September brings a diverse lineup of food and beverage events for families, couples and food lovers across the Washington, D.C. region. Below is a chronological guide to the most notable happenings, many of which support local charities or celebrate cultural traditions.

Chef collaborations and charitable doughnuts

Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken teams up with Cane, Purple Patch and Caruso’s Grocery for a series of limited‑time doughnuts. The first offering, a rum‑cake doughnut with dark rum and coconut flakes, debuts on Sept. 1 with Cane. Proceeds benefit Sister Mentors, a nonprofit that advances equity and justice for women and girls of color.

Black Food & Wine Festival – Sept. 5

The festival highlights Black‑owned wines, spirits and beer, alongside a marketplace, live bands, DJs, cooking demos and photo installations. Attendees should bring lawn chairs and blankets; the event is 21+ only and ticket prices vary.

Tomodachi Food Fest – Sept. 5, Rockville

Presented by Kirin Ichiban USA and Asahi Beer USA, this anime‑themed festival at Rockville Town Square features more than 20 food vendors, a beer garden, merchandise, artist booths and a main stage with dance performances and DJ sets. Admission is free and cosplay is encouraged.

33rd Annual Middle Eastern Food Festival – Sept. 5‑6, McLean

Held at the Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek Catholic Church, the free festival offers shawarma, falafel, baklava and live music and dancing.

Dupont Circle Cocktail Crawl – Sept. 6

Four venues – Press Club, Balos Estiatorio, Residents Café & Bar and Casamara Rooftop – each serve two featured cocktails, a mocktail and a complimentary snack. Collect wristbands from all four locations after purchasing a drink at each to enter a drawing for a $150 gift card.

Slice & Pie grand opening – Sept. 8, Walter Reed Parks

The new pizza location opens at 3 p.m.; the first 100 guests receive a free slice of cheese or pepperoni pizza.

Fish Shop crab feast – Sept. 10, The Wharf

Guests can enjoy a half‑dozen steamed Maryland blue crabs, hush puppies, cornbread, kohlrabi coleslaw and salad for $90 per person on the patio.

Premier Tequila & Mezcal Festival – Sept. 11, The Schuyler at The Hamilton

More than 100 premium tequilas and mezcals are available, complemented by food from local chefs, vendor shopping and traditional music for dancing. Ticket prices vary.

Atlas Brew Works Oktoberfest – Sept. 10‑12

The brewery celebrates the seasonal release of its Festbier with Oktoberfest events at its Navy Yard, Alexandria and Bridge District taprooms.

Maryland Seafood Festival – Sept. 11‑13

Marking its 60th year, the festival offers live music, contests, family‑friendly activities and a variety of seafood, including crab cakes and oysters. Ticket prices vary.

Summer Sunday Supper Series – Sept. 13, The Dabney

Chefs Ryan Ratino (Jônt, Bresca, Ox & Olive) and Jeremiah Langhorne (The Dabney) present a family‑style dinner with a cocktail reception, passed canapés and a raw bar. Tickets cost $270 plus tax.

Fall Wine Dinner Series – Sept. 17, Cordelia Fishbar

Chef Josh Hunt’s five‑course tasting menu is paired with wines selected by Kelby James Russell of Apollo’s Praise. The dinner is approximately $125 per person.

Bold Fork Books author conversation – Sept. 17, Mount Pleasant

Bold Fork Books hosts Karima Moyer‑Nocchi and public historian Paula J. Johnson to discuss Moyer‑Nocchi’s new book “The Epic History of Macaroni and Cheese.” Admission is about $8, or $35 with a signed copy.

Patrick O’Connell memoir event – Sept. 18, Politics & Prose

The founder of The Inn at Little Washington celebrates his memoir “Main, Middle & Gay” with a conversation featuring chef José Andrés and food writer Tom Sietsema. Tickets start around $55.

Taste of Old Town North – Sept. 17, Alexandria

Restaurant tastings run from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Montgomery Park, with interactive art activities and live music.

Wunder Garten Oktoberfest – Sept. 18, Northeast D.C.

The event includes German beer, live music, DJs, German food and games. Entry is free; cabanas must be booked in advance.

Susquehanna Wine & Seafood Fest – Sept. 19, Havre de Grace, MD

Over 20 restaurants and food trucks serve lobster rolls, crab cakes, grilled oysters and more, alongside 40+ wines, live music and cooking demos. Ticket prices vary.

Samuel Beckett’s Irish Pub Celtic Festival – Sept. 19, Arlington

The free event features traditional Irish music, dance, food, drinks and a makers market.

John Carlyle Square Park Oktoberfest – Sept. 19, Alexandria

German music, dance performances, a beer garden, arts and crafts and a stein‑holding contest are offered.

Falls Church 50th Anniversary Festival – Sept. 19, Falls Church

Free festival with food vendors, a beer garden, live music and children’s entertainment including moon bounces and ponies.

Taiwan Bubble Tea Festival – Sept. 19, Rockville Town Center

The free event showcases bubble tea, cultural performances, live music and food vendors.

NiHao mooncake tasting – Sept. 20, Arlington (Crystal City)

Free tasting includes a unique cream cheese and cranberry mooncake. Reserved seats receive a complimentary drink.

Sazón Latin Food Festival – Sept. 20, Baltimore

Ministry of Brewing presents Caribbean, Central and South American food, music and dancing. Admission is free.

Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.