Food festivals in Washington DC worth planning a trip around, by month.
Food festivals in Washington DC worth planning a trip around, by month.
Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week is the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington's twice-yearly prix-fixe promotion, each January and August, with 200-plus restaurants across DC, Maryland and Virginia.
TipAugust 2026 dinner menus were $40, $55 or $65 and lunch or brunch $25 or $35; the winter 2026 edition included Bresca and The Dabney. Restaurants are chosen by cuisine and menu on ramw.org.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival, 20 March to 11 April 2027, surrounds the Tidal Basin with BloomFest, the Parade, Petalpalooza and a season of art, music and food.
TipPeak bloom dates rotate; check the NPS site weekly through March. The Saturday Petalpalooza in April is the largest food-stall event.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington DC is the annual cultural festival on the National Mall since 1967, with food stalls themed to the year guests.
TipEach year features one or two host cultures; check the Smithsonian site in May for the 2026 theme and food vendor list.
The Giant BBQ Battle fills Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd and 7th Streets in Washington DC for two June days, with pitmasters competing for $50,000 and 100-plus free food samples.
TipTickets unlock the Giant Sampling Pavilion with 100-plus entree, side and dessert samples; kids under 12 are free, and live music runs across six stages.
RAMMY Awards in Washington DC is the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington's annual restaurant industry awards gala at Arena Stage.
TipThe RAMMYS gala is an industry awards night, not a public tasting; the 2026 finalists are on therammys.org, and Restaurant Week participants often include winners and finalists.
DC JazzFest is Washington's five-day jazz festival, 2 to 6 September 2026, with its signature weekend of concerts at The Wharf's District Pier, beside the waterfront restaurants.
TipThe Wharf concerts are on the last two days, Saturday and Sunday; eat at The Wharf's restaurants, which the venue promotes for festival visitors.
H Street Festival in Washington DC is the neighbourhood street festival on H Street NE every September, with 150 food vendors, 14 stages and a one-day.
TipMaketto and Toki Underground run pop-up stalls on the street; the main music stage at 8th and H is the festival anchor.
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Guided tour · 3 hours
Blue Fern Travel explores DC's oldest neighborhood: 5 tastings through Georgetown's cobblestone streets, canal history, and award-winning kitchens. Small group. Every ...
Guided tour · 3 hours
Explore Georgetown on our Secret Food Tour! Enjoy 6+ curated tastings while discovering Washington Harbour, the Exorcist steps, Francis Scott Key Bridge, and the charm...
Guided tour · 3 hours
Blue Fern Travel's Black Broadway, U Street Food Tour: 5 tastings through DC's most historic neighborhood. Murals, jazz history, Ben's Chili Bowl. Small group. Every b...
