I know it’s still August. And I certainly am not one to wish away the summer. But sometimes you have to plan in advance to capitalize on the best events. That’s the case here, so we’re offering a quick guide to some of the most noteworthy food and drink events to keep your eye on in September.

September 1st (Labor Day) – FLOFest DC:

flo fest dc posterFLOFest DC is a unique festival which combines music, wine and food, and the literary arts for a day-long event held at the DC Gateway, near the Congressional Heights Metro stop on the green line.

The event was created by Marcus Johnson, CEO of FLO Brands, jazz artist and entrepreneur. Johnson himself will be one of the featured musicians, along with the Rudy Gonzalez Latin Band, The Donvonte McCoy Latin Jazz Orchestra, and Beverly McClellan. There are also chef demonstrations by Chef Huda, radio and TV personality Cortney Hicks hosts the event, and a literary pavilion loaded with authors and poets.

Festivities begin at 10 am, with music starting at noon and continuing all day. Tickets can be purchased at www.flofestdc.com for $45 and include two food samplings and at least four wine tastings. Food trucks include Luke’s Lobster, Brown Bag Catering, and a number of others. Bring a chair or blanket and plan to relax for the afternoon.

September 4 – Diner en Blanc

diner en blancThe Diner en Blanc scene makes its Washington, D.C. debut on September 4th.

The concept is basically that a mass of all-white clad diners arrive in unison at an unknown location, instantly set up full dinner tables, and sit down for a meal which they brought and planned for themselves.You can also order their own premade picnic dinners.

Confused about the appeal? I’m guessing it has something to do with Instagram and self-importance. But who knows. I certainly don’t, but that didn’t keep the event from booking up quick. Registration was $40, but it’s long since been sold out. Sorry! You can still scope out the scene and see if it’s worth the hype.

September 6 – DC Oysterfest at Union Market

Rappahannock Oyster Bar hosts DC Oysterfest (not the only oyster activity this month, read on for more below) at Dock5 at Union Market. Food, drink, live music, and activities. And yes, plenty of oysters.

The event lasts from 12 to 5 and can be purchased in advance for $20.

September 9 –  FreshFarm Markets Chef+Doctor+Farmer = A Revolution

Fresh Farm Markets posterJoin FreshFarm Markets for the “Chef + Doctor + Farmer = A Revolution” panel, which includes chef Spike Gjerde, owner of Woodberry Kitchen, Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, author, professor, oncologist, and an architect of the Affordable Care Act; and Zach Lester, owner of Virginia’s Tree and Leaf Farm and food visionary. They will discuss how both innovative and age-old farm-to-body practices are transforming the future of eating, healing, and growing food.

Tickets cost $20 and are available online here. The event will be held at the First Congregational United Church at 945 G Street, N.W.

September 13 – All Things Go Inaugural Fall Classic at Union Market

all things go fall classicUnion Market is back with another Dock5 event, the inaugural Fall Classic. Here, you’ll find live music from Future Islands, Tove Lo, HAERTS, Bear Hands, Panama Wedding and other artists. General advance tickets cost $50 if you buy them online, and will cost $60 day of. Food partners include Toki Underground, TaKorean, Dolcezza and more, so in other words, all kinds of good stuff from Union Market to eat.

The event kicks off at noon and lasts until 10 pm.

September 17 – October 14 – Oyster Festival at Legal Sea Foods

This is an ongoing month-long event at all three D.C. area Legal Sea Foods. It’s the 6th annual Oyster Festival, where they’ll be featuring a variety of oyster dishes and specials, such as Bacon Crusted Oyster Lettuce Cups, the Oyster Po Boy Sandwich, and $4-$5 happy hour bites.

The restaurant will also be showcasing Stingray Oysters at $1.25 each. At the raw bar, go “Au Natural on the Half Shell” with seasonal oysters at $11.95/6, and $28.95/dozen.

September 20th – Park Hyatt’s Masters of Food & Wine:

This seasonal event hosted by Park Hyatt Washington at the Blue Duck Tavern focuses on the autumn harvest. It will be held on the restaurant’s outdoor patio, and guests will be able to enjoy roasted pig, braised meats, whole roasted fish, seasonal salads, farm vegetables, artisan bread, house made desserts, and hand-cranked ice creams.

To drink, kick back with wines from The Boxwood Winery in Middleburg, VA and beer from Port City Brewing Company in Alexandria, VA. Tickets are available here for $165 per person.

September 21 – An Exceptional Evening with Philip Glass and Tim Fain

FreshFarm Markets is back with their second event of the month. Here, their Exceptional Evening features a piano and violin concert by Philip Glass and Tim Fain, as well as a post-performance Q & A with author Sam Fromartz, and an exclusive private dinner at nearby Proof restaurant.

The concert is at 6 p.m, and dinner and cocktails start at 8 p.m. General admission tickets for the concert are $125, with a special VIP experienced priced at $500.

The concert will be held at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, and Proof restaurant is a few blocks down the street at 775 G Street. Get your tickets online here.