It may not feel like it, but the calendar has flipped to October and all the fall feelings that follow. Most notably, a handful of bars and restaurants are preparing German beers and sausages this weekend for Oktoberfest celebrations. There’s also the opportunity to taste the best of Bethesda and explore a new Latin-inspired market.
La Cosecha launches
The highly anticipated La Cosecha Latin market will finally open this week in the Union Market neighborhood. Its initial lineup is expected to include cocktail bar and cafe Serenata, and pop-ups by Peruvian Brothers and Amparo, with more to come in the future. Some fashion and lifestyle shopping will be available as well. The soft opening phase will run Thursday through Sundays. (1280 4th St. NE, Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight, Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., free entry)
Hops, Scotch, happy hour
Opaline Brasserie has launched a new weekday happy hour anchored around local beers and spins on classic whiskey cocktails. Unwind after a long day with a Japanese spiced old fashioned with Suntory whisky and spiced pumpkin syrup or the peach and orange vodka-based Peche Lafayette. There will also be a snack menu of cheese puffs, stuffed mushrooms, and oysters Rockefeller. (806 15th St. NW, Monday-Friday 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m., $5-$10)
Red Bear Oktoberfest
This weekend is the first annual Okto“bear”fest at NoMa’s Red Bear Brewing. Sip on three special German-style brews: a marzen, a dry-hopped Pilsner, and a hefeweizen. The standard beer lineup will be available as well, along with a drag competition on Friday and live music on Sunday night. Plus, there’s plenty of other Oktoberfest fun around town this weekend. (209 M St. NE, Friday-Sunday, a la carte)
Maine seafood and beer
Spend Saturday afternoon with coastal cooking and New England craft brews at Rustico Ballston. Maine’s Allagash Brewing Company will be on site with a total of 13 favorite and rare kegs to pair with fresh oysters, lobster rolls and clams casino. Explore beers like the Farm to Face sour blonde ale with peaches and the I Believe In Love oak barrel-aged sour. (4075 Wilson Blvd., Saturday 12 p.m.-4 p.m., a la carte)
A taste of Bethesda
Nearly 60 local restaurants are expected at Saturday’s Taste of Bethesda food festival. Woodmont Triangle (a short walk from the Bethesda metro station) will feature five stages of entertainment as well as bites and drinks from Jaleo, Medium Rare, Poke Dojo, and more. Packs of tasting tickets will be sold on-site. (Woodmont Triangle, Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m., free entry)
Bavarian vibes in Ballston
Arlington’s newest beer hall is throwing an all-day Oktoberfest party this Saturday. Head over to Bronson Bier Hall for live music, beer tasting, and traditional Munich eats like grilled bratwursts and sausages. The outdoor patio will have games and activities to pass the afternoon and soak up the fall vibes. (4100 Fairfax Dr., Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m., free entry)
Brunch your way through India
Farragut Square’s Bombay Club is a power spot for Indian dining. It’s broadening its options this month with a new Sunday brunch menu highlighting the country’s diverse culinary regions. The three-course deal begins with a tribute to Goa, with dishes including chicken cafreal and a coconut-based fish curry. Regions to follow include Mughlai, Delhi-Punjab, and South India. (815 Connecticut Ave. NW, Sunday 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., $27 or $42 with bottomless mimosas)
Chocolate City’s best
Bartenders of color from across the country will compete on Tuesday in the 2nd annual Chocolate City’s Best cocktail competition at Reliable Tavern. Each of the 10 contestants will mix up a drink for their shot at the top prize, and attendees will be able to sip drinks from the bar as they watch the event unfold. There will be a live DJ, food, and raffle prizes. Proceeds will go toward achieving non-profit status for the organization. Tickets can be purchased online. (3655 Georgia Ave. NW, Tuesday 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m., $25)
