The Around the World Cultural Food Festival returns to Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, on Saturday, marking its 10th anniversary with a full day of food, live performances and international arts and crafts. The free festival is at Oronoco Bay Park along the Alexandria waterfront.
More than 45 countries will be represented at this year’s event along with more than 30 food and dessert vendors, two beer gardens and more than 100 international artisans and crafters, according to Corina Serbanescu, senior business development director for the Royal Events Group and Chic Events D.C., who founded the Around the World Cultural Food Festival.
While food and entertainment are central to the experience, Serbanescu said cultural education remains at the heart of the festival.
“We brought a lot of our performers that have been with us throughout the years, and we are also making this as a celebratory event for our performers, for our food vendors. It’s also a token of appreciation for them that they have been with us throughout this entire journey of 10 years,” Serbanescu said.
With the festival running from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Serbanescu recommended treating the event as a full-day outing rather than a quick stop.
“It’s a one-day journey around the world,” Serbanescu said.
Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the DC area.
Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:
DC
FEMME Art Fair
From Thursday through Sunday, discover women artists at the contemporary art fair known as FEMME. There will also be film screenings, panels, workshops, fitness classes and an all-women DJ lineup from the Nü Androids creative collective.
Camp Yards
At this two-day event, Navy Yards is transforming into a camp adventure with hands-on workshops and a custom tote heat-press station so you can show off patches collected during the camp-themed activities and games. Camp Yards attendees can also shop a variety of vendors and enjoy live acoustic music. The event is on Friday and Saturday.
Flashband Warped Tour Showcase
On Saturday, enjoy covers of the pop punk, emo, metalcore and punk rock music that defined the 90s, 00s and 2010s. The Flashband Warped Tour Showcase is a sing- and dance-along event hosted by 7DrumCity. Tickets cost approximately $35 per person.
Breaking Breads Social
At The Roost in Southeast D.C., Jill Nguyen of Capitol Jill Baking and Alice Bergen Phillips of Cheesemonster are hosting a bread and cheese party where guests are invited to bring a loaf of homemade or store-bought bread to share. A cheese tasting will also be offered. Tickets for this Saturday event cost $35.
Metropolitan Washington Summer Restaurant Week
Through Sunday, catch the tail end of Metropolitan Washington Summer Restaurant Week. This year’s participating restaurants and other eateries are offering three-course menus as low as $25 for brunch and lunch and $40 for dinner. Find more foodie-focused events in the DMV Foodie Guide on WTOP.
Hello Kitty Day at Audi Field
The Washington Spirit is hosting Hello Kitty Day during this Sunday’s matchup against the Bay FC soccer team. The first 5,000 fans to arrive at Audi Field can get a reversible “Spirit in Bloom” Hello Kitty bucket hat during the gate giveaway. During the game, there will also be Hello Kitty-themed activities such as trivia, a coloring and friendship bracelet station on the concourse and a photo moment at the Hello Kitty-branded SPIRIT letters in Spiritville.
Maryland
“Space Oddity: The Ultimate David Bowie Experience”
Fans of David Bowie can head to Olney Theatre Center this Friday for “Space Oddity: The Ultimate David Bowie Experience.” Expect an elaborately-costumed multimedia spectacle. Tickets start at approximately $55.
Summerween Spooktacular
Bel Air, Maryland-based Odd Bird Bookshop and Twisted Roots are teaming up for a spooky and literary event Saturday. The Summerween Spooktacular offers trick-or-treating and creepy reads, plus the chance to come dressed in your Halloween best.
Pan, Brass & Jazz Music & Arts Festival
If you’re a fan of steel pans, jazz ensembles and other forms of live music, don’t miss this event. The Pan, Brass & Jazz Music & Arts Festival is expected this Sunday in Silver Spring, Maryland, at Veterans Plaza. The event is free and open to the public.
Virginia
KidsFest
Families looking for a fun-filled Saturday can head to Reston Town Center to enjoy KidsFest, which features face painting, character meet-and-greets, a photo booth, live performances and more. This event is free to attend.
PlayPalooza
In Springfield, Virginia, PlayPalooza is a family-friendly festival with bounce houses, obstacle courses, foam parties, a children’s business fair and several other activities. The event is Saturday.
Honey Harvest Festival
Celebrate all things bee-related Sunday at the Honey Harvest Festival in Great Falls, Virginia. The family-friendly event features a petting zoo, craft vendors, live outdoor music and an indoor theatrical performance of “Peter and the Wolf” by Sergei Prokofiev, performed by the Great Falls Philharmonic.
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