A festive showcase for local food trucks, wineries and artists is coming to Halstead Square this weekend.
The residential development south of the Dunn Loring Metro station will host its sixth annual Food, Wine and Art Festival at the Lotus and Lofts apartments (2729 Merrilee Drive) from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26.
In addition to boosting local businesses and artisans, the festival serves as a fundraiser for the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation, a Falls Church-based nonprofit that rescues and facilitates adoptions of homeless pets.
Since it was established by Arlington restaurant owners Pam McAlwee and Ross Underwood in 2001, the organization has saved over 45,000 animals, according to a press release from Halstead Square, which was developed by Bozzuto and AvalonBay Communities.
“This year, Halstead Square’s Food, Wine & Art Festival aims to increase donations, awareness and support for this remarkable foundation, creating a brighter future for homeless pets,” the release said.
Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation will be on-site at the festival with dogs available for adoption. It’s also the main sponsor of a “Puptastic Party” pet zone with a bandana-designing station and free pup cups (dog-friendly whipped cream cups).
The festival will feature five wineries, all of them based in Virginia:
- Droumavalla Farm Winery (Leesburg)
- Fleetwood Farm Winery (Leesburg)
- William Gap Vineyard (Round Hill)
- Domaine Fortier (Lovettsville)
- Endhardt Vineyards (Purcellville), winner of two gold medals at the 2024 Virginia Governor’s Cup
The $15 tickets for the wine tastings come with an event tote bag.
Participating food vendors include Kuk’s Tribute Cuisine, Lost Dog Cafe, One Sweet Day Cupcakes and Black Nerd Coffee. Animal companions can get treats from Arch Pet Food.
During the event, Lost Dog Cafe, which has a location in Halstead Square at 2729A Merrilee Drive, will serve a “special combo” menu for to-go orders, a public relations representative for the development said.
Festival visitors will be able to listen to music both live — with The Dan Haas Trio and the Corsicans performing — and “on silent headsets while sipping their favorite wines” at an interactive “Vino & Vinyl” station, according to the press release.
The festival will also offer a marketplace with 15 local artisans organized in partnership with the D.C. gift shop Steadfast Supply, a kids’ zone, and creative workshops focused on candle and soap making and wine glass painting.
Advance registration is encouraged for the Wine Glass Painting and Candlemaking workshop, which costs $35 and is hosted by Fire & Bloom, as well as the Quick Suds: Express Soap Crafting workshop, which costs $45 and is hosted by Hey Girl Hey Natural Body Care.
In addition, the festival will have a Grab-and-Go Floral Bar hosted by Seeds and Gratitude, where visitors can assemble a personalized flower bundle for $35. No registration is required for the floral bar.
“Select your favorite blooms and greenery from our seasonal offerings and assemble your own unique creation,” the event description says.
Outside of the wine tastings and workshops, the festival is free to attend.
