From DCist Food contributor Adam Bailey

As you know, the many tentacles of DCist pay no heed to political boundaries. Even Western Ave. at the fair District’s northwest edge can’t contain us. That’s why we’re looking forward to the 16th annual Taste of Bethesda. ToB is Saturday, October 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Woodmont Triangle in conjunction with the annual Best of Bethesda Day (or, as DCist prefers, Besthesday), so mark your calendars. With over 50 restaurants to sample — ranging from everyday Chipotle to healthy-trendy Rock Creek — everyone is sure to find fare to fill his or her belly. Plus, non-MoCo residents will have the opportunity to try some Bethesda-only restaurants they may not otherwise have a chance to enjoy.

The best part is that the festival is free! Yay! Unless you want to eat! Boo. It seems that ToB remembers its high-school economics. “Taste tickets” will be sold at the festival at $5 for four, and a sample will cost you from one to three tickets. With $10 and some wise choosing, DCist thinks ToB will be well worth the trip. Angry about shelling out dough? Then volunteer to work the festival. Meet some new folks, get a free dinner, and a sweet t-shirt out of the deal.

It’s not all food, though; Besthesday plans to keep you entertained. The festival will feature dancing and music (including an Andrews Sisters tribute — Rock ON Bugle Boy from Company B.) on five different stages. You can find the schedule here. It will also feature a classic car show and “Rescue Day,” a kid-oriented open house of Bethesda’s emergency services departments.

Don’t fear the North and its arctic climate. Head up Wisconsin Ave. and dig in.

Taste of Bethesda and the Besthesday festival are four blocks from the Bethesda Metro stop, and accessible by Metrobus’ J2, J3, and J4 lines.