Weekend: National Harbor Wine and Food Festival

The weather should be perfect this weekend for being outside, and foodies won’t want to miss the National Harbor Wine & Food Festival just across the Potomac.

The event brings together world-renowned chefs, artisanal craftsmen and culinary pioneers Saturday and Sunday at National Harbor in Maryland. Hours are Saturday noon to 6 p.m. (VIP admission) and 1-6 p.m. for general admission. Purchasing tickets in advance is closed but you can still purchase tickets onsite, cash only: Tickets are $39 general admission, $79 VIP tickets.

Your general admission ticket will get you wine and spirit samples from vendors; full servings of wine and spirit beverages as well as a large variety of food will also be available for purchase (some accepting cash only).

Your VIP ticket will get you samples of both wine and spirits as well as food.

Rules: You are free to also bring your own non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. No outside alcohol or illegal substances are allowed. All bags and coolers are subject to search by a security team.

A portion of event proceeds go to Spirit of Hope Children’s Foundation Visit: www.spiritofhopechildrensfoundation.org

Click here for directions to National Harbor or leave the driving to a water taxi. Pets are not allowed.

Here’s a sampling of the VIP ticket menu:

• Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Bj’s Restaurants & Brewhouse
• Fresh Farm Raised Raw Shucked Oysters (Skinny Dippers & Huckleberries): True Chesapeake, JJ McDonnell & The Local Oyster
• Fresh Filled Chocolate Chip Cannolis: BadaBing Cheesesteaks & Spiedies
• Miniature Spaghetti Bolognese Cups with Miniature Meatballs: Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
• Chopped Pork, Pulled Chicken Sliders, Italian Sausage & Cole Slaw: Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company

See the entire VIP menu here.