Get Your Nosh On! Festivals Close to the DMV Where You Can Enjoy Some Good Eats

The memories of this Memorial Day Holiday weekend's BBQ is still fresh in my mind but I'm already in search for events to nosh on more finger lickin' BBQ, and of course, listen to some good homegrown music, sample quenching libations, and continue the official kickoff of summer! Here's your chance to roam outside the Cube Farm!

Pen down these opportunities to fill up your summer schedule--all within a few hours of the DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia area):

June 6-9: 37th Annual AT&T Norfolk Harborfest

Norfolk, Va.

image from festevents.org

Head down to Norfolk’s historic waterfront for four days of food (AT&T HarborFEAST Seafood Sampler!), bands (O.A.R headlines one night), and boats! There’s something for everyone, including a cornhole tournament! There's plenty of history learning, eating, shopping, and fireworks gazing!

June 14-15: Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival

National Harbor, Md.

image from beerandbourbon.com

I can't dig far back enough in my dresser to find those daisy dukes but if you can pull it off, you could win $100 and be crowned Ms. BBQ Babe! (I'm talking to the ladies of course!) For the guys who are interested in being more than a BBQ Babe spectator (or maybe even some of you ladies), there's a bean eating contest! And you won't go thirsty with 60 different beers and 40 bourbons to sample. The VIP Bacon Session is already sold out but you can still get your hands on festival tickets. 

June 20- 23: 24th Annual AT&T Bayou Boogaloo & Cajun FoodFestival

Norfolk, Va.

image from festevents.org

Get your Bayou fix a little closer to home with some Cajun food, bands, and New Orleans very own Abita beer! Don't miss this "second line" experience!

June 21: Franklin County Strings & Spirits Festival

Franklin County, Va.

image from franklincountyfestival.com

Pack your lawn chairs and head for the hills! There will be strings strumming out tunes and spirits flying from local breweries and wineries. 

June 22: BBQ, Bands & Brews

Fluvaana County, Va.

image from BBQ, Bands & Brews Facebook page

Mmm, I can already smell some serious BBQ in my future! The event, in its second year, will again include a BBQ competition, in which the winners (like the 2012 KCBS champ, 3 Eyze BBQ) will be eligible for the largest BBQ contest in the world—the American Royal Invitational—and get a chance to be part of the Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational lottery—where they can showcase their best smokin’ skills. Check  out their Facebook page!

I don't know about you, but I'm getting pretty hungry and thirsty...