 926 F Street NW; for more information, click here. Sloomoo Institute: A new slime experience will open its doors at Tysons Corner this summer. Spanning 17,000 square feet over two levels, this sensory, ASMR-driven wonderland invites all ages to walk on slime at Lake Sloomoo, slingshot, and play with never-ending textures. The new Sloomoo features slime-making classes where guests can learn how to make Sloomoo Slime from scratch, host private birthday parties, experience the expanded DIY Design Bar with over 4 million combinations, smell exclusive new floral scents, and play in the interactive installations. Tysons Corner Center.You've Missed It: Blink and You'll Miss It! The Last Few Drops of Summer: Snooze you lose: Tunes in the Triangle: Pack a picnic and get ready for another iteration of Tunes in the Triangle. Mt Vernon Triangle will break their free music series into A-Side/B-Side June and September segments to maximize optimal weather conditions. The June portion will be held in Milian Park, while the September session will be in Cobb Park. Wednesdays in June and September from 6:00 to 7:30pm. Free. RSVP here. Snooze you lose: City Ridge Summer Concert Series: Enjoy intimate outdoor concerts while dining and sipping from your favorite neighborhood spots—grab tacos, cocktails, or settle into a patio seat and take in the vibes. Every Friday through September; 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.; The Great Lawn by Taco Bamba - weather permitting. September 4 – Trio Caliente & DC Casineros: DC Casineros will be teaching a step-by-step class from 6:00 – 6:30 p.m., sharing moves from their world-renowned dance company. Trio Caliente brings the heat with fiery flamenco guitar, soulful vocals, and Latin dance grooves that will keep you moving all night. Expect salsa, rumba, bossa nova, pop, and more.September 11 – Jamie Moynihan performing an acoustic set, bringing locally written music along with some favorites live to the front lawn.September 18 – David Byass, a local Saxophonist and pianist, bringing an intimate evening of jazz fusion to City Ridge.September 25 – Karen Harris Band: Karen Harris is the City Ridge Music Coordinator who books all of the talent in each series. She opened the series and will be closing out this season with all of your favorite hits. Dance, sing along, and enjoy one last show with us to close out the summer.Snooze, You Lose:  Dive-In Movies at Hotel Zena: Float in the rooftop pool and catch a movie at Hotel Zena. Movies will be shown every Wednesday starting at 9:00 p.m. (weather permitting). Free for registered hotel guests. For attendees not staying at the hotel, passes can be purchased on Eventbrite for $30 per person, and include a bag of popcorn and a complimentary mocktail, or signature cocktail. Through September 9th. For movie line up and to book a pass, click here.Snooze, You Lose:  The Square Rockville Summer Concert Series: Longer days, warm nights, and live music under the open sky—summer is officially sounding better. The Square Rockville has announced the 2026 Summer Concert Series, bringing a lineup of live performances to The Square all season long. Grab your lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and dancing shoes. Whether you’re planning a night out with friends, date night, or a family-friendly evening, these concerts are the perfect way to enjoy summer at The Square. Fridays, through September 11. For a full calendar, click here.  Snooze, You Lose: Bethesda Summer Concert Series: Every Friday this summer, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., head to the corner of Norfolk & St. Elmo Avenues to enjoy a free outdoor concert, and food and drinks from downtown Bethesda restaurants. Just like in previous years, adult beverages will be available for purchase from local restaurants, and can be enjoyed within the concert site. Want to know who else to expect this summer? See the full line-up here. Through September 18, 2026.

Every October, RAMW hands us a favorite excuse of the year: an entire month built around the exact thing we are always telling you to do anyway,  get out of your rotation and go eat somewhere new. Together We Dine is back, and it’s time to begin mapping out which nights to claim.Here's the deal: all month long, restaurants, bars, and eateries across the DMV are rolling out their own specials and events, and you can track every single one of them on the public calendar at togetherwedine.org. Happy hour budget, tasting menu budget, doesn't matter, there's a night with your name on it in basically every neighborhood.RAMW president and CEO Shawn Townsend put it exactly right: "Whether you've been here your whole life or are coming in for one day, the DMV has something new for you at every price point, in every neighborhood. We're excited to dine and discover together." Same, Shawn. Same.Here's what's looking good so far:Kick-Off Happy Hour: Tuesday, September 29, 6–8 p.m., Croix Rooftop at the Cambria Hotel (69 Q St. SW). Free, easy, and the official start of the month — DJ Money's on the decks. RSVP here.Behind the Bar with Shawn Townsend & Chef Katsuya Fukushima: Wednesday, October 7, 6–8 p.m., DAIKAYA Izakaya and Ramen Shop (705 6th St. NW). Shawn's trading his desk for a bar top, this time alongside Daikaya's own Chef Katsuya Fukushima. Free, and a portion of proceeds benefits Educated Eats. RSVP here.Big Schlim's DC Food Tour: Saturday, October 10. If you know, you know. DMV food reviewer Big Schlim rides through Petworth hitting five of his STAMPED spots — Honeymoon Chicken, Federalist Pig, Taqueria Habanero, Mama Tee's Kitchen, and Here's the Scoop Ice Cream. Tickets here.Chile by the Glass: October 12–18. RAMW's teaming up with ProChile for a week of Chilean wine activations around the city, details still coming.Behind the Bar with Shawn Townsend: Friday, October 16, 6–8 p.m., Chicken+Whiskey (1738 14th St NW). Round two behind the bar, same good cause, Educated Eats. RSVP link coming soon.MOOD with DJ Money: Monday, October 19, 7 p.m.–midnight, Doi Moi (1800 14th St. NW). A Monday night R&B party with DJ Money and DJ Raqie, slow jams and all. No RSVP, just show up.Every bite builds a stronger DMV. Together We Dine is presented in partnership with Events DC, Coca-Cola Consolidated, and DoorDash, and supported by ACME Paper & Supply Co. and DC Health Link. Full details at togetherwedine.org.

Mark your calendars! The clock has started on the 2027 James Beard Awards. The James Beard Foundation opened its entry and recommendation period on September 30, and it runs through Monday, November 30 at 11:59 p.m. ET. If you - yes, you! - know a chef, restaurant, bar, or food media voice who deserves a nod, now's the time to put them forward.This cycle comes with real changes, not just a new application window. On the Media side, two new short-form categories: Cooking and Instructional (Short-Form) and Food Culture (Short-Form) and now recognize the creators doing the real work on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, a shift that reflects just how much food storytelling has moved off the page and onto a phone screen. A handful of Book and Journalism categories got retired or renamed to match where the industry actually is today, including Home Cooking becoming Instructional Cooking and Narrative Photography broadening into simply Photography.On the Restaurant and Chef side, the headline change is to America's Classics, which now welcomes bars alongside restaurants and stretches its eligibility window from 10 years to 15. Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker has also been split into two distinct awards: Outstanding Pastry Chef and Outstanding Baker or Dessert Professional now giving each discipline its own lane instead of lumping them together.The Impact Awards, now in their second year, will focus on five areas this cycle: operational excellence, immigration advocacy, climate solutions, resilient farms and supply chains, and equity and mental health.A few numbers worth knowing if you're on the fence about entering: 96% of 2025 semifinalists, nominees, and winners reported a generally positive business impact from their recognition, and 88% of Media Award respondents said it boosted their standing in the industry. Recognition for the Restaurant and Chef and Impact Awards is free to submit; Media Award entries carry an $85 fee, with waivers available for anyone who needs one.The 2027 Awards weekend returns to Chicago, June 12–14 — Media Awards first, then the Impact Awards luncheon, closing with the Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony.If you've got a candidate in mind, don't sit on it. Entries and recommendations close November 30. Visit here.