Food

The Week in Food Events: Free Barbecue at Jackson 20, Bacon and Beer Festival, Sweetlife Returns

Plus more porky fun at Del Campo's Cochon555-inspired rooftop party.

Grab free barbecue sandwiches at Jackson 20 to celebrate the launch of their new 'cue menu. Photograph courtesy of Jackson 20.

Week of wine: The finalists in the 2015 RAMMY “Wine Program of the Year” category host a variety of specials and events this week, including a ticketed wine tasting at Iron Gate on Friday ($25 per person), or unusual wines by the glass at the Red Hen from Albania and the Republic of Georgia. See the event page for a full list of participants and details.

Cashion’s turns 20: Cashion’s Eat Place celebrates its 20th year in Adams Morgan on Wednesday. Unfortunately the prix-fixe dinner is sold out, but longtime fans are welcome to drop by the restaurant at 9 for complimentary passed hors d’oeuvres and bar specials.

Chefs behind bars: No Kid Hungry hosts a “Chefs Behind Bars” at Stanton & Greene on Thursday from 6 to 8. The cocktail series features chefs like Kyle Bailey of Birch & Barley and Doron Petersan (Sticky Fingers Eats & Sweets), who’ll take a break from the kitchen to mix up a signature beverage. Guests vote for their favorite. Tickets ($45) are available online.

Free barbecue: Jackson 20 gives away 250 barbecue sandwiches to the first guests at the Old Town, Alexandria restaurant on Friday, starting at 11:30. The promotion marks the beginning of their new Lunch Line menu, which draws from chef Brian McPherson’s barbecue background; guests can build their own sandwiches or platters for dine-in or takeaway, picking between pulled pork, ribs, hot chopped chicken, traditional sides (mac n’ cheese, slaw), sauces, and drinks ($15 per meal). Keep an eye on Jackson’s social media platforms in the future—whenever #whenpigsfly appears on Twitter or Facebook, the eatery will serve free barbecue sandwiches for 12 minutes.

Rooftop pig party: Chef Victor Albisu invites guests to Del Campo’s rooftop patio on Friday at 6 for a sunset pork party with panoramic city views. Albisu cooks up dishes from the recent Cochon555 competition alongside several new creations, while mixologist Tena Jahangosha crafts cocktails. Dress to impress: the theme is 1980’s Miami style. Tickets ($69) are available online.

Barbecue battle: Head to the 9th Annual Beltway BBQ Showdown on Friday from 6 to 10 and Saturday from 12 to 7 in Fort Washington, Maryland. Needless to say, there will be meat. The Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) judges the cooking competitions for adults and teens, picking the best ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and more. A classic car show and craft demonstrations are part of the fun. Tickets ($3) can be purchased on the day of the event.

Bacon festival (road trip edition): Make a day trip to Charlottesville on Saturday from 1 to 5 for a festival celebrating all things bacon. Local restaurants create bacon-themed dishes, Starr Hill brewery pours beers, and Bold Rock Hard Cider provides the apple-infused drinks. The event supports Local Food Hub, a nonprofit that helps provide easy access to locally grown foods. Tickets ($30 to $60) are available online.

Pig roast: Black’s Bar & Kitchen celebrates the beginning of summer on Saturday from 12 to 3 with a patio pig roast. The restaurant prepares a heritage Berkabaw pig alongside three preparations of oysters, steamed and spiced crawfish, and sides. Beers from Jailbreak Brewing Company wash it all down. Tickets ($45 per person, all-inclusive) are available online; guests must be 21 and over.

Tour de Fat: New Belgium Brewing’s national tour stops in DC on Saturday at the Yards Park for an afternoon of beers and bicycles. The carnivalesque festival runs from 10 to 5 with musical acts, vaudeville performers, a “Bicycle Revival,” and plenty of brews. A $5 advance donation can be made online.

Presidential imbibing: Learn more about the Founding Father’s tippling habits during a seminar on Saturday at the National Archives, starting at 3. Moderator Reid Mitenbuler, author of the forthcoming Bourbon Empire: The Past and Future of America’s Whiskey, discusses drinking culture in colonial times with a panel of historians and barkeeps. The course includes a specialty cocktail tasting. Tickets ($45 per person) are available online.

Grilled cheese party: Marvin resurrects its grilled cheese social series on Saturday from 1 to 8. Feast on cheesy sandwiches while dancing to turned from Daniel Biltmore, a Baltimore-based DJ, Chad Hugo. Admission is free, and no reservations needed.

Sweetlife festival: Sweetgreen’s annual music and food festival returns to Merriweather Post Pavillion on Saturday and Sunday. Headliners like Kendrick Lamar and Calvin Harris perform, while the culinary star lineup includes chefs like José Andrés and Momofuku Milk Bar, local vendors, food trucks, breweries, and more. Tickets ($175 to $350) are available online.

Bacon and beer fest (local edition): Wind down a swine-filled week at Penn Social during the second annual Bacon and Beer Festival from 2:30 to 5. The fundraiser for Food and Friends features porky dishes from the likes of Tico and Smoke & Barrel, local craft brews, and creative swag. Tickets range from $45 to $60, and are available online.