Providing the perfect way to warm up during one of the coldest months of the year, the DC Cocktail Festival is an elevated tasting experience housed in the historic National Union Building in DC’s Penn Quarter neighborhood. Taking place this year on February 29th, the Cocktail Festival provides the opportunity to taste test cocktails from some of the city’s best mixologists from a total of 15 vendors. Combining great drinks, food, entertainment, and company, this event is guaranteed to stimulate all of your senses. Here’s everything you need to know to be a part of it.

 

 

The DC Cocktail Festival is a day-long event bringing together top craft cocktail vendors from all over the city. Attendees will have the chance to sample over a dozen drinks from top DC restaurants and bars like Primrose, a French-inspired wine bar whose cocktail menu ranges from light and refreshing highballs to rich, warming martinis made with a mix of local and French spirits, and The Crown & Crow, a Victorian era-inspired bar that carries over 80 whiskeys. Morris American Bar, Crimson Diner + Whiskey Bar, The Occidental, and more will also be on site.

Beyond craft cocktails, the day will also include bites from local purveyors and live music to keep you entertained.

 

 

The National Union Building is an elegant event space in the Penn Quarter, home to some of the city’s earliest construction projects. It was built in 1890, and its facade is known for its modern interpretation of Romanesque architecture, exhibiting classic elements like arches, columns, and ornamental stonework. The narrow brownstone maintains much of its original charm and is protected as a DC historic site.

 

To get there, organizers recommend using public transportation and ride-sharing services. The National Union Building is accessible by multiple Metro stations, including Metro Center, Gallery Place-Chinatown, and Judiciary Square.

 

 

Tickets for the DC Cocktail Festival are available at VIP and GA levels, with a portion of each sale benefitting local nonprofits. The day is split into three two-hour sessions to maintain an intimate feel, and a ticket grants you admission to a session at 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m. or 8 p.m. A VIP ticket allows you to access the event one hour early, extending the tasting experience to three hours and giving you the opportunity to enjoy each sample at a more leisurely pace. If you’re planning to come with three or more friends, you can also purchase group tickets at a discount. The schedule is outlined below:

 

Session 1 VIP: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. (includes admission during GA)

Session 1 GA: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Session 2 VIP: 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. (includes admission during GA)

Session 2 GA: 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 

Session 3 VIP: 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (includes admission during GA)

Session 3 GA: 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

 

One of the many perks of Washington, DC real estate: there is always something new to do or see. If you’re thinking about purchasing a Washington, DC home for sale, contact me today. It would be my pleasure to help you through the process.