Goat-themed Oktoberfest: Bock means goat in German, so it’s fitting that the Fainting Goat starts its Bocktoberfest celebrations on Monday (through October 5). Stop by the pub for $5 German pints and bottles, large-format Ayinger Weizen Bock beers for $8, grilled goat sausages, and more.
Dinner aquatic: Fish fans can head to the National Aquarium in Baltimore on Tuesday for a unique dining experience: a cooking demo and three-course sustainable seafood dinner prepared by Wit & Wisdom chef Zack Mills. Guests can come early to check out the exhibits, including the newest featuring Blacktip Reef sharks. Tickets are $79 for members, $99 for nonmembers.
Paella party: José Andrés celebrates ten years of Jaleo Crystal City with a bash on Wednesday from 5 to 9. The $35 tickets (partial proceeds benefit World Central Kitchen) include free-flowing wine, Spanish tapas, sherry tastings, jamón-carving stations, flamenco dancers, and the signature rice dish.
Old-school eats: Black Market Bistro also celebrates its tenth birthday on Wednesday, and serves dishes circa 2004 to commemorate the opening year. Items on the three-course menu include tomato-lemongrass soup, pan-seared trout with almond butter, and chocolate fudge cake ($55; à-la-carte ordering is also available). Guests on both Wednesday and Thursday will leave with goodie bags.
Unlimited caviar: Bottomless roe can be yours at Mari Vanna, which launches a caviar bar on Thursday at 5. The $29 indulgence includes unlimited servings of red caviar, stuffed and plain blini, Russian salads, and a complimentary vodka shot. Black caviar is sold separately, for $10 off.
Food truck fiesta: Washingtonian‘s food team tested 100-plus food trucks to put together our guide to the Top 25, many of which will be at our Truck It! festival on Saturday from noon to 2 near Logan Circle. Advance tickets ($20, or $25 at the door) get you five tastes from vendors such as Meggrolls and DC Ballers.
Japanese-Peruvian cooking class: Del Campo hosts an East-meets-West cooking course on Saturday from noon to 3 with chef Victor Albisu and visiting toque Jonah Kim (formerly of Pabu). The duo will demonstrate how to prepare ceviches, sushi, anticuchos, and robatayaki before treating guests to a full lunch and beverage pairings. Reservations are $98, all-inclusive.
Mad Fox-toberfest: The biggest Oktoberfest celebration this week comes courtesy of Mad Fox Brewing, which sets up a beer garden on Market Square on Saturday from noon to 6. Guests can pick from 60 local brews and grilled fare, plus games such as cornhole, a moon bounce, and more.
Fall food festival: The Barracks Row Fall Festival goes down on Saturday from 7 to 5, with a variety of culinary activities. A military chef’s cookoff starts at 7 for the early risers, while the Matchbox Food Group runs a beer garden from noon to 6 with brews and Oktoberfest-themed eats from Ted’s Bulletin, Cava Mezze, Belga Cafe, and more. Admission is free; individual beer garden food/drink tickets are $6 each or five for $25.
French cooking class: Malmaison chef Gérard Pangaud, who earned two Michelin stars at his Boulogne, France, restaurant, leads a cooking class at the Hill Center on Saturday. Starting at 11 guests are lead through a hands-on course that includes dishes such as Moroccan-spiced duck breast with caramelized apples and local pear-almond tart. Tickets are $85.
Amaro 101: Amaro is everywhere these days, and if you want to learn more about the Italian liqueur, Urbana is the place to be on Saturday from 3 to 4. Head bartender Lee Carrell leads guests through the various types, how they can be used in cocktails, and what to know about popular brands. Reservations are $35 and include tastes, recipe cards, and a take-home gift. E-mail ray.daly@urbanadc.com to reserve, or call the restaurant.
Even more Oktoberfest: Cady’s Alley in Georgetown throws its Oktoberfest celebration this weekend on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5. Stop by for Germanic eats from Kafe Leopold, a soft-pretzel cart, Alpine music, and Bavarian brews in a two-story beer hall. Admission is free, and lederhosen are encouraged.
Drinks with dogs: Republic in Takoma Park cohosts a “yappy hour” on Sunday from 3 to 5 with neighborhood businesses Big Bad Wood and Pup Strut. The regular happy hour menu with plenty of drink and food specials is available, along with $5 Salty Dog cocktails and free treats for pups. Look for similar deals at dog-friendly happy hours on the last Sunday of each month.
For more food news and recommendations, follow Best Bites on Twitter at @bestbitesblog.