Food

7 Fun Food Events Around DC for Labor Day Weekend

Himitsu launches a Sunday brunch pop-up this weekend. Photograph by Farrah Skeiky

This year’s second-to-last iteration of Truckeroo food truck fest happens this Friday at the Bullpen near Nationals Park. Enjoy grass-fed hot dogs from Swizzler, pork buns from People’s Bao, flavored ice and gelato from Carmen’s Italian Ice, and more. Also on tap: beers and cocktails, live music, and corn hole.

A flight of beer at DC Brau. Photo by Scott Suchman

Usher in autumn this weekend at DC Brau. The brewery is releasing its Oktoberfest seasonal beer in the tasting room, available in six-packs and growler fills, during regular hours starting Friday (also half-priced pint night) through Sunday. An added perk: Sloppy Mama’s BBQ truck will be parked outside the brewery this weekend.

Indulge in a romantic dinner for two at Oceanaire Friday through Monday. The $60 meal includes two starters, entrees, and desserts, plus a bottle of Meiomi Pinot Noir or Markham Chardonnay to share. Highlights from the prix-fixe include tuna poke, shrimp scampi, and baked Alaska. For an added aphrodisiac, head to the bar on Sunday from 5 to 9 PM for dollar oysters.

Guests at last year’s DC VegFest. Photo courtesy of DC VegFest.

Ditch the meat and go vegetarian on Saturday at DC VegFest at Yards Park (intersection of N St., SE and 1st St., SE) from 11 AM to 6 PM. Taste free samples of local vegan cuisine, drink beer in the Busboys and Poets beer garden, and get inspired by a speaker series on plant-based living. In her presentation, Miyoko Schinner, author of Artisan Vegan Cheese will demonstrate how to make your own gourmet vegan cheese at home. Also at the event: a kids’ activities zone, a “barking lot” from the Humane Rescue Alliance, and live music. 

This weekend, the team at Compass Rose takes dining al fresco to the next level. Join the restaurant’s co-executive chefs on a culinary camping adventure in Patuxent River Park, complete with outdoor sports like mountain biking and kayaking, and an open-fire meal. You’ll sleep Saturday night beneath the stars and wake up to a morning yoga class and optional workout session. Also included in the trip: a lunch spread from CAVA and a happy hour with One Eight Distilling and Atlas BrewWorks. The all-inclusive ticket to the event, which goes from Saturday at 11 AM to Sunday at 11 AM, costs $170.

Eat out for a worthy cause this weekend. A large number of DC-area restaurants are donating portions of their proceeds to Hurricane Harvey victims and their families. Himitsu is raising the bar by donating 100% of proceeds from regular dinner service (5 to 10 PM) and a special lunch pop-up (11 AM to 3 PM) on Sunday and Monday to the Greater Houston Community Foundation and United Way. The pop-up features a chicken “sando” made with the restaurant’s signature karaage fried chicken (also available for takeout during dinner service). For a full list of restaurants donating to the #HarveyRelief cause, visit this American Red Cross crowdfunding page.

And heading into the week…

September is National Bourbon Month, and Bourbon in Adams Morgan is celebrating with a series of Manhattans (and happy hour deals). Every week, barkeeps will offer their unique twist on the classic Manhattan using different bourbons from around the country. The first week features Redemption bourbon, followed by Four Roses small batch, High West, and Angel’s Envy. All Manhattans cost $10 (and $8 at happy hour).

Editorial Fellow

Former editorial fellow Erica Sloan is now an editorial assistant at Martha Stewart Weddings and Martha Stewart Living.