Together with the start of football season, Crystal City’s Vintage Crystal wine festival and Shirlington’s Oktoberfest are two of the only reasons I can think about the end of summer without getting inconsolably depressed. Luckily, both will be back this year.
Vintage Crystal is back with the same Latin flavor as last year. The fourth annual festival will feature wine and tequila tastings, all-you-can-eat tapas from more than 20 local restaurants, Latin American music and salsa dancing.
Tickets are $20 and come with a complimentary wine glass.
The festival will take place from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 19.
The Shirlington Oktoberfest — also known as “the greatest thing to ever happen in Shirlington” — will return on Saturday, October 2, 2010. From 12:00 to 6:00 p.m., more than 30 different breweries will be pouring their best suds (in 4 oz. increments) for a fun-loving crowd that usually numbers in the thousands. There will also be food from local vendors and an authentic German band.
The event, sponsored by Capital City Brewing Co., is now in its tenth year. Tickets cost $25.