The Annapolis Crab Feast is known as the world's largest crab feast.
The Annapolis Crab Feast is known as the world's largest crab feast.
Capital Region Cuisine: Top Food Festivals & Events
From apples, peanuts and barbecue to seafood, beer and wine, these food festivals serve up regional specialties across Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia!
From apples, peanuts and barbecue to seafood, beer and wine, these food festivals serve up regional specialties across Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia!
Washington, DC Food Events
Hosted for one week in August and one week in January, Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week is an amazing opportunity to try new restaurants and visit old favorites from around the city. More than 150 metropolitan region restaurants offer multi-course menus at a prefixe menus at affordable prices ($40-$60 per person for dinner during the Summer 2024 Restaurant Week).
Barbecue is an American food tradition with regions from around the US specializing in different meats, sauces and cooking styles. Sample them all come summertime at The Giant BBQ Battle. This annual competition brings barbecue teams and restaurants from around the country to compete for cash and prizes plus the chance to win the title of National BBQ Champion. Festival attendees can sample barbecue and grilled foods, enjoy live music from three stages, explore interactive exhibits and watch cooking demonstrations.
Maryland Food Events
The U.S. Oyster Festival is held every third weekend in October in St. Mary's County. The fun-filled event includes a national oyster-shucking contest, oyster cook-off and live entertainment. Feast on shellfish and other delicious dishes all day!
First hosted in 1945, August's Annapolis Crab Feast is known to be the world’s largest festival dedicated to these crustaceans. Hosted at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, this all-you-can-eat-and-drink event delights with large male crabs plus crab soup, sweet local corn on the cob, barbecued beef sandwiches, all-American hot dogs, watermelon and refreshing draught beers.
Virginia Food Events
The Rotary Club of Winchester’s Apple Harvest Arts and Crafts Festival celebrates the autumn harvest of the fruit that was once the livelihood of most people in Winchester. The Virginia State Apple Butter Making Championship and the regional apple-pie baking contest will decide who makes this year's best tasty treats.
Every October, the City of Suffolk celebrates its peanut history with a four-day family-oriented Suffolk Peanut Festival. The popular event offers a wide range of activities including fireworks, a shrimp feast, demolition derby, peanut butter sculpture contest and carnival rides.