Multicultural potlucks, a pizza and beer pairing, a waterfront festival and Halloween fun — October does indeed have it all. Here are some of the month’s best picks:
Pass the Plate Potluck at Woodlawn’s Pope-Leighey House, Oct. 4 Delve deeply into a “cross-cultural, heritage-inspired” dinner featuring foodways historian and cookbook author Michael Twitty. Guests are asked to bring a dish that spotlights their own family history and culture, with the idea that by the time dinner is served, a diverse, multicultural tableau will have formed. The main course will be a recipe from Twitty’s cookbook, “The Cooking Gene.” Once you’re done with dinner, visit Woodlawn’s current exhibit, “Makers in the Mansion.” 9000 Richmond Highway. 6-9 p.m. $40.
Pizza and Beer Guided Pairing at Port City Brewing, Oct. 10 Among its other accolades, October is National Pizza Month, and Port City intends to celebrate this time with fanfare. Join the brewery and one of its visiting food trucks, Killer Tomato Pizza, for a five-course pairing featuring Killer Tomato’s pies and Port City’s brews. Who knows? You just might find a new favorite to feature at your next football (or Halloween) party. 3950 Wheeler Ave. 7-9 p.m. $30.
Portside in Old Town at King Street Waterfront, Oct. 12-14 The festivities of the weekend don’t center on eating, but don’t fret; food and drink are still on the menu during Alexandria’s autumnal celebration. While taking in the tallship Godspeed and enjoying some of the cultural and historical exhibits on offer, be sure to stop for a break and a bite to eat. Pizzeria Paradiso will bring an outdoor pizza oven along and will remain at the ready to quell any hunger pangs the festival might have caused. (Children can learn to make their own pizza on Sunday, Oct. 14, from noon to 1 p.m. at a special demo.) When you’ve had your fill of pizza, venture next door to Port City’s beer garden to wash it all down. King Street Waterfront. Activities daily Oct. 12-14. Free; vendors may charge.
Hole in the Wall Halloween at Captain Gregory’s, Oct. 31 Join the other guests at Captain Gregory’s for a spooky evening filled with themed cocktails and festive eats. The intimate speakeasy will be transformed into Halloween Headquarters, so don’t forget to wear your best costume in order to raise your chances of winning a prize. Your ticket entitles you to three cocktails — plus food and festivity, of course. 804 N. Henry St. 7-10 p.m. $75.
Hope Nelson owns and operates the Kitchen Recessionista blog, located at www.kitchenrecessionista.com. Email her any time at hope@kitchenrecessionista.com.