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A guide to fun things to do in D.C. this weekend.

Axios D.C. Weekender

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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Washington, DC. Written by Anna Spiegel and Cuneyt Dil.

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D.C.'s ban on cashless businesses takes effect

Cashless policies have been controversial for years — and often deemed discriminatory.

News

Metro is mapping out its future with new stations and signs

The Metro board is expected to make a decision on a future expansion later this year.

Remote work declines from pandemic peak in the D.C. area

Over a quarter of the D.C. metro workforce said they "worked from home" in the last week when surveyed recently.

Small town fall festivals worth the trek from D.C.

If you're going overnight, book yesterday.

Things to Do

D.C.'s hottest restaurant openings this fall

Fresh spots for Filipino, Lao, tacos and more.

Food and Drink

A bunch of exciting new restaurants just opened over the past month.Why it matters: Some of these hotspots have been years in the making — though we&#x27;re excited to try them all.

Three Mediterranean pizzas on a checkered table

4 D.C. happy hours to check out after government shutdown specials end

You can still find some great happy hours for drowning your Congressional sorrows.

The only downside of no government shutdown: no <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shutdown specials" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/09/29/government-shutdown-food-drink-specials-dc" data-vars-content-id="73c0f900-b7af-4e8e-b0be-138da1d3658a" data-vars-headline="4 D.C. happy hours to check out after government shutdown specials end" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/09/29/government-shutdown-food-drink-specials-dc" target="_self">shutdown specials</a>.Why it matters: Everyone in Washington was looking forward to some cheap food and drinks after this s**tshow.

A margherita pizza with a slice next to it on checkered paper 

How chefs are changing the advocacy game

More D.C. chefs are making statements beyond the plate.

Out: Bad boy chefs. In: Good chef-advocates. The next generation of culinary activists — especially big in D.C. — are cooking up change.Why it matters: More chefs are empowered to make a statement beyond the plate — and their work to transform the hospitality world, if not the world itself, is being embraced by customers.

Government shutdown specials have begun

It's never too early to call all-day happy hour.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Government shutdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/09/28/federal-shutdown-impact-dc" data-vars-content-id="18d33c6c-9454-4fff-ad22-114d197d24f2" data-vars-headline="Government shutdown specials have begun" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/09/28/federal-shutdown-impact-dc" target="_self">Government shutdown</a> food and drink specials are starting before Congress calls it.Why it matters: Federal employees who are furloughed or working without pay can count on D.C. businesses for discounts, freebies and fun distractions.

"Red, White, and Blew It" punch (left). Any Day Now mozz sticks. Photo courtesy Brighton DC and Birch Thomas

World Central Kitchen releases new cookbook

Global recipes and moving stories from José Andrés' hunger relief nonprofit.

World Central Kitchen just released their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first cookbook" data-vars-click-url="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/711636/the-world-central-kitchen-cookbook-by-jose-andres-and-world-central-kitchen-with-sam-chapple-sokol/?ref=PRH81CC5C33F2F1&amp;aid=37231&amp;linkid=PRH81CC5C33F2F1" data-vars-content-id="2743d74b-ba50-4244-935a-dd27c1d475d5" data-vars-headline="World Central Kitchen releases new cookbook" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/711636/the-world-central-kitchen-cookbook-by-jose-andres-and-world-central-kitchen-with-sam-chapple-sokol/?ref=PRH81CC5C33F2F1&amp;aid=37231&amp;linkid=PRH81CC5C33F2F1" target="_blank">first cookbook</a>, packed with global recipes and moving stories from José Andrés&#x27; hunger relief nonprofit.Why it matters: This isn&#x27;t your average chef&#x27;s book — inside you&#x27;ll find unique, often comforting recipes, like Ukrainian borscht served to refugees or chili that fueled California wildfire fighters, plus favorite dishes from WCK supporters (earmark Michelle Obama&#x27;s breakfast tacos).

Cover of the World Central Kitchen cookbook

McDonald's to add D.C. staple Mambo Sauce for a limited time

Plus, a new documentary explores the condiment's ties to the capital city and Chicago.

McDonald&#x27;s will soon begin carrying D.C.&#x27;s favorite carryout sauce.Driving the news: McDonald&#x27;s Mambo Sauce will be available starting Oct. 9, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="described" data-vars-click-url="https://corporate.mcdonalds.com/corpmcd/our-stories/article/two-new-sauces-join-mcdusa-lineup.html" data-vars-content-id="02cec40b-43c3-446f-99a5-073e9ad17c6e" data-vars-headline="McDonald&#x27;s to add D.C. staple Mambo Sauce for a limited time" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://corporate.mcdonalds.com/corpmcd/our-stories/article/two-new-sauces-join-mcdusa-lineup.html" target="_blank">described</a> as &quot;a tomato-based, sweet, spicy, and vinegary sauce; inspired by the regional Washington, D.C.-area sauce staple.&quot;

You won't want to miss this South Philly Barbacoa drop in D.C.

Get your family-style packages of barbacoa and pancita with all the fixings.

Philadelphia&#x27;s Mexican hotspot is making a drop in D.C. this Friday.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="South Philly Barbacoa" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/barbacoachef/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="da0291cc-cc62-4ff1-ad65-52551d3f1d18" data-vars-headline="You won&#x27;t want to miss this South Philly Barbacoa drop in D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/barbacoachef/?hl=en" target="_blank">South Philly Barbacoa</a> — the subject of foodie awards and a Netflix documentary — dishes out some of the best tacos on the East Coast (and thankfully, they travel well).

South Philly Barbocoa chefs Ben Miller Cristina Martinez outside their colorful restaurant. 

The small town upping Virginia's wine game

If you're going vineyard hopping, go here.

Two scenic wineries recently opened an hour from D.C. in Linden, Virginia — perfect for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fall day trip" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/09/17/fall-festivals-virginia-maryland" data-vars-content-id="5c5adddf-7e58-491d-a7ca-b8b7e096f874" data-vars-headline="The small town upping Virginia&#x27;s wine game" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/09/17/fall-festivals-virginia-maryland" target="_self">fall day trip</a> into the Blue Ridge Mountains.Why it matters: Linden&#x27;s tiny town is now a wine destination thanks to pioneering <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Linden Vineyards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lindenvineyards.com/" data-vars-content-id="5c5adddf-7e58-491d-a7ca-b8b7e096f874" data-vars-headline="The small town upping Virginia&#x27;s wine game" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lindenvineyards.com/" target="_blank">Linden Vineyards</a> that put Virginia on the wine map nearly 40 years ago, also family-owned <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fox Meadow," data-vars-click-url="https://www.foxmeadowwinery.com/" data-vars-content-id="5c5adddf-7e58-491d-a7ca-b8b7e096f874" data-vars-headline="The small town upping Virginia&#x27;s wine game" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foxmeadowwinery.com/" target="_blank">Fox Meadow,</a> and boutique newcomers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Crimson Lane" data-vars-click-url="https://crimsonlanevineyards.com/" data-vars-content-id="5c5adddf-7e58-491d-a7ca-b8b7e096f874" data-vars-headline="The small town upping Virginia&#x27;s wine game" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://crimsonlanevineyards.com/" target="_blank">Crimson Lane</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Capstone Vineyards" data-vars-click-url="http://www.capstonevineyards.com/" data-vars-content-id="5c5adddf-7e58-491d-a7ca-b8b7e096f874" data-vars-headline="The small town upping Virginia&#x27;s wine game" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://www.capstonevineyards.com/" target="_blank">Capstone Vineyards</a>.

Oktoberfest and other beer-filled events in the D.C. area

Oktoberfest is in full swing, and there are tons of beer-filled festivities through mid-October.Why it matters: Crisp fall weekends are made for boots and brats.

A group of four people dressed for Oktoberfest 

Best lunch stops in Virginia wine country

If you&#x27;re vineyard hopping, or just out for a fall day trip, plan a leisurely lunch or grab a picnic in Virginia wine and hunt country.My favorites: An English-style pub, a romantic patio…

Food and Drink 🍽