Dinner in the Garden
Summer is made for festive gatherings—long table dinners, meals on working farms, garden parties, and backyard feasts. Across the region, benefit dinners and community celebrations fill the calendar, each one offering a unique way to savor the season. Come along as we visit a few of these magical evenings, and gather inspiration for your own perfect night of dining under the stars.
Middletown Virginia
The street in downtown Middletown Virginia shuts down for an evening every year and is transformed into a vibrant outdoor dining experience to benefit NW Works, a Winchester-based nonprofit that empowers adults with disabilities through job training and employment support.
“This is such a special event that truly feeds the soul of the community,” said Middletown Mayor Charles Harbaugh IV, who founded the event. “It’s nostalgic, heartfelt, and a powerful example of what can happen when local farms, restaurants, and businesses come together for a meaningful cause.”
Chefs craft a one-of-a-kind meal using fresh ingredients sourced directly from local farms paired with carefully selected local wines and craft beer.
The dinner will take place on September 6th this year sells out, so get your tickets early from Town of Middletown at www.middletownva.gov or NW Works at nwworks.com.
Common Good Farm
Tucked behind a neighborhood playground near Howard University, Common Good Farm is a hidden oasis—a working farm nestled right in the heart of the city. Part of a growing movement in urban agriculture, the farm is more than just rows of vegetables; it’s a space for nourishment, community, and connection.
Each season, production manager Foster Gettys and team work this rich patch of land to produce bounty of fresh, high-quality food while offering a place for neighbors to gather, share, and reconnect with the rhythm of growing. Set against this lush backdrop, an open-air dining experience comes to life where supporters and staff come together for a celebration featuring a seasonal, locally inspired menu prepared by Chef Kay of Shaleafa’s Kitchen.
Visit The Farm at 300 V St NW Sunday, Tuesday through Saturday between the hours of 3p – 6p
