Monday, July 20
The subterranean Dupont Circle restaurant Urbana kicks off a weeklong third-birthday celebration with an assortment of specials and events. Starting at 4 today, you’ll find $3 Chenin Blanc and Brüt rosé in the lounge and a DJ spinning house and dance music at 6:30. From 5 to 7, the restaurant will offer a $30 three-course menu followed by complimentary cupcakes and glasses of Prosecco. And throughout the week (from 4 to 7 and 10 to 11), $3 will get you a half-portion pizza, a house red or white wine, or a rotating selection of small-plate items. For reservations and information, call 202-956-6650.
Tuesday, July 21
In honor of Belgium’s Independence Day, Belga Café will offer half-price deals on all Belgian beers, a petting zoo from noon to 3, and an evening party where a DJ will spin tunes and select brews will be offered on the house with a $10 donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Call 202-544-0100 for more.
Wednesday, July 22
Bravo just can’t get enough of Washington. Art and Soul hosts a Top Chef Masters viewing party in honor of chef/owner Art Smith, who competed against fellow big-name chefs on the network’s kitchen-reality show. The episode airs at 10, and from 8 to 11 you can celebrate in the ArtBar with complimentary hors d’oeuvres that showcase the chef’s signature dishes. Call 202-393-7777 for more.
Thursday, July 23
Indulge your inner frat boy: Beer pong, visits from DC United players, free shots for the first 50 women, a Dancing With the Stars-style contest, and food and drink specials are all on the menu at Tommy Joe’s Summer Domination party. It costs $10 at the door (ten percent of the proceeds benefit the youth-soccer programs DC Scores and love.fútbol). For more information, e-mail krdonohue@aol.com. 5:30 to 10 PM.
Friday, July 24
Dine your way through one-of-a-kind family restaurants on a narrated walking tour of Old Town Alexandria. Between sit-down samplings of traditional Lebanese dishes, locally famous “Jelly Cake,” seafood, and more, the tour offers insight into the cultural and architectural history of the area. It runs from 1 to 4:30. To purchase a ticket—$50 each plus a $2 service fee—click here. Visit dcmetrofoodtours.com to learn more.
Saturday, July 25
Learn to make a casual summer meal at Lia’s Midsummers Days cooking class. Starting at noon, you’ll fancify picnic classics such as frankfurters and beans and hot-fudge sundaes. The class costs $55 including tax and gratuity. Tickets are available here.
Curious about what goes into a good beer? Follow the Virginia Ale Trail straight to Dupont Circle’s Brickseller Saloon, where four local brewers will explain the process and dole out samples of their beers. The event, which costs $82 per person, runs from 1 to 4:30. Click here to learn more and purchase tickets.
Ryan Wegman, former wine buyer of Dean & Deluca, offers advice on uncovering cheap wines that taste expensive and reading restaurant wine lists, at Bacchus Loft Night. Held just above Bacchus Wine Cellar (1635 Wisconsin Ave., NW), the tasting class focuses on Sauvignon Blanc and sends participants home with a complimentary bottle for further “study.” That’s homework we can get behind. The class runs from 6:30 to 7:45. Register by calling 202-337-2003.
Sunday, July 26
Meet at Morton’s of Reston for a daylong tour of a Virginia winery. You’ll start off with a continental breakfast (with wine) at the restaurant then head to Broad Run’s Pearmund Cellars for a tour, wine-blending seminar, Southern-style picnic lunch, and wine sampling. The tour, $159 per person (transport, meals, tax, and gratuity included), runs from 11 to 5. Contact Kate Tourville at 703-796-0611 or e-mail kate_tourville@mortons.com for more information.
Looking for a less intense wine event to end the weekend? Head to the Wine Specialist (2115 M St., NW) between 5 and 8 for a free tasting of five Oregon reds and whites.
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Sarah is the Editor-in-Chief of Washingtonian Bride & Groom, and writes about weddings, fashion, and shopping. Her work has also appeared in Refinery29, Bethesda Magazine, and Washington City Paper, among others. She is a Georgetown University graduate, lives in Columbia Heights, and you can find her on Instagram at @washbridegroom and @sarahzlot.
