A date is set for the iconic Parisian-inspired urban picnic characterized by its famous all-white dress code. On Saturday, September 9 from 6 – 10 p.m., Le Diner en Blanc – Washington will again descend upon a surprise DC location that welcomes thousands of guests who don their whitest of whites for a magical evening of dining, socializing and celebrating amid music, entertainment and dancing.
With their all-white tables, chairs, and table settings in tow, guests for the chic white-linen affair arrive at the newly revealed site to set up their al fresco spread for a fanciful night. The truly ambitious create elaborate French picnics with extravagant, inventive tablescapes and pageantry. High-fashion is also a huge component while many guests dress in decorative headdresses, ball gowns, white dinner jackets and top hats with a spectacular Washington landmark as a backdrop for remarkable photo-ops.
The legendary evening is steeped in Le Dîner en Blanc traditions like the napkin wave to signify the beginning of dinner, and the lighting of sparklers to conclude the culinary feast. However, while the long-standing French picnic ritual will not change, this year’s DC event will bring back authentic Le Diner en Blanc customs that originated back in Paris more than 35 years ago. A cadre of entertainers and musicians will canvas the outdoor venue and perform one-on-one throughout the night, which will add to the beautiful spectacle Washington experiences.
According to Linda Davis, president of The Davis Group and co-producer of Le Diner en Blanc-Washington, this year’s celebration will feature some added unexpected surprises, performances, installations and festivities. “Le Diner en Blanc is a sophisticated, community happening that has many organic roots that have taken a back seat through the years,” said Davis. “We are seeking to bring culture and the true Paris concept back with an elevated experience that highlights performances by multiple entertainers, which allows the guests to commune with their neighbors and get to know people on a more intimate level.”
“In the past, there has been a rush to dine, and then move,” said Kaitlin Latonick, partner of The Davis Group and co-producer of Le Diner en Blanc-Washington. “This year the entertainment will come to our guests – it’s an exciting change for us.”
Registration for the unique experience happens in three phases. Phases for tickets will open the beginning of August and dates will be announced next week. Check the website for the dates of each ticket phase. To be part of the opportunity to experience Diner en Blanc, people can sign up now by visiting the official website at washington.dinerenblanc.com
At the end of the evening when the entertainment and dancing convenes, guests pack up their table settings, belongings and rubbish and head into the night leaving behind no sign of their elegant revelry. To keep up to date on event announcements, visit washington.dinerenblanc.
Beginning Tuesday, September 5, the AC Lounge in Capitol Hill / Navy Yard will launch Tito’s Tuesdays Yappy Hour! Every Tuesday through Halloween, the ground level patio will welcome dogs and their humans to enjoy a range of specials in partnership with Tito’s Vodka.
WHEN
Tuesdays, September 5 – October 31 (weather permitting)
5:00pm – 8:00pm
WHAT
In addition to the AC Lounge’s daily happy hour, guess will enjoy:
$10 Tito’s drink specials
$1 Pup Cups
*A portion of the proceeds each week will benefit the Humane Rescue Alliance
Each week the team will raffle Tito’s dog accessories and toys. On Halloween a Dog Costume Contest will take over the patio with an on-site dog caricature artist making pet portraits for patrons. That evening a final raffle of all entries will award a grand prize of an impressive box of Tito’s pet products including bowls, chew toys, clothes and accessories.
WHERE
867 New Jersey Ave SE (ground level patio)
Washington, DC 20003
Artist Lecture by Karen LaMonte | Shaping the Invisible
Tuesday, September 12, 2023, 5:30-8 p.m.
Contemporary artist Karen LaMonte will delve into her artistic process and share her approach to developing conceptual frameworks and translating them into mesmerizing sculptures.
Please note: This is the first program in Glass: Art. Beauty. Design. Lecture Series.
4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008
Tysons Corner Center invites you to a special CELEBRATE VIRGINIA day on Saturday, September 16th on The Plaza from 11am – 4pm, rain or shine. Bring the family and have some fun outdoors celebrating the talent of Virginia as you enjoy live music & entertainment, shop local artisans’ wares, indulge in Virginia Beer Tasting, VIP Wine Tasting, mural painting, giveaways, and more! Celebrate Virginia is offered in partnership with Visit Fairfax and Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC).
GENERAL ADMISSION: Shop the Made in Fairfax local Artisan Market, enjoy live music from three Virginia based musicians, sample beer from five state breweries, and take part in painting a community mural with Loudon-based artist Kevin Bednarz. Participants will also get a chance to Spin the Tysons Wheel for limited edition “Virginia is for Shopping Lovers” custom merchandise including t-shirts, picnic blankets, beanie hats and more! The event is open to the public and FREE to attend.
“We are excited to bring the community together at our inaugural Celebrate Virginia event, which highlights everything that makes our home state special,” says Jesse Benites, Director of Property Management. “We will be showcasing small Virginia-based businesses, artists, and talent and are thrilled with the support and collaboration from our public officials and community partners.”
“Virginia’s artisan, craft beer, and wine industries have become important drivers of Virginia’s tourism economy, making the Commonwealth an ideal destination for travelers who are seeking authentic, experiential attractions. This event will provide an excellent locally made experience of everything Virginia has to offer firsthand,” said Andrew Cothern, Director of Communications for VTC.
“Fairfax County is home to so many talented artisans, makers and musicians and Visit Fairfax is thrilled to be a part of celebrating them all, as well as the great Commonwealth of Virginia, at Tysons Corner Center’s exciting new event. We hope residents and visitors alike will come out to see what this amazing destination is all about and even take home a unique piece of Virginia.” – Barry Biggar, President & CEO of Visit Fairfax.
Saturday, September 16th on The Plaza from 11am-4pm, rain or shine.
Halley Rise, Northern Virginia’s largest, most exciting new neighborhood, is hosting its first Beer in the Garden event in partnership with Lost Rhino Brewing Company! Located in Reston on the Silver Line, Halley Rise contains a pop-up urban farm that offers educational community events. Savor the beauty of the Farm at Halley Rise while sipping delicious beer from Ashburn’s Lost Rhino Brewing Company, whose creative brewmasters have crafted two specialty blends incorporating jalapenos and berries grown at The Farm.
Guests will also enjoy:
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Live music: Handpainted Swinger will perform covers from artists ranging from The Foo Fighters to Bruno Mars.
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Free bouquet-making: An Up Top Acres farmer will help you craft a beautiful bouquet to bring home!
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Food: The Little Miner food truck will offer delicious street tacos, burritos and more available for purchase.
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Games: Get ready to play cornhole, jumbo Jenga and giant Connect 4.
In 2022, the Farm at Halley Rise shared 500 pounds of produce with Reston nonprofit Cornerstones from July through October. They are well on their way to achieving this year’s goal of donating more than 1,000 pounds of produce! Cornerstones is a nonprofit organization that promotes self-sufficiency by providing support and advocacy for those in need of food, shelter, affordable housing, childcare, and more.
WHERE:
The Farm at Halley Rise (2025 Fulton Place Reston, VA 20191)
WHEN:
Saturday, September 16 from 12 pm – 3 pm
HOW:
For guests 21 and up, tickets are $10 and include:
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An exclusive Beer in the Garden pint glass
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Flower bouquet (while supplies last)
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Lost Rhino root beer (while supplies last)
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$5 donation to Cornerstones
Lost Rhino beer, food and other beverages will be available for purchase.
Guests under 21 are free but require registration. All attendees will need to check in and show proof of ticket at the entrance. 21+ attendees will need to show ID.
Registration info can be found at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
Beginning Tuesday, September 5, the AC Lounge in Capitol Hill / Navy Yard will launch Tito’s Tuesdays Yappy Hour! Every Tuesday through Halloween, the ground level patio will welcome dogs and their humans to enjoy a range of specials in partnership with Tito’s Vodka.
WHEN
Tuesdays, September 5 – October 31 (weather permitting)
5:00pm – 8:00pm
WHAT
In addition to the AC Lounge’s daily happy hour, guess will enjoy:
$10 Tito’s drink specials
$1 Pup Cups
*A portion of the proceeds each week will benefit the Humane Rescue Alliance
Each week the team will raffle Tito’s dog accessories and toys. On Halloween a Dog Costume Contest will take over the patio with an on-site dog caricature artist making pet portraits for patrons. That evening a final raffle of all entries will award a grand prize of an impressive box of Tito’s pet products including bowls, chew toys, clothes and accessories.
WHERE
867 New Jersey Ave SE (ground level patio)
Washington, DC 20003
Jazz in the Gardens | A Toast to the End of Summer
Wednesday, September 20, 20223 5:30-8 p.m.
Enjoy an outdoor evening concert on Hillwood’s Lunar Lawn, showcasing memorable jazz classics, performed by Marshall Keys and Soulful Path.
4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008
Michelin-honored Cantonese restaurant Tiger Fork and its sister bar Hi-Lawn present the “Mid-Autumn Night Market” – a traditional Chinese festival celebration – from September 20-21. They will transform the 1000-person rooftop atop Union Market into a lively two-day Hong Kong night market, decked out with illuminated lanterns, food stalls from guest chefs, pop-up shops from local artisans, cultural performances, late-night DJs, baijiu and sake bars, mooncakes and more, all to help raise funds for Hawaii disaster relief through World Central Kitchen.
Tiger Fork’s brand new executive chef Simon Lam (formerly head chef at Chang Chang) will cook savory street food-inspired fare alongside guest chefs/restaurants such as China Chilcano; Love, Makoto and Toimoi Bakery (with more to be announced soon) at food stands throughout the open-air rooftop.
Also known as the “mooncake festival,” no celebration is complete without its namesame sweets, and Toimoi Bakery will serve symbolic, creative mooncakes, while Tiger Fork will serve topping-adorned bubble waffles, and Yume Asian Fusion will sell homemade cookies in unique flavors combinations like ube cookies & cream, black sesame peanut butter cup, and miso walnut chip.
Guests can peruse specialty gifts and wares from pop-up market stalls throughout the celebration.
Festival drinkers will enjoy a special Baijiu + Sake Bar, pouring China’s national spirit, plus an assortment of sake, and other liquor, cocktails, beer and wine.
At 6pm nightly, cultural performances such as lion, ribbon and fan dancing will take place live on the lawn.
And DJs will keep the spirited energy going all night long, spinning tunes from 9pm to midnight.
The two-night festival supports a fantastic cause, raising funds to benefit Hawaii disaster relief through the event’s charity partner World Central Kitchen.
Tiger Fork’s Mid-Autumn Night Market is free to attend and open to the public, but RSVPs are highly recommended on Eventbrite. Donations to World Central Kitchen are encouraged and accepted throughout the event. All food, beverage and artisan crafts will sold a la carte, first-come, first-served. For more information, please visit https://www.eventbrite.
WHO: Tiger Fork & Chef Simon Lam
Hi-Lawn
China Chilcano
Love, Makoto
Toimoi Bakery
Yume Asian Fusion
World Central Kitchen
WHEN: Wednesday, September 20 & Thursday, September 21, 2023
6pm-midnight
WHERE: Hi-Lawn (on the rooftop of Union Market)
1309 5th St. NE
Washington, DC 20002
Michelin-honored Cantonese restaurant Tiger Fork and its sister bar Hi-Lawn present the “Mid-Autumn Night Market” – a traditional Chinese festival celebration – from September 20-21. They will transform the 1000-person rooftop atop Union Market into a lively two-day Hong Kong night market, decked out with illuminated lanterns, food stalls from guest chefs, pop-up shops from local artisans, cultural performances, late-night DJs, baijiu and sake bars, mooncakes and more, all to help raise funds for Hawaii disaster relief through World Central Kitchen.
Tiger Fork’s brand new executive chef Simon Lam (formerly head chef at Chang Chang) will cook savory street food-inspired fare alongside guest chefs/restaurants such as China Chilcano; Love, Makoto and Toimoi Bakery (with more to be announced soon) at food stands throughout the open-air rooftop.
Also known as the “mooncake festival,” no celebration is complete without its namesame sweets, and Toimoi Bakery will serve symbolic, creative mooncakes, while Tiger Fork will serve topping-adorned bubble waffles, and Yume Asian Fusion will sell homemade cookies in unique flavors combinations like ube cookies & cream, black sesame peanut butter cup, and miso walnut chip.
Guests can peruse specialty gifts and wares from pop-up market stalls throughout the celebration.
Festival drinkers will enjoy a special Baijiu + Sake Bar, pouring China’s national spirit, plus an assortment of sake, and other liquor, cocktails, beer and wine.
At 6pm nightly, cultural performances such as lion, ribbon and fan dancing will take place live on the lawn.
And DJs will keep the spirited energy going all night long, spinning tunes from 9pm to midnight.
The two-night festival supports a fantastic cause, raising funds to benefit Hawaii disaster relief through the event’s charity partner World Central Kitchen.
Tiger Fork’s Mid-Autumn Night Market is free to attend and open to the public, but RSVPs are highly recommended on Eventbrite. Donations to World Central Kitchen are encouraged and accepted throughout the event. All food, beverage and artisan crafts will sold a la carte, first-come, first-served. For more information, please visit https://www.eventbrite.
WHO: Tiger Fork & Chef Simon Lam
Hi-Lawn
China Chilcano
Love, Makoto
Toimoi Bakery
Yume Asian Fusion
World Central Kitchen
WHEN: Wednesday, September 20 & Thursday, September 21, 2023
6pm-midnight
WHERE: Hi-Lawn (on the rooftop of Union Market)
1309 5th St. NE
Washington, DC 20002
The Boro invites the whole family to get festive at its annual Oktoberfest celebration!
Fuel up with specialty German food from local food trucks and sip back and relax at The Boro’s biergarten, located at The Sandlot Tysons, featuring a variety of brews including Oktoberfest, pumpkin and weissbier styles.
Show off your strength during our beer stein-holding competition! Winners get bragging rights and a gift certificate to a Boro retailer. Get grooving to a live polka band that promises classic tunes with a modern twist!
Little ones will enjoy glitter tattoos, face painting, crafts, giveaways and more at our kids’ celebration area. The first 150 people to arrive will receive a custom-branded beer mug.
September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and The Boro is proud to host a local chapter of Alex’s Lemonade Stand during Oktoberfest to raise funds and awareness.
WHEN: Saturday, September 23 from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Rain date: Saturday, September 30)
WHERE: The Boro Tysons (8350 Broad Street, Tysons, VA 22102)
HOW:
The event is free and fun for all ages but registration is encouraged. Registration info can be found at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
