Wiener 500
Dressed-up dachshunds racing for charity, live music, cold beer (including an official stein hosting competition) and Oktoberfest themed food...what more could you ask for? One of the city’s more quirky festivals, proceeds from the 6th Annual Wiener 500 will benefit the Humane Rescue Alliance. All racing pups must be registered; free to attend. September 30. (355 Water Street, SE)

All Things Go Fall Classic
The food and music festival's three day line-up features big names like Galantis, Young Thug and Foster the People - snag your tickets and enjoy an awesome concert at Union Market paired with an equally amazing roster of food from some of DC’s most loved purveyors: Buredo, &pizza, Maketto, Sweetgreen, DGS, Takorean and more. October 6 - 8; tickets start at $74. (1309 5th St, NE)

Taste of DC
The weekend food festival, billed as the largest culinary festival in the Mid-Atlantic, features a Restaurant Row with over 65 of the area’s most popular eateries offering up samples and bites, a Wine Walk and Beer Garden, three stages of live music and a marketplace featuring goods from local artisans. October 7 - 8; tickets start at $10. (2400 E Capitol St, SE)

VOLKSFEST
Organized by Gourmet Symphony (a local organization that combines the best of the classical musical world with the DC food community) the second annual VOLKSFEST celebration (an installment of Gourmet Symphony’s popular Saloon Concert Series) held at Shaw’s Tavern will feature Bavarian-style street food, seasonal brews, wine tastings, and of course, live music from Barclay Brass. Don your best festival attire and raise a stein to bratwurst, beers and brass music. October 19; tickets are $39 and all inclusive. (520 Florida Ave, NW)

Rock the Core Cider Festival
Get your cider fix at Rock the Core - a festival showcasing over 100 ciders and craft beers. Enjoy unlimited tastings, a la carte food options from local food trucks, live entertainment and lawn games. October 27-28; tickets start at $50. (514 Rhode Island Ave, NE)

DC Beer Fest
Back for another year, head to Nationals Park for DC Beer Fest and sip on seasonal fall beers from over 70 breweries, live music from the famous Bobby McKey’s dueling piano bar, and bites from local food trucks. Choose from two sessions on November 4; tickets are $45 for unlimited beer tastings. (1500 South Capitol St, SE)

Emporiyum
The one-of-a-kind foodie festival returns to Union Market with artisanal novelties and unique food products sourced from around the country - come to mingle with amazing artisans, shop for foodie-focused gifts and snack on samples and other tasty bites all while jamming out to music from a DJ. November 10 - 12; tickets start at $15. (1309 5th St, NE)

Oyster Riot
The 23rd Oyster Riot held at Old Ebbitt Grill brings together bivalve lovers and vinos for an evening of unlimited oysters and a wine competition featuring the best wines to pair with mollusks. Choose from one of three sessions November 17-18; tickets are $145. (675 15th St, NW)

Photo via Flickr user mendhak