For the first time in two years, many of Washington’s flagship festivals are resuming in-person gatherings — and going all out to celebrate the occasion. You can find everything from mermaids and fairies at the FantasyWood Festival in Maryland, to world-famous musicians at DC JazzFest, all while making plans to fill your belly with an entire season’s worth of beer, barbecue, and culinary delights from around the world.

While some have already passed — we’re looking at you, Project Glow and Seltzerland — here’s a guide for what’s still to come among D.C.’s best summer festivals, whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or someone seeking something a little more offbeat.

Food festivals

30th Annual Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle: It’s safe to assume that the District’s signature meat-oriented festival will be, pardon the pun, well-done. Pitmasters from around the U.S. will show off their skills cooking chicken, pork, ribs, and more– including vegan options like Beyond Meat Burgers. Beyond the competition, expect an array of cooking demos, family activities like rides and games, music performances and, naturally, plenty of food and drink to sample. (Pennsylvania Avenue NW; June 25, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and June 26, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission is FREE for kids 12 and under and starts at $20 for adults.)

DC Black Food & Wine Festival: This one-day event is all about Black culinary excellence and Black-owned wine brands. There will be DJs, a photo-booth, photo installations, games, and an abundance of food and drink options. (Sandlot Anacostia; June 25, 2-8:30 p.m. $30-$85.)

Taste Of The DMV: Food & Cultural Festival: Head to Gateway DC — an acre of green space downtown — to say goodbye to July. More than 100 restaurants, brands, and businesses will participate in this celebration of Maryland, D.C., and Virginia. Bring a lawn chair or grab a spot in the beer garden, which will feature beer, wine, mixed drinks, and bar food. There will also be live art demonstrations, music, a wing-eating contest, and games. (Gateway DC; July 30, 4 -10 p.m.; Starting at $20.)

Jollof Festival: The Jollof wars are coming to D.C. This beloved West African rice dish is typically cooked with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices but the ingredient list and preparation style varies from country to country and there’s a hotly contested debate about who does it best. If you’ve never had it before, now’s your chance. A variety of chefs will compete to determine who makes the superior Jollof. (Sandlot, 633 Howard Rd SE; July 30, 3-7 p.m.; starting at $20)

2022 Around The World Cultural Food Festival: If you’re craving a trip around the world, you’ll find it in Old Town Alexandria. Lots of vendors will offer globally-inspired food selections — and as the event organizers put it, “our restaurants do not only sell food; they showcase, educate and teach their culture through food.” In addition to dishes from more than 40 countries, you can check out traditional dances, clothing, plus arts and crafts. (Oronoco Bay Park, Alexandria; Aug. 27, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; FREE)

Beer/Beverages

Queer Beer Festival: Hop Culture and New Belgium are behind this two-day craft beer festival at The Wharf, which will emphasize queer-owned or operated breweries, as well as those that support the LGBTQIA+ community. Expect more than 80 beer choices, with three and a half hours of unlimited sample pours. There will also be live music. (The Wharf; June 3-4, various times; Starting at $65.)

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival: Indulge in a day of Southern delights at this Northern Virginia festival. You’ll find all the Bs: beer, bourbon, barbecue, boots, bacon, biscuits, and bluegrass. Sounds brilliant. (Bull Run Special Events Center, Centreville; June 4, 2-6 p.m; Starting at $39.)

Mount Vernon Summerfest: This is about as close as you’re going to get to knocking back a beer with George Washington. Stop by the first president’s sprawling Virginia estate to sample craft beer from local breweries while enjoying live music. (12-Acre Field, Mount Vernon; June 10-12, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.;$40 for members and $80 for general public.)

SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience: After a two-year break, one of the District’s most popular food and beer-pairing experiences is back. Look forward to more than 200 craft breweries featuring 200 beers, plus more than 60 food pairings. The menu was designed by a star-studded culinary team that includes local chef Nathan Anda of Red Apron. (The Anthem; June 24, 7 -10 p.m; Starting at $144.)

Music festivals

Something In The Water Festival: Perhaps this announcement will make you happy: Musician and producer Pharrell Williams is bringing his popular festival to D.C. this summer. The event, which launched in 2019, was previously held in Virginia Beach, but Williams decided to relocate following a rift with public officials there. This year’s lineup includes Dave Matthews Band, Run the Newels, Tyler the Creator, Usher, and 6lack. (Independence Avenue SW; June 17-19; Three-day admission starts at $350.)

DC JazzFest: The city’s flagship jazz event will take place in various neighborhoods, including a big weekend at The District Wharf from Sept. 3-4. The JazzFest line-up includes Christian McBride & Inside Straight, Cindy Blackman Santana Band, Orrin Evans Captain Black Big Band, and Dianne Reeves. (Various locations; Aug. 31-Sept. 4; Prices vary.)

Culture festivals

FantasyWood Festival: If you can’t quite picture a mermaid and a vampire hanging out you should expand your imagination because that’s exactly what will happen at this three-day extravaganza in Maryland. Also on the guest list: fairies, dueling knights, and a unicorn. Bring the entire family along for the second iteration of FantasyWood, which is back after its inaugural event in 2019. (Living Farm Heritage Museum, West Friendship, Maryland; May 28-30; $20/day.)

Awesome Con: Here’s a challenge: Think of a word other than “awesome” to describe this three-day celebration of geek culture. Attendees can participate in activities like lightsaber training, a “Star Wars” dance party and trivia session, celeb photo-ops, a science fair, and fan meetups. (Walter E. Washington Convention Center; June 3-5; A three-day pass is $85.)

Korean Film Festival: This annual event will be hybrid this year, with options to attend and watch features in person or catch shorts from home. Plan to see A Woman Judge, which is a companion piece to Shin Su-won’s Hommage. It’s about an ambitious woman who wants to become a judge, but is met with resistance from her family who’d rather she get married and stay home. (Meyer Auditorium, National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Ave SW; June 10-12)

Capital Pride Festival: The LGBTQ+ community will flood Pennsylvania Avenue for an all-day celebration that’s part of a week-long series of events. Expect three stages of entertainment, two food courts, three beverage gardens, and more than 300 advocacy-oriented exhibitors. (Pennsylvania Avenue; June 12, noon-10 p.m.; FREE.)

Portside in Old Town Summer Festival: Bring the whole family to this free festival in Old Town Alexandria. There will be live music, local craft beer and food, and art and history activities. On Friday evening, the festival will merge with the 44th Annual Alexandria Jazz Fest, so get ready to be wowed by some sax. (Waterfront Park, Alexandria; June 17, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and June 18, 1p.m. to 9 p.m; FREE.)

Smithsonian Folklife Festival: This annual tradition, which takes place on the National Mall, will feature two programs when it opens in June: a chance to learn more about Emirati culture and history at United Arab Emirates: Living Landscape | Living Memory, and a set of conservation events meant to inspire action called Earth Optimism × Folklife. Expect poetry, dance and music performances, craft workshops, and kitchen demonstrations that help you understand both topics. (National Mall; June 22-27 and June 30-July 4; FREE.)

Capital Fringe: One of the District’s largest performing arts festivals is back after a two-year hiatus — and it’s headed to a new location. More than 250 theater artists will perform throughout two weekends in Georgetown, in formats including sketch comedy, musical theater, and cabaret. Expect shows inspired by current events, such as climate change, motherhood, the afterlife, and marijuana in gentrifying D.C. (Georgetown Park; July 14-17 and July 21-24; $15)

Otakon: This annual convention celebrates Asian pop culture, including anime, manga, music, and video games. There’s a packed agenda with highlights such as concerts, cosplay, and an art show. (Walter E. Washington Convention Center; July 29-31; Starting at $40 per day)

Maryland Renaissance Festival: Start planning your costume now. For the uninitiated, the Maryland Renaissance Festival is a tradition-worthy escape from the 21st century. You can loiter in a pub, stroll wooden paths, dabble with magic, and meet pirates, Celtics, and perhaps even Shakespeare. (1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis. Nine weekends starting Aug. 27. Ticket sales begin Aug. 1)

Correction: This story has been updated to reflect the correct ticket prices for Capital Fringe festival shows. All tickets are $15.