The Smithsonian’s Food History Weekend kicks off on Thursday, October 15 and runs until Saturday, October 17 with free virtual sessions focused on food justice — an especially pertinent topic during the pandemic. Learn about food workers’ rights, the enduring history of native foodways, the future of American beer, and more.
Carve a pumpkin and dive into caramel apples at Lawntoberfest on Saturday, October 17 at Hi-Lawn (1309 Fifth St., NE), Union Market’s rooftop spot. Tickets cost $150 per table, with seatings of up to six people available from noon to 10 PM. The price tag also includes a soft pretzel picnic basket, six steins of beer, and access to the pop-up “pumpkin patch” to hand select the gourd you could turn into a pumpkin keg.
Peruse apple-spice kombucha and sustainable fashion made by women at Femme Fatale’s al fresco market (outside of 401 Massachusetts Ave., NW) on Saturday, October 17. The market, which runs from 2:30 to 5:30 PM, aims to provide a socially-distanced shopping experience.
Croon along with the Dave Matthews Band during its big-screen concert at the Bullpen (1201 Half St., SE) on Saturday, October 17. The show starts at 7:30 PM, and the $40 ticket covers unlimited beer buckets.
Pop-up collaborative Bar Kokeshi is serving six courses of Japanese comfort food at Mercy Me (1143 New Hampshire Ave., NW) on Sunday, October 18. Masako Morishita, the chef behind pop-up Otabe, is crafting the $75 tasting menu. It’ll feature crispy fried chicken and slow-cooked daikon with brie.
Old Town dining room Bastille (606 N. Fayette St., Alexandria) is welcoming former Honeysuckle and Vidalia chef Hamilton Johnson into the kitchen for a pop-up dinner on Sunday, October 18. Dine on four courses for $89. The menu highlights cozy dishes like shrimp and grits and whiskey-caramel cream.
Daniella Byck joined Washingtonian in 2022. She was previously with Outside Magazine and lives in Northeast DC.
